Our Vision & Beliefs
Our Vision
Mission
What are we doing? Mobilizing generations to join Jesus on his mission.
Values
Why are we doing it? These are the shared convictions that guide the actions and reveal the strength of the church: Genuine Relationships. Visible Grace. Authentic Hospitality. Active Faith. Kingdom Partnerships.
Strategy
How are we doing it? This is the process or picture that demonstrates how the church will accomplish its mandate on the broadest level: Multiplying Leaders for the Church. Engaging the University. Serving the City. Sending into the World.
Measures
When are we successful? The missional life marks are a set of attributes in an individual’s life that define or reflect accomplishment of the church’s mandate: Spiritual Depth. Other Focused. Sent Posture.
Our Beliefs
University Lutheran Chapel is centered on the person of Jesus Christ and the power of His message, His death, and His resurrection. We believe we are called to faithfully follow Him as humble disciples. We rejoice in the gift of forgiveness and eternal life found in His death and His resurrection. We are a community seeped in the ancient Christian teachings and the traditions of those who came before us. We are a member congregation of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and one of the small extremities of a much larger Church body.
We stand firmly in the reformation teaching of being saved by God’s grace, of God’s Word being the rule and norm for teaching, and of faith, not man’s actions, bringing us to God.
Our Staff & Intern
Gabe Kasper
Lead PastorGabe grew up in Macomb, MI. After spending five years starting new churches in Austin, TX, he is glad to be back in Michigan as the Lead Pastor of ULC. He serves the mission of ULC through preaching, leadership development, and pastoral care. Gabe studied at Concordia University Wisconsin before going on to get his MDiv at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and an MPhil from Eastern Michigan University. In his spare time, Gabe enjoys playing soccer, reading books, listening to punk rock, and cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers. He and his wonderful wife Melissa have three great kids.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Pastor Gabe to give you his starting 11 for the 2026 World Cup!
Marcus Lane
Campus PastorMarcus grew up west of the Twin Cities in Waconia, Minnesota. Before joining the staff at ULC in the fall of 2019, he spent four years serving as a pastor in Seattle, WA. In addition to preaching, teaching, and pastoral care duties, Marcus serves the mission of ULC by leading our campus outreach efforts to the University of Michigan. Outside of his work, Marcus enjoys watching the NBA, all things hip hop, and is happy to share his love of sneakers with anyone willing to listen. Marcus and his wife Vanessa live here in Ann Arbor with their two kids Della and Jude.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Pastor Marcus about anything related to the NBA.
Randy Duncan
Pastor of Campus MissionRandy joined the staff at ULC in the summer of 2025 as the Pastor of Campus Mission where he, in partnership with the Michigan District of the LCMS, is taking the lead in expanding campus outreach to more colleges and universities throughout Michigan. He is coming to ULC after serving as the Campus Pastor and Adjunct Professor of Theology at Concordia University Ann Arbor for ten years. Before receiving the Call to Concordia University Ann Arbor, Randy served as the Senior Pastor of a congregation he planted in Plymouth, Michigan named Living Word Lutheran Church. He grew up In Southwest Detroit, is a graduate of Concordia, Ann Arbor, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. Randy received his Doctor of Education terminal degree from Concordia University Wisconsin.
Randy has planted nine churches in total. He has been a missionary church planter among the Gypsy population of North America, and has assisted in the planting of churches in Cote d’ Ivoire (Ivory Coast), West Africa, among the Krahn tribe. He was the founding missionary of a mission society named People of the Book Lutheran Outreach, which is dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus cross-culturally with the Arab and Pakistani populations in North America. Randy is a co-author of the Concordia Publishing House book “Lutheranism 101” and his personal mission is to know Jesus more fully in order to make Him more fully known. He and his wife, Amy, live in Brighton, Michigan, and have six children—Joshua, Christopher, Heather, Jackson, Grace, and Joseph.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Randy about the Bible, the Breakfast Club, the Beatles, or Bon Jovi (he’s Gen X distilled into one person).
