The Naming Project is governed and operated by the three founders and directors. Jay, Ross, and Brad have worked together since 2002 to create a program that will meet the needs of youth who are dealing with coming out, sexuality, gender identity, and faith. You can reach all three by emailing staff@thenamingproject.org.
The Rev. Jay Wiesner - Pastoral Director
Jay received his MDiv. degree from Wartburg Seminary and his BA from Concordia College. He has worked with youth ranging from elementary to college age while serving camps, churches, and colleges. Currently, Jay is serving as pastor of University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Philadelphia, PA. He formerly served as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN (where The Naming Project is located). Jay uses his pastoral care skills with the youth who visit The Naming Project, as well as keeping contact with several youth via email. Jay enjoys especially working with people who have felt excluded by the church in the past.
Jay received his MDiv. degree from Wartburg Seminary and his BA from Concordia College. He has worked with youth ranging from elementary to college age while serving camps, churches, and colleges. Currently, Jay is serving as pastor of University Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Philadelphia, PA. He formerly served as pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN (where The Naming Project is located). Jay uses his pastoral care skills with the youth who visit The Naming Project, as well as keeping contact with several youth via email. Jay enjoys especially working with people who have felt excluded by the church in the past.
Ross Murray - Program Director
Ross holds a BA in Youth & Family Ministry from Augsburg College and a MA in Outreach & Discipleship from Luther Seminary. He has worked with youth and families in rural parishes, camps, multicultural urban congregations, college campuses, and has presented models of youth & family ministry all over the country. As the Program Director, Ross is responsible for communication, programming, and development of the programs of The Naming Project. Ross is especially interested in helping youth cultivate a wholisic identity that includes sexuality and spirituality.
Ross holds a BA in Youth & Family Ministry from Augsburg College and a MA in Outreach & Discipleship from Luther Seminary. He has worked with youth and families in rural parishes, camps, multicultural urban congregations, college campuses, and has presented models of youth & family ministry all over the country. As the Program Director, Ross is responsible for communication, programming, and development of the programs of The Naming Project. Ross is especially interested in helping youth cultivate a wholisic identity that includes sexuality and spirituality.
The Rev. Brad Froslee - Camp Director
Brad received his MDiv. from Harvard University and his BA from St. Olaf College. He has been active in work with youth and youth education with program such as 4-H and his church youth group. Brad serves as pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Brad is passionate about developing a place of faith and acceptance for ALL people, young and old, gay and straight, all social backgrounds. Brad is excited to be developing a camping program that will foster an atmosphere where youth and young adults can talk openly about their faith journeys and their understandings of who they are as sexual beings.
Brad received his MDiv. from Harvard University and his BA from St. Olaf College. He has been active in work with youth and youth education with program such as 4-H and his church youth group. Brad serves as pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Brad is passionate about developing a place of faith and acceptance for ALL people, young and old, gay and straight, all social backgrounds. Brad is excited to be developing a camping program that will foster an atmosphere where youth and young adults can talk openly about their faith journeys and their understandings of who they are as sexual beings.