Favorite Quote
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
—Theodore Roosevelt
Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910
Who is Corey Bjertness?
Corey R. Bjertness is a distinguished leader with a rich tapestry of experience in teaching, preaching, administration, fundraising, and public relations. His journey, deeply rooted in faith and community service, spans a remarkable career in pastoral roles, military service, and educational leadership.
Corey's educational background is as diverse as it is impressive. He is a DBA candidate at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. He holds a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education/Social Science from Valley City State University, North Dakota. His foundational Bible, Ministry, and Theology studies from the Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle solidify his deep understanding of Christian teachings and servant leadership. Furthermore, Corey is credentialed as a Certified Christian Life Coach (CCLC).
Throughout his career, Corey has demonstrated exceptional skills in education, systems analysis, and traditional and modern marketing, including prowess in social media. His public speaking abilities have been a cornerstone of his roles, where he has organized numerous events and programs, significantly enhancing community participation in Church Life and Outdoor Ministries.
Corey's professional experience is highlighted by his tenure as the Senior Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, where he led a congregation of over 5,000 members. Under his leadership, the church experienced remarkable growth, both spiritually and in community impact. He successfully managed a $13.5 million expansion project, reflecting his adeptness in overseeing large budgets and fundraising initiatives.
His commitment to servant leadership extends beyond the church walls. As a Chaplain in the Army National Guard, Corey has served with honor and distinction in combat and throughout his twenty-year career, receiving numerous accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Bronze Star. His military service is a testament to his dedication to serving his faith and country.
Corey's role as Director of Admissions at the Lutheran Bible Institute of Seattle further showcases his diverse skill set. Here, he successfully implemented a recruitment program that led to a significant increase in enrollment, demonstrating his strategic thinking and innovative approach to leadership.
In every position, from his pastoral roles at various churches to his military and educational institutions leadership, Corey has consistently displayed a deep commitment to fostering growth, providing guidance, and enhancing the lives of those he serves. His journey is one of impactful leadership, driven by a passion for service, a heart for mentorship, and a life dedicated to the principles of servant leadership.
"Corey has been a valuable coach during my work through the completion of a business plan. He helped me focus my thoughts and kept me going in the right direction, also re-directing me as needed. He also helped me prepare for presentations to my board of directors. In addition to the business plan, his understanding of the role of the leader of an organization provided me with a valuable perspective. Being in a leadership position can be a lonely place, and having someone who understands and can relate means a lot. Our discussions can get serious, although he also brings a sense of humor for bit of levity. Corey’s encouragement and support has made a difference in my role as an executive director, and I thank him for that!"
Tasha Haug - Executive Director
Homeward Animal Shelter