Chris Troxel
Church Plant Pastor for Emmaus Lutheran ChurchChris grew up in Quincy, Illinois. To prep him for pastoring at ULC, God gave Chris and his family many great and diverse experiences in many different places. He’s on ULC staff as a church planter, working with the team here in partnership with another church to plant Emmaus Lutheran Church in downtown Ann Arbor. Chris attended Concordia University Nebraska, and later went to Concordia Seminary St. Louis. Chris enjoys reading, gaming, movies, and most things outdoors. Chris and his wife Lisa have three amazing kids.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Chris about the first superhero, or any lore related to Star Wars or Lord of the Rings.
Hannah Maxey
Director of Operations and MinistryHannah is an Ann Arbor native and long time ULC member. She studied psychology and business at Eastern Michigan University. After graduation, she earned her certification as a Child Life Specialist and went on to work with pediatric patients and families at CS Mott Children’s hospital. After four years of work in the medical field, she felt God calling her to use her gifts in church work and transitioned to full time work at ULC shortly after Pastor Gabe accepted his call. Hannah has worn many hats at ULC, because she loves the challenge building new systems and cares about supporting whatever the current needs of the congregation may be. Presently, she is the go-to person for anything money/administrative or ministry related, but feel free to reach out with anything and she will gladly direct you to the right person!
When she’s not crunching the numbers, you can find Hannah going on outdoor adventures with her husband (Tyler), two daughters (Rory & Stevie), and their giant mountain dog (Pepper). Because she is still passionate about caring for families, she enjoys creating opportunities for community through her Fresh Fams group at ULC.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Hannah her current knitting project or her backyard birds! (If you can’t tell, she’s a huge nerd.)
Hannah Flick
Manager of The Common CupHannah was born in Evansville, Indiana but grew up in Plymouth, Michigan. She went to a local college before moving to Haiti when she was 21. She lived in Haiti for two and a half years where she worked as an English teacher at a ministry called God’s Littlest Angels. After leaving Haiti, Hannah moved to Budpaest, Hungary where she worked for a year as a first-grade assistant teacher at The International Christian School of Budapest. Hannah became involved in The Common Cup ministry as a barista in the fall of 2021 and became manager at the beginning of 2022. She is focused on the daily operations as well as exploring ways to grow the ministry of The Common Cup.
Hannah loves to travel, read novels (her favorite is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah), and spend time with her family and dog, Fonzie. She loves chatting with people at The Common Cup—introduce yourself when you see her!
☕ Need a conversation starter? Share with Hannah a new drink idea for The Common Cup!
Amy Duncan
Director of Worship and OutreachAmy has served as a worship leader for nine years before joining ULC’s staff in October 2023. Originally from Flint, she’s lived in Brighton since 2015. She is married to the amazing Pastor Randy Duncan (CUAA campus pastor) and they have 6 kids that are all gifts! In her spare time she’s likely pulling someone tubing on the lake or playing worship music. She’s also very involved in leading the student worship teams for Daily Chapel at Concordia University Ann Arbor, working with students to help them serve by sharing their gifts in the church.
Amy primarily works with ULC’s music ministry, coordinating the Sunday worship and music volunteers. Amy also assists with student ministry and oversees ULC’s outreach including the church’s connection to Kingdom Partners and other serving opportunities.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Amy about how to do a power slide and why she loves them so much!
Nate Zuellig
Worship Assistant & Artist in ResidenceNate is from Ypsilanti and has lived there his whole life. He earned his undegraduate degree in music education from Eastern Michigan University. He regularly practices writing music and poetry, and now gets to do that here, at ULC! His favorite instrument is the drums.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Nate about the best parks around Ann Arbor!
Norma Polk
Director of International Student MinistryThe 7th child of 8, Norma Polk grew up in Indonesia in a Muslim family. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) where she met her husband Thad Polk. Two weeks before she started at CMU she was introduced to Jesus. She got involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship where she was discipled and had her first experience with International Student Ministry.
She moved to Ann Arbor in 1996 and got involved in International Ministry. She entered the Deaconess training program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 2009 and became a Deaconess at Cross and Resurrection Lutheran Church in Ypsilanti in 2013.
Norma’s passion is to reach out to others, especially students, with Jesus’ love and saving grace.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Norma about designing sets and costumes for local theater programs!
