Our dedicated team of pastors, church staff and dedicated volunteer leadership are here to provide spiritual guidance and support, as well as resources to help you on your faith journey.

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.

Born in Perryville, Missouri, Vincent was raised in Kansas City and claims it as his hometown. He graduated from Concordia University Nebraska with a Bachelor of Psychology in 2020 and received his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary St. Louis in 2024. He and his wife Dana enjoy playing board games, watching Kansas City sports, going to plays, baking, liturgical art, exploring new places, and trying as many different mini golf courses across the country as possible. His favorite thing about pastoral ministry is the opportunity to get to know people and the joy of sharing the love of Jesus with them, that everyone may know that He died, rose, and lives on to give all of us new life in Him.”

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.