Craig Finnestad is our Founding Pastor. He is married to Amber, and they have two sons, Benjamin and David. Benjamin is a lobbyist in Washington, DC, and David is a freshman at Wabash College, where he studies economics and plays lacrosse. Their giant Newfoundland dog, Helga, entertains them.

Craig served churches in Georgia, Iowa, and Texas before planting The Water’s Edge. He attended college, seminary, and graduate school at Drake University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Emory University. His doctoral dissertation focuses on the use of humor in public speaking, a practice he regularly incorporates (or at least attempts to) on Sunday mornings.

Craig’s passions in ministry include listening to and praying for people, creating spaces and systems where individuals can connect and grow, dreaming up new ways to serve the poor and hurting, and speaking at our worship experiences. He is active in the Omaha community, serving on the Board of Directors for Together Omaha, the Leadership Team for Within Reach, and the Advisory Team for Millard Public Schools. He is also the announcer for Millard West’s lacrosse team.

When Craig isn’t being a pastor, he climbs mountains, takes photographs, and makes craft sausage.