MEET THE TEAM
Meet the passionate team behind THS Academy, dedicated to raising pastors worldwide through an online Bachelor of Theology & Pastoral Leadership program.
DIRECTOR/FOUNDER
THOMAS HAASE
When not preoccupied with saving the world, pastoring, or building villages, Tom makes sure to lead the team in the right direction. As the visionary for THS., he frequently comes up with more ideas than his team can keep up with (we love you Tom) but always ensures his staff feels taken care of. Tom enjoys good cheese, listening to audiobooks, and taking part in inspiring conversations.
FOUNDER
INGA HAASE
Known among the students as “Mama Inga,” Inga brings a fierce spirit to the team, embodying Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” When not writing books or starting a new concept of homeschooling, she teaches courses at THS. and participates on the marketing team. Her daily life includes lots of coffee and winning people for Jesus.
PASTORAL OVERSIGHT
JOHN REPSOLD
John Repsold is the founder and lead pastor of Mosaic Fellowship located in downtown Spokane. He serves on the Board of THS as Treasurer. His years of practical ministry experience bring invaluable insight to the THS. team!
Global CAMPUS LEADER
MATTHEW RUTZ
Growing up as a missionary kid in Asia, and living in Peru for a couple of years as an adult, gave Matt a heart to win the world for Jesus. He is the Campus leader at the USA campus as well as the Next Generations Director at his local church in Spokane, WA. In his free time, he enjoys taking photos, playing the guitar, and sitting next to a campfire.
ACADEMIC DEAN
RILEY PALMER
If the fruit snacks are missing in the office, nine times out of ten, Palmer is the culprit. Father of five children and serving in ministry 18 years in total - 8 of which have been as head pastor - Palmer is no newbie to the ministry life and all of its glories and hardships. Holding a Master's in Divinity, Palmer certifies that THS. is held to the highest academic standards and students have what they need to reach success.
EAST AFRICA CAMPUS LEADER
AUGUSTIN MWANGI
Father of two children, Augustine has been a pastor in Kenya for over 20 years with his church, so he has a heart to see pastors trained and properly equipped for the work of ministry. As an organizer and mobilizer, he easily connects with new people and is good at making friendships, making him a strong asset to the THS. global team. He loves traveling and eating tasty foods such as “nyama choma” (barbecued meat), a popular dish in East Africa.
KINGDOM MINDED:
Our hearts cry as a school is to see Jesus glorified in the world. Jesus brought to earth the reality of His Kingdom, which “has already come and simultaneously, is yet to be.” We live in the space between Jesus’ triumph over death and the grave and His return. While we wait, we are hard at work raising laborers to go out into the harvest field. Together, we embrace Jesus’ prayer: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
RELATIONALLY MOTIVATED:
The Church is not a cold lifeless machine, and neither are its members replaceable cogs. Instead, it is a living, moving body, energized by the Holy Spirit, with each member serving a distinct and indispensable purpose as part of the whole. This is why, at THS., we view our relationships with one another through a lens of brotherly and sisterly affection, rather than a mere business partnership.
MINISTRY ORIENTED:
Our team has not only dedicated their lives to Christ, but has also committed themselves to serving the Church. Each of our members has a passion for ministry and is involved within their local church. We know firsthand “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of ministry life, but we continue to serve for the joy set before us. We see THS. as a vital tool for raising the next generation of persevering pastors and pastoral leaders.