Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Joel Ruisch

Senior Pastor

Joel started at FFC 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- being outdoors whenever possible.

Sean Panknen

Executive Pastor

Sean, his wife Amanda, and their two sons (Jonathan & Landon) have attended Federated since 2015. Sean joined the staff in 2022. He is excited to help create opportunities for people to engage in discipleship, connection, and community. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors or playing board games with friends and family, playing pickleball, and watching sports. 

Mark McConnell

Pastor of Discipleship

Husband to Heather, and Dad to sons Luke and Kallen; Mark and his family began attending Federated in 2014 shortly after they relocated to Pella.  He joined the staff in 2023 and draws daily excitement from identifying and equipping the next generation of disciples and leaders in the church.  When he's not teaching or writing, Mark enjoys reading, watching UNI basketball, chasing turkeys, tying flies, and following blue lines on maps in search of any fish that will bite. 

Jack Sagan

Youth Pastor 

Jack began serving at FFC as our Ministry Intern during the summer of 2021. He became our Youth Pastor summer of 2022. He loves watching and cheering for the Chicago White Sox, Michigan State Spartans, and the New England Patriots.  

Brooke Ehrenberg

Director of Worship & Outreach

Brooke attended Central College and graduated in May of 2019.  She has been a part of the FFC family throughout her time at Central and has enjoyed serving as a part of the worship team and high school youth ministry. 

Lenis De Cook

Administrative Assistant

Mom to three adult kids and their spouses, plus "Nana" to 6 grandchildren, Lenis enjoys helping in the office, working with the staff, and connecting with the members of the church family. She has always enjoyed using music to share Jesus with others; and is happiest when her house is full of family and friends.

Jacqui Hale

Communication Coordinator

Helping to coordinate events, Sunday mornings, and maintaining the church's graphic design Jacqui has been on staff since 2013. She enjoys connecting people with opportunities that draw them closer to Jesus.

Josie Jeffries

Children's Ministry Director (Sundays)

Josie and her husband, Dustin, have been at Federated for 3.5 years. They have two school-aged boys who keep them very busy! Josie is looking forward to the upcoming additional programming options for children and how they will positively impact the families of FFC.  

Melissa Plants

Children's Ministry Director (Wednesdays)

Melissa and her family have been blessed by Federated since 2021. Home projects and gardening rounded out by car shows and ice cream make for a happy Plants home. Creating a Wednesday night space for children that nurtures a hunger for God’s Word is a beautiful position to be in. Melissa warmly invites you to join her in her longing to show children God’s deep love for them through His Word. 

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. A true fall-lover she enjoys going to haunted houses with friends & family each October.

Marlene Gosselink

Hospitality Coordinator

Marlene has been on staff since 2007. She and her husband, John, have been a part of Federated since 2001, they have five grown children and eight grandchildren. She enjoys being with and helping people.

Steve Stroup

Pastor Emeritus

Steve loves teaching and studying the Word. He lives in Pella with his wife, Sherry, they have two children and five grandkids. Steve is a big Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins fan. He also loves to play PlayStation with his grandsons.

Meet the Elders.

Bruce Van Sant

Shannon Arthur

Rodd Vande Wall

Mark Roose