Meet Our Staff

We’re passionate about helping Bethel students understand the love of God and where this great love is calling them.

Meet our team to learn more about what we do and why we're here at Bethel.

Nick Cocalis

Lead Campus Pastor

Pastor Nick has a heart to walk alongside students as we work together to make campus look more like heaven. He has a deep background and passion for local and global missions and loves to play and coach golf. Pastor Nick has been married for 10 years to his wife, Melanie ‘12, who played hockey at Bethel. B.A., Marquette University; M.A., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; MDiv, Bethel Seminary ‘25.

Matthew Runion

Campus Pastor for Partnerships

Pastor Matt’s calling is to engage students in God’s work in themselves and around the world. He has a passion to see students develop a vibrant relationship with God that grows in community and launches them into restorative work in the world. Pastor Matt has been married to his wife, Amy for XX years and they have two children, Kate and Levi. MDiv, Bethel Seminary

Sara Richards

Campus Pastor for Discipleship

Pastor Sara joins the Bethel team with a heart for the spiritual formation and direction of college age students. She has over 20 years of pastoral experience and has earned postgraduate certificates in spiritual formation and spiritual direction. Sara is married to her husband Chad and has three sons, Zach, Caden and Eli. B.A., Bethel University ‘96

AJ Barrett

Creative Content Manager

AJ owns the voice and feel of Campus Ministries. His heart is to take what God is doing and share it with the Bethel community for greater engagement with that work of God.

Ben Lodahl

Director of Worship

In addition to leading worship at Christ Presbyterian Church, Ben has a passion for developing the next generation of worship leaders and leads all of our on-stage programming and worship.

Chris Mason

Director of Worship Development

In addition to leading worship at Eagle Brook Church, Chris loves to pour into the lives of college students and oversees all of our United coaching and our student worship leader development and coaching.