Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Pastor Marcis is a 1986 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. He began his ministry in Zap, North Dakota, where he served for three years before coming to Zion in July 1989. Pastor Marcis has served the church at large as the Chairman for the LCMS Board for Human Care, as Chairman for the Advisory Committee for LCMS World Relief for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, as a Synodical Reconciler, as Chairman of the North Dakota District Board of Directors, Director for the North Dakota District’s Division of Education and as Chairman for the North Dakota District Rural Ministry Task Force. He serves the community as Head coach of Boys soccer for Legacy High School in Bismarck. He and his wife Sara, have four grown children: Rich, Katie, Bekah and David. They have been blessed with six grandchildren as well.

 Jason is a current student at Concordia Seminary St. Louis. He also grew up in St. Louis, attending a Lutheran grade school and high school. His friends started calling him “Jason Dot Kohm” one day, a nickname he still happily uses. He graduated from Concordia University Chicago as a member of the Pre-Seminary program in 2020 with a BA in English; the English Department nominated him as the Outstanding English Graduate of that year. Vicar Jason has experience with mission trips, outreach, teenage ministry, and summer camps that he draws from daily for his work at Zion. He enjoys a wide variety of hobbies, including sailing, running, singing, biking, skiing, and playing guitar. He treasures spending time with his friends most of all. 

Kristin Nistler, is a graduate of Concordia University, Seward, NE with a BA in Elementary Education, a Lutheran Teaching Diploma and a Masters in Family Life Education. Kristin is married to Fred Nistler and they are blessed with 4 wonderful children. She taught at Martin Luther School for six years, beginning in 2002. She enjoys working with Zion’s Board of Youth Family Ministry to plan Sunday School, King’s Kids, Vacation Bible School, fellowship events for all ages, community outreach events, Kids in Mission trips/servant events, Parenting Bible studies, as well as promoting and attending the Bible camps at Shepherd’s Hill at the Crossroads. Kristin also enjoys playing softball, volleyball, camping, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends.

Russ is a native of Bismarck, ND. He grew up attending Zion on a regular basis and has served on the Board of Youth for over 20 years. He has been involved with the Sunday School program and Confirmation classes. He has joined Zion’s staff as the Director of Junior Youth Ministry working with grades 5-8. Russ is a big sports fan. He enjoys watching NASCAR, professional football and baseball.

Gayle has served Zion Lutheran Church since November 1996. Prior to 1996, she worked as an Executive Administrative Assistant for various companies in Bismarck and Minneapolis, MN. Gayle was born and raised in Bismarck. Gayle and her husband Charlie have two wonderful children, Jacob and Kate.