About
An avenue is a place of intersection — a crossroads where decisions are made and people are met. You may find yourself at the intersection of faith and life. If you do, you’re not alone.
The Avenue is a community of college students who find themselves at the same intersection. Some of us are seeking Jesus. Others of us are seeking true friendships. And some of us don’t know what we’re searching for; we just know we want something different.
If that’s not you, it’s okay. Maybe you’re a college student who works hard and you just need a break. We get it. We’ve been there. Hey, a lot of us ARE there!
But whether you are searching for something or just need to step out of what seems like the non-stop cycle of being a student, you shouldn’t do it alone.
The Avenue is a caring and encouraging gathering of college-age people who like to have fun, connect with new friends and experience life together. So, come hang out with us sometime. We’d love to meet you at the intersection of faith and life.
Jon Odom
The Avenue pastor
Jon is a husband, father and follower of Christ. He’s passionate about discipleship and living life on mission. Jon also teaches as an adjunct faculty member in the Physician Assistant program at Bethel University. He serves as vice president of Men of the Kingdom, a non-profit organization that exists to empower and equip the next generation of moral leaders in the Church.
Jon is excited to reach college students and help them have a safe space to explore their faith, learn about Jesus and realize just how much Jesus loves them.
Sage Bjornrud
The Avenue Campus Director
Raised in ministry as a pastor’s kid, Sage has worked at churches of various sizes, including a church plant in Minnesota and a large church in Colorado. She’s finishing a Master of Divinity at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, having earned a Pastoral Ministry degree in 2023.
Sage is passionate about discipleship, spiritual formation and equipping others to experience Jesus. Her favorite book of the Bible is Colossians and she is a huge football fan.
Our mission
To honor God by making more disciples for Jesus Christ.
Our vision
To see the gospel of Jesus Christ spread here, near and far so every tribe, tongue and nation can know and worship him.
How we got our start
The Avenue is a campus of Wooddale Church. Wooddale values Kingdom-building and investing generously in ministries here, near and far. Wooddale wanted to create a large space where hundreds of college students could worship Jesus together, be discipled and live out their faith.