Church Staff

Rev. James D. Gier

Senior Pastor

Rev. Gier was installed as Senior Pastor of Ascension in May of 2019. He previously served 16 years as the pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Pastor Gier began his theological studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1998, graduating in 2002 with a Master of Divinity degree. During his time at the seminary, he was honored to serve as Student Association Vice-President, President, and as the 2002 Class President. After receiving his M.Div. degree, Pastor Gier continued his studies, serving as Graduate Assistant to the Department of Pastoral Ministry and Missions. In 2016, he received his Master of Sacred Theology Degree, and is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. Missiology program at Concordia.

Prior to his call to the sacred ministry, Pastor Gier worked as a licensed architect in Washington and Connecticut, and held membership in the American Institute of Architects. In 1986, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the College of Art and Architecture at the University of Idaho.

Rev. Dr. Gary Zieroth

Associate Pastor

In June 2021, Rev. Zieroth accepted the call to become full-time Associate Pastor at Ascension. He began his service at Ascension in 2016 as part-time Assistant Pastor shortly after he and his family joined the congregation. While he was Assistant Pastor, Pastor Zieroth also served full-time as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions, Dean of Students, and Director of Vicarage and Internship at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW). 

Pastor Zieroth spent 26 years in the pastoral ministry, serving congregations in Fort McMurray and St. Albert, Alberta, Canada; Kingsville, Maryland; and Chaska, Minnesota. He earned his Doctor of Ministry degree in 2006, and his Master of Divinity degree in 1990 from CTSFW. He graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1986, with a Bachelor's degree in psychology. Before joining the Concordia faculty, Pastor Zieroth served as an adjunct professor from 2008-2016, leading courses regarding what the Bible teaches about marriage, families, and catechesis. 

Colleen Daily

Office Administrator

Colleen has served as the administrator at Ascension for both the church and the school for many years. She and her husband Scott have been members of Ascension for many years. Her work is her ministry and it shows in the way she serves Ascension, interacting with both members, parents, and students. "I love the people of Ascension," she says. "We are a family. Ascension is a joyful place where Christ is the center."

When not at the Ascension office, you will find Colleen enjoying a good book, working on a cross stitch project, or traveling. Mostly, she just enjoys spending time with friends and family.

David Mussmann

Music Director

David Mussmann has served as a parish musician at Ascension for more than 20 years.  

David has played the piano much of his life, and has studied organ under Dr. Mallory Bransford at Butler University in Indianapolis.  Besides serving Ascension, he previously has served as church musician at several other parishes, including Emmaus Lutheran and St. Matthew Lutheran Churches in Indianapolis; University Lutheran Church in West Lafayette, Indiana; and St. John Lutheran Church of Wilde Lake in Columbia, Maryland.

Ascension has an active church music ministry with many musicians. Many people participate in the music at Ascension through the church's adult voice choir, adult handbell choir, children’s choirs, brass and timpani ensembles, and woodwind and string ensembles. Come join us in praising our Lord Jesus through music.