FFC Team

Pastors

Joel Ruisch | Senior Pastor
Joel started at Federated in 2014 as the Connections Pastor and currently serves as the Senior Pastor. He loves connecting with people and teaching the Word of God. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, and being outdoors whenever possible with his wife, Dara. 

joel@federatedfellowship.org
Sean Panknen | Executive Pastor
Sean, his wife Amanda, and their two sons, Jonathan and Landon, have attended Federated since 2015. Sean joined the staff in 2022 with a passion to grow connections and community in the church. In his free time, he enjoys a friendly competition of pickleball or board games, and watching sports with friends and family.
 
sean@federatedfellowship.org
Mark McConnell | Pastor of Discipleship
Mark began attending Federated in 2014 with his wife, Heather, and sons, Luke and Kallen. He joined the staff in 2023 with an excitement for identifying and equipping disciples and leaders in the church. Mark enjoys reading, watching UNI basketball, chasing turkeys, and following blue lines on maps in search of any fish that will bite.

mark@federatedfellowship.org
Drew Van Hauen | Pastor of Youth and College Ministry
Drew began attending Federated during his college summers and has continued after he and his wife, Laci, moved to Pella. They have two hunting dogs, Ace and Angel, and enjoy hiking, walks, bike rides, and camping together.

drew@federatedfellowship.org  
Steve Stroup | Pastor Emeritus
Steve lives in Pella with his wife, Sherry. They have two children and five grandkids. When he's not studying the Word, you can find Steve cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins, or playing PlayStation with his grandsons.

steve@federatedfellowship.org

STAFF

Brooke Ehrenberg | Director of Worship
Brooke attended Federated during her time at Central College and came on staff after graduating in 2019. She enjoys spending time outdoors running, biking, and playing pickleball. Anytime of the year, she also appreciates a good Hallmark movie. 

brooke@federatedfellowship.org
Lenis De Cook | Administrative Assistant
Mom to three adult kids and their spouses, plus "Nana" to six grandchildren, Lenis enjoys helping in the office and connecting with the members of the church family. She enjoys using music to share Jesus with others and is happiest when her house is full of family and friends.

lenis@federatedfellowship.org
Josie Jeffries | Director of Sunday Children's Ministry
Josie, her husband, Dustin, and two boys have been at Federated since 2020. Josie joined the staff in 2023 with excitement for programming options for children and how they will positively impact the families of Federated.

josie@federatedfellowship.org
Sabrina Cullinan | Director of Wednesday Children's Ministry & Global Missions
Sabrina has been at Federated since 2013 with her husband, Max, and children, Hadassah and Benaiah. She joined the staff in 2025, looking forward to interacting with kids, parents, and volunteers in her role.

sabrina@federatedfellowship.org
Denise Rodwell | Custodial Service & Nursery Coordinator
Denise and her family became members of Federated in 1990, and she joined the staff when the church building opened in 2009.  Her favorite part of her job is serving beside her work family and going into the church she loves.
Marlene Gosselink | Hospitality Coordinator
Marlene and her husband, John, have been a part of Federated since 2001. They have five children and eight grandchildren. Marlene has been on staff since 2007, with a passion for being with and helping people in her role.

marlene@federatedfellowship.org
Mya Ehresman | Communications & Outreach Lead
Mya has been attending Federated since 2022. In her free time, she loves to journal, hammock, bake, or read. Mya joined the staff in 2025 with a passion for serving by creating fun, engaging media.

mya@federatedfellowship.org

Elders

Bruce Van Sant

Shannon Arthur

Rodd Vande Wall

Mark Roose