Pastoral / Leadership Staff
DAVID STAFF
Lead Pastor
David Staff, D.Min., is our lead pastor since 1993, previously serving churches in Indiana, North Dakota, and Colorado. He and Pamela are husband and wife for over 30 years. They have two grown children (Cameron, married to Janelle, and Briana, married to Josh). David is a graduate of Grace College and Dallas Theological Seminary (twice). His ministry responsibilities include preaching/teaching, ministry direction and staff coordination, and missions support. He has also served as team chaplain for the Iowa State Cyclone football team.
LARRY AUSTIN
Pastor of Missional Discipleship
Larry hails from “Cornhusker” country. He is a graduate of Talbot Theological Seminary and is married to Laura. The Austins have two children, Katelyn and Michael. Larry plans, coordinates, and oversees a variety of ministries at First: adult education, small groups, men’s and women’s ministry, and our counseling ministry.
TERRY DEZONIA
Pastor of Missional Operations
Terry is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and pastored in San Antonio, Texas prior to arriving in Ames. He coordinates the support staff, financial administration, strategic planning, and assimilation. Terry is married to Marcia, and father to David and Alan. “Ya’ll” will recognize him when he talks.
BRENT THOMAS
Pastor of Youth and Families
Brent leads our Junior High and High School ministries planning Sunday morning education, mid-week youth groups during the school year, and summer ministries including mission trips and EFCA conferences. Brent is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, is married to Sue, and father of Megan, Shannon, and Kyle.
JOEL LEWICKI
Director of Collegiate and Young Adult Ministries
Joel leads our college ministry - The River. He is married to Victoria. Joel is a graduate from Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, IA. His degree's are in Biblical Studies & Music, with an emphasis on Youth Ministry. He enjoys growing in the Lord, the Bible, comedy, salt water fish tanks, and making up fakerific words - like that one.
KAREN HEILIGENTHAL
Director of Children's Ministries
Karen serves our children and their families. She coordinates our ministry from infant thru 5th grade children. Karen is a graduate of UNI with a degree in Elementary Ed. She is married to Harry and they have four kids - Lindsay, Andrew, Peter, & Christa
ANDY KVERNEN
Director of Worship Arts
Andy is a graduate of North Dakota State, with a major in Vocal Music Education. Andy is a vocalist, he also plays the piano, guitar, and saxophone. He strives to lead and equip our musicians to Worship the Lord. Andy is married to Kristi and father to twins, Connor and Carson, and a daughter, Kaelynn.