Oasis Church | Pastor Satise Roddy
When Pastor Satise Roddy took the helm of Oasis Church in Minnetonka, MN, the road ahead was unclear. The church had struggled through years of uncertainty, but God placed a vision of renewal in her heart to take on the lead pastoral role nine years ago.
Prayer played a pivotal role in Satise’s personal journey, especially in overcoming depression. In 2000, a woman she did not know approached her, saying, “You have the best smile, but something tells me there’s a lot of pain behind that smile.” The woman then invited Satise to church. She decided to visit the church and committed to attend regularly if God would help her with her depression. That day, the pastor offered a prayer for those struggling with depression. It was a spiritually life-altering moment, and Satise surrendered her life to Christ. The pastor also confirmed God’s calling on her life.
Satise became involved at a church in California, launching a women’s ministry. In 2005, she met Tim Roddy, from Minnesota, on eHarmony, but was soon diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. “I figured telling a guy you have cancer was a sure way to get rid of him,” she admits. But Tim responded with reassurance and visited her in California often. After successful treatment, Satise traveled to Minnesota. Surprisingly, she found Minnesota felt like home, and the couple married in 2007.
The Roddys joined Eden Prairie Assembly of God, where Pastor Jac Perrin and his wife Bonnie recognized Satise’s calling and encouraged her to pursue the lead pastor role at a small church in Minnetonka undergoing revitalization. Reluctantly and in prayer, Satise and her husband explored their calling, visiting the church and getting to know the people.
Ultimately, the position was offered to Satise, and they accepted. The idea of a female pastor was uncomfortable for some, and it spurred conflict. Still, Satise was determined. “I didn’t come here to fail. I came because God called me. And when God calls, He equips.”
Many other significant changes were needed. One change was renaming the church. Tim received the name “Oasis” in a dream. “Oasis represents a place of rest, renewal, and refuge. It felt like God was saying, ‘I’m going to make this a place where people find hope and healing,’” Satise shared.
Under Satise’s leadership, Oasis Church began to thrive. Attendance grew, and people engaged more in worship, ministry, and service. Satise launched “Now is the Time”, a prayer initiative uniting pastoral peers, police, and city officials. “Prayer is powerful; when we come together, we can bring about real change. It’s not about us—it’s about God and His plan for this city,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Satise leads with grace and unwavering trust in God. “It’s been a long road, but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. God has been faithful every step of the way.”