Matt Korte
Director of Communication and ProductionMatt was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in Saginaw, Michigan. He went to Concordia University Ann Arbor where he graduated with a B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Business and an M.B.A. in Strategic Marketing in 2019. Matt attended ULC throughout his college years, dating back to 2015, and never left as he stayed in the area to work as CUAA’s Sports Information Director. He joined ULC’s staff in a part-time capacity in the fall of 2024, and then full-time in the summer of 2025, and serves the mission through assisting with livestreaming, social media, ULC’s website, print and digital communications, and other general communication needs.
Matt loves all things sports, especially his beloved (and often infuriating) Cincinnati teams, playing fantasy baseball and football, watching any soccer match he can find, and playing and watching disc golf. Beyond sports, he also enjoys Star Wars, Marvel, board games, watching TV shows, and is a “Survivor” superfan. Matt and his wife Becca reside in Ypsilanti with their daughter, Selah.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Matt enjoys nothing more than making power rankings. Grab a whiteboard and ask him to help power rank your favorite topic!
Missional Leadership Institute
Matt loves all things sports, especially his beloved (and often infuriating) Cincinnati teams, playing fantasy baseball and football, watching any soccer match he can find, and playing and watching disc golf. Beyond sports, he also enjoys Star Wars, Marvel, board games, watching TV shows, and is a “Survivor” superfan. Matt and his wife Becca reside in Ypsilanti with their daughter, Selah.
Introducing the 2024-25 MLI interns!
Aidan Oakley
MLI Intern – Year 2Aidan Oakley is from Dearborn, Michigan and is a Junior at University of Michigan. Aidan is studying Biology, Health, and Society and is on the Pre-Dental track.
Aidan’s primary responsibilities as an MLI intern include helping with ULC’s monthly sending to Family of God, taking ownership of the Sunday morning Student Section and Student Communications, and helping lead and connect with students through ULC’s Campus Ministry Network.
In his free time, Aidan loves watching sports, especially cheering on the Detroit Lions. He also likes playing pickleball and trying new restaurants and coffee shops around Ann Arbor. You won’t find him watching The Office as he’s never really understood the hype around it.
Aidan’s most prized possession is his cross country/track spikes from high school.
“What excites me most about being an intern this year is the endless ways in which we can take our student ministry to the next level. I’m excited to work with a great group of interns and full time staff to accomplish this!”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Aidan anything about the Detroit Lions or Michigan Football and Basketball!
Annaka Zaiser
MLI Intern – Year 1Annaka is originally from Holly, Michigan, and is a Graduate Student at Concordia University studying Church Studies while getting her doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
Her primary responsibilities at ULC include leading Prison Ministry and High School Ministry, assisting with Kid’s Word and ASG hosting, and supporting the campus pastor.
In her free time, Annaka loves immersing herself in a good book or spending time outdoors. Whether it’s walking, hiking, or simply soaking up the sunshine, she enjoys being outside. She also enjoys creative projects like cross-stitching, embroidery, and diamond painting!
Annaka’s most prized possession, if you can call her that, is her cat, Mable. She’s a little over a year old and lives with Annaka in the dorms!
Annaka loves kids and youth ministry. She’s currently a behavioral technician for adolescents with autism and is passionate about disability issues and special needs ministry. She wrestles with numerous health conditions, but is an open book about all things health and disability related!
“I’m excited to become a part of the ULC family and serve alongside such servant-hearted members. I look forward to working with the youth, building relationships, and developing skills that will prepare me for a future in either healthcare or church work!”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Annaka about all the places she’s lived!
Ivan Chinery
MLI Intern – Year 1Ivan is a Sophomore at University of Michigan studying Kinesiology. He’s from Frankenmuth, Michigan.
His primary responsibilities at ULC include leading the Middle School ministry, assisting in ULC’s monthly sending to Family of God, supporting International Student Connect, helping assist ASG “Funtivities”, and participating with the worship team.
Ivan likes to work out, run, play the drums, and hangout with friends. Occasionally he will cook and he says that unfortunately he eats it. When Ivan doesn’t feel like cooking, he likes to eat hotdogs straight out of the package. His most prized possession is his lightsaber (besides his Bible of course).
