pastor jason cooper
pastor of first evangelical lutheran church since September 2025
Pastor Jason has been ordained and serving congregations in Iowa for over 21 years. Originally raised in New York, he moved to the Midwest in 1994 to attend Grand View University. He jokes that while he wasn't born here, he is "an Iowan by the grace of God."
His ministry and education have taken him across the country—including stops in Washington, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania—before ultimately bringing him back to Iowa to serve the communities he loves. Prior to his current call, he spent many years serving congregations in Strawberry Point and Eagle Grove.
Family & Home Life
Pastor Jason is blessed with a wonderful, blended family. His wife Julie is a Vinton native and UNI graduate who spent the last two decades living and working in the Des Moines area. Together, they are enjoying navigating the beautiful whirlwind of combining households and settling into life in Manchester. He has four children: Maia, Jensen, Evan, Abe (Ya-Bo) Lin, and Luke.
Pastor Jason's late wife, Amy, passed away in July 2023 after a courageous six-year battle with cancer, during which Pastor Jason and his family were deeply sustained by the grace, care, and support of the church community.
Outside of Ministry
When he isn't at the church, Pastor Jason enjoys attending live concerts, going to sporting events, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes (even if his house is a bit divided, as Julie is a dedicated Iowa State fan!).
Pastor Jason loves connecting with people firsthand. While he admits he isn't always the best with names right away, he loves getting to know the stories, joys, and hearts of the congregation. The absolute best way to get to know him is over a simple cup of coffee—so if you see him around, don't hesitate to invite him out to chat!
His ministry and education have taken him across the country—including stops in Washington, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania—before ultimately bringing him back to Iowa to serve the communities he loves. Prior to his current call, he spent many years serving congregations in Strawberry Point and Eagle Grove.
Family & Home Life
Pastor Jason is blessed with a wonderful, blended family. His wife Julie is a Vinton native and UNI graduate who spent the last two decades living and working in the Des Moines area. Together, they are enjoying navigating the beautiful whirlwind of combining households and settling into life in Manchester. He has four children: Maia, Jensen, Evan, Abe (Ya-Bo) Lin, and Luke.
Pastor Jason's late wife, Amy, passed away in July 2023 after a courageous six-year battle with cancer, during which Pastor Jason and his family were deeply sustained by the grace, care, and support of the church community.
Outside of Ministry
When he isn't at the church, Pastor Jason enjoys attending live concerts, going to sporting events, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes (even if his house is a bit divided, as Julie is a dedicated Iowa State fan!).
Pastor Jason loves connecting with people firsthand. While he admits he isn't always the best with names right away, he loves getting to know the stories, joys, and hearts of the congregation. The absolute best way to get to know him is over a simple cup of coffee—so if you see him around, don't hesitate to invite him out to chat!
susi dubois
church office manager
Contact Susi by calling the church office at 563-927-3420.
