Pastor Martin

Pastor Cornes Family

Martin is excited to be at Gloria Dei. He currently spends 50% of his time as the revitalizing Pastor at Gloria Dei, and the other 50% as a multi-ethnic outreach missionary to the area. MN South District are keen to see an LCMS presence continuing in this area.

Martin is a multi-ethnic immigrant from England, married to Rachel, a native Minnesotan. They have 3 grown children in college and full-time work: Joshua, Hannah and Tabitha.

After spending 19 very successful years as a Youth Pastor/Church Planter in the UK, the family moved to the USA in 2011 where he was a DCE at St Michael’s, Bloomington, involved with Children, Youth, Family and Mission teams, and more recently as Vicar at Peace Lutheran in Robbinsdale.

Martin graduated from Concordia, St Louis Seminary in 2022 through the “Specific Ministry Pastor” 4-year Program, Martin has a degree in Theological and Pastoral Studies from Theological college in London, England, and in Informal and Community Education from Canterbury, England. He has a Masters in Youth Ministry and Theological Education from Kings College London, England. Martin also colloquized as a DCE from Concordia St Paul in 2016.

Martin is passionate about seeing people of all ages coming to know, love, grow and serve the Lord in the local community and further out into the mission field.

In his spare time, he loves to make and especially eat Indian curries and any ethnic food, watch English soccer, work with the local POBLO multi-ethnic outreach group, mentor Christian ministry students from Concordia St Paul, and use the gym or go for a long walk or bicycle ride! Rachel and Martin spend their vacation time travelling, and hiking, cycling and kayaking the State and National Parks.

Martin’s ministry Bible verse is: 1 Peter 3:15-16, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.”