“The thought of being able to use my talents and gifts to praise the Lord and help out my church is awesome. I am so thankful for this opportunity!”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Talk to Ivan about Jesus, Michigan or Lions football, or Star Wars! He really enjoys meeting new people at church, so come up and talk to him whenever you get the chance!
Jackson Miles
MLI Intern – Year 2Jackson is originally from Hartland, Michigan and is a “Super Max Senior” at Cleary University, studying Business with a Sports Leadership focus.
Jackson’s primary responsibilities as an intern include helping lead ULC’s student ministry and high school Bible Study, helping lead high school student ministry on Sunday evenings, and engaging in fellowship with the whole congregation.
In his free time, Jackson likes to work out, swim, golf, and spend time with friends. If there’s nothing good on TV, he’ll watch Cricket or horse racing, but you won’t catch him reading! Jackson loves spending time with his dog, Willow as well.
“I’m most excited to get to work with students and further their faith.”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Jackson what kind of music he likes!
Kate Taylor
MLI Intern – Year 1Kate is a graduate student at the University of Michigan, getting her masters in Clinical Nutrition.
Her primary responsibilities at ULC include assisting in Planning Center administration, supporting the Campus Ministry Network, helping with Sunday School and Kid’s Word, and assisting with food for ASG on Wednesdays.
In her free time you can find Kate walking around a thrift store drinking a coffee or doing a craft night with friends while eating homemade snacks. She is allergic to gluten and dairy and she’s constantly looking for new restaurants and recipes to try, so she’s always willing to trade suggestions! Her most prized possession is her Ninja Creami.
“I’m most excited to deepen my faith in fellowship with other believers and learn how to serve Christ and His Church more faithfully and effectively.”
☕ Need a conversation starter? If you bring up any hot topic or weird question about food Kate will be so excited and talk to you for hours!
Merin Merkle
MLI Intern – Year 1Merin is originally from Monroe, Michigan, and is a Junior at Concordia University studying Business Management and Administration.
Her primary responsibilities at ULC include financial and administrative support, leading at Kid’s Word and Sunday School, and assisting with ASG “Funtivities” and at the Walk for Life.
When Merin has some free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, be outside, and exercise! Her most prized possession is a purse she bought in Paris, but she generally doesn’t enjoy shopping. Merin always tries to stay positive and keep her game face no matter the circumstances.
“I’m most excited to build greater connections with the ULC and Ann Arbor community all while growing in deeper relationship to God and making Him more known!”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Merin about what she does in her free time or anything related to school!
Nya Martinez
MLI Intern – Year 1Nya is from Eastvale, California, and is a Senior at Concordia University studying Secondary Education – Social Studies.
Her primary responsibilities at ULC include leading the Middle School Ministry, supporting International Student Connect, assisting with the worship team, and assisting the lead pastor.
When she’s not student teaching, you can find Nya golfing, reading, spending time with friends, or playing games on her iPad. Nya’s most prized possession is her planner, and she is not a fan of tomatoes.
“I’m looking forward to being able to connect more students to ULC! Some of my favorite moments at ULC have been connecting and creating relationships with my peers. The chapel was such a big part of my spiritual growth and I look forward to having students experience what a blessing this ministry has been to me!”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Nya about all things Disney!
Reganne Ackmann
MLI Intern – Year 2Reganne is a Senior at University of Michigan studying Psychology and Pre-Nursing. She’s from Roanoke, Indiana.
Her primary responsibilities at ULC include helping lead ASG “Funtivities”, assisting with chapel sound and the worship team on Sundays, helping lead ULC’s student ministry by planning events and “yapping at ASG” (as she likes to say it), and leading the Student Section and Student Communications.
If she’s not working or in class she’s probably getting coffee or sweet treats with friends, doing her nails, crafting, taking photos, making TikToks, or watching Grey’s Anatomy.
Her most prized possession is her BIG 10 Rowing Championship ring from her freshman year.
“Going into my second year, I’m excited for the familiarity of the ULC community, but looking forward to the new memories and experiences that this year brings.”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Talk to Reganne about Taylor Swift!