Staff & Leadership

We have a passion for people, our city and our world. Our culture and leadership is characterized by worship, the love of God, and a genuine call to ministry. These core values have been shaped by our rich history of great co-workers and energy; always pressing forward in our call to love God and love others.


Join the Team 

  • Melanie Wallschlaeger

    Senior Pastor

    email: melaniew@ctkmankato.org

    I began my call as Senior Pastor at CTK in November 2020. While I grew up in Mankato and belonged to CTK in my youth, it was the questions leaders of CTK were wrestling with that made me feel God's call to CTK. 


    My husband and I have been married for over 27 years. Together we have two daughters, Kendall and Ashling. I enjoy cooking, baking, travel and walking our pug puppy Po. 

  • Brittany Mailleue

    ASSOCIATE PASTOR

    Email: BrittanyM@ctkmankato.org

    I started as Associate Pastor at Christ the King in May of 2025. I am originally from North Carolina, but I have lived in Minnesota since 2022 and absolutely love it. I am excited about the ministries at CTK and growing alongside the folks of CTK.


    My spouse and I have been married for 15 years. We have two children, Malcolm and Ian. I love playing tennis, watching hockey, playing board games, disc golf and hiking.

  • Kirsten Elliott

    Director of Children's Ministry

    email: kirstene@ctkmankato.org

    I started coming to Christ the king in 2013 regularly. My husband and I were married at CTK by Pastor John in May of 2014, and I became an official member in 2017. I became a CTK staff member in September of 2021. I am happy to be a part of every child's faith journey at CTK. I am enjoying the opportunity to get to know the families and kids here. 


    My husband Adam and I have three children: Madden, Ace and Olive + a standard poodle named Saint. My children keep me active and busy but I love watching them grow. In my free time I enjoy doing things as a family. We love checking out new parks, zoos, and swimming pools.

  • Robin Hughes

    Worship Choir and handbell director

    Hello! I am originally from Clifton, NJ and moved to MN to attend Gustavus Adolphus College, where I received my Bachelor of Music Education Degree. I earned a Master's Degree in Choral Conducting from Minnesota State University, Mankato. 


    In the Fall of 2004, I joined the faculty at Mankato East High School as the Director of Choral Activities and retired in 2020. Before my position at Mankato East, I directed the choirs at St. Peter High School and the Minnesota State University/Mankato Women's Chorale. From 2014-2020, I was the Director for the Minnesota Music Ambassadors Choir, which performed through Europe every other summer. I currently direct the three high school ensembles for the Mankato Children's Chorus and the Worship Choir at Christ the King.


    My husband, Al, and I live in Mankato and enjoy playing golf, traveling, and spending time with our children and six grandchildren.

  • Bri Bergstrom

    contemporary music coordinator

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  • Al Lee

    Media technician

    Email: all@ctkmankato.org

    Hello! I help with the projection and streaming ministries here at Christ the King. I make sure people can hear the pastors and others during services. 


    I've been married to my wife, Carolyn, for 34 years. W have two children; Christopher (and wife Sarah) and Samantha. We were blessed to become grandparents to grandson, Karsten, who is one year old. 


    When not up in the balcony working on AV at the church, I drive school bus which I have been doing for 33 years.

  • Mark thompson

    custodian

    email: markt@ctkmankato.org

    I am the semi-retired custodian here at Christ the King and have been employed here since October of 1977. 


    In my spare time, I enjoy caring for our dog, Dex, and generally helping people out when possible. I also like playing the organ for 'fun' and am on the Mankato area AGO, American Guild of Organists, board.

  • Ariac Cruz

    custodial & property staff

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  • cHUCK hOOGLAND

    oRGANIST

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  • Interim Pam Bartelt

    office administrator and communications

    email: communications@ctkmankato.org


    I am the office Administrator here at Christ the King. I am originally from Austin, MN but have lived in this area for almost 50 years! My husband Mike and I have been married 48 years and have two children- Heidi (husband Adam) and Aaron (wife Heidi Jo). We have five grandchildren- PJ, Toby, Michael, Sam, and Ashtyn. I love spending time with my family and love being here with the Christ the King family! 


  • Kristi Regnier

    Chef


    I have three daughters, two granddaughters, and two grandsons. I’ve worked as a chef in long-term care and assisted living facilities, and I enjoy cooking and spending quality time with my family.

caring ministry

Even at times when we may feel alone or far from God – God remains close to us. As the body of Christ, we strive to “be there” for one another in a variety of ways.

 

VISTITATION MINISTRY: A lay visitation team and our pastors are available to visit people in need of spiritual care. Contact the church office if you or someone you love is in need of a pastoral care visit.

 

PRAYER MINISTRY: A prayer team is committed to praying for prayer requests of our congregation and community. Prayer shawls are available for people facing a health related challenge so that they may know they are “wrapped in God’s love” with care from CTK.

 

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: A variety of small groups are available where people experiencing similar situations, can support and care for one another from their shared experience. CTK has had a number of small groups based on particular life situations, such as Marriage Care groups, a Divorce Care group, a Caregivers Group, and a Grief Group for young widows. If you have a particular need and would like to start a small group to address it, please notify one of the pastors or staff.


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