Institutional Ministries Chaplains & Staff
We have been blessed with a dedicated staff of both full-time and part-time workers who are committed to the ministry of shining the light of Jesus’ love on walled-in souls of our communities!
Rev. Philip Henselin
Executive Director
Phil was associated with Institutional Ministries as a Board Member in 2014 before accepting the call to be Executive Director in 2016. He oversees all aspects of the ministry and reports quarterly to the Board of Directors. He takes the time to meet with donors and foundations, guides the chaplains as needed, oversees the email devotion ministry (GraceLinks), and works closely with all office personnel who are the "arms and legs" behind the scenes for our chaplains. Whenever possible, he enjoys visiting congregations and schools, explaining the vast reach of this ministry.
Rev. Joseph Radsek
Communications & Technology Director/Chaplain
Joe has been with Institutional Ministries since 2006. He is responsible for the promotional materials used in communicating with our ministry partners. He also oversees the technology needs of the ministry and serves as a chaplain in one of Wisconsin’s state prisons.
Rev. Robert Pasbrig
Development Advisor/Chaplain
Now, in semi-retirement, Bob serves as an advisor to the Resource Development and Finance Committees. He also makes calls and visits donors. He occasionally serves as a guest preacher and presents the unique work of Institutional Ministries to congregational Bible classes, service groups (OWLS and LWMS, for example) and schools. Bob has been with Institutional Ministries since 1999, first accepting the call as Director of Ministry Advancement, then in 2013, accepting a call to be Executive Director.
Rev. Philip Merten
Chaplain
Phil became a volunteer Bible study leader for Institutional Ministries while he was a seminary student and then officially joined the staff as a chaplain in 1989. Most of his chaplaincy work has been with people who’ve gotten trapped in addictions and chemical abuse. That work includes holding Bible discussion groups with people who are incarcerated as well as with people who are out of prison and want to stay that way. (One of his groups presented him with a stole to wear with his alb for preaching – the stole is decorated with the faces of children of all tribes and nations, and the recovering addicts who gave it to him said, “Those are us.”)
Rev. Charles Iles, Sr.
Chaplain
Charlie feels privileged in serving our Savior at seven of Wisconsin’s state correctional facilities. He shares God’s Word with both men and women at prisons in the cities of Waupun, Fox Lake, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh and Redgranite. Charlie’s service to inmates began through his work at Northern Wisconsin District Institutional Ministry, Inc. This group became Institutional Ministries through a merger in 1998. Charlie served as Board Member in 1999. Having called him to be a chaplain in 2000, God has used him to be a blessing to the incarcerated for over 20 years.
Staff Minister Sarah Guenther
Chaplain
Sarah joined Institutional Ministries in 1993. She has the privilege and pleasure to travel to county jails, mental health hospitals and transitional and group homes. She is blessed to bring the hope and light of Jesus to women there who are often struggling with the darkness of addiction, relationship issues and mental health needs. Another equal joy in her ministry is to encourage gifted Christian sisters to grow in their faith and use their gifts in our volunteer ministry.
Tammy Schmidtke
Director of Development
Tammy, joining Institutional Ministries in 2021, feels blessed to be a part of this important ministry by connecting with individuals, foundations, churches, and other organizations to encourage support through prayers and donations. She writes grant requests, visits with donors, displays ministry information at conferences, facilitates presentations, coordinates events, and consistently seeks other creative ways to share how God is blessing souls through this ministry. Tammy is also one of our volunteers who delights in sharing God’s love and mercy with inmates in jails and prisons.
Stephanie Burk
Office Manager
Stephanie joined Institutional Ministries in 2017. She manages the office and is privileged to work behind the scenes guiding and supporting the office staff in their respective roles. Stephanie considers herself blessed to be among people who serve God’s kingdom with such passion.
Mary Warnecke
Bookkeeper
Mary has been with Institutional Ministries since 2020. She enjoys using her organizational skills to process donations from donors and churches, send out thank-you letters and organize large mailings. Mary considers it a joy and privilege to be a part of this vibrant and exciting ministry.
Louise Wendland
Copy Editor
Louise joined Institutional Ministries in 2022 as Copy Editor for our GraceLinks devotional ministry which is emailed to inmates and their family and friends. She reviews the devotions written by our many faithful volunteers and checks for clarity, readability and Biblical accuracy. Louise feels blessed to have a role in this vital ministry.
Becky Atkinson
Website Administrator
Becky served as a consultant for Institutional Ministries for two years before joining the staff in 2021. She uses her gifts and talents to handle our website. Becky also follows our chaplains to various events taking pictures and assisting with technology.