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, dreaming up new ways to serve the poor and hurting, developing leaders, and speaking at our worship experiences. He is active in the Omaha community, serving on the Board of Directors of Together Omaha, the Leadership Team of Within Reach, and the Advisory Team of Millard Public Schools.

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