Pastor Jim Daniels Equipping Pastor Jim has been at First since 2005. He is presently the pastor of equipping and oversees the ministry of mission, outreach, evangelism, small groups, spiritual gifts and college ministry. Jim studied at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA and earned a Bachelor's degree in Humanities. He then studied at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan and received his M.Div. His bride, Dana, is an important partner in ministry and helps him raise his two children, Alexander and Madalyn. The equipping team at First desires to help the church be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. There are a lot of exciting things happening at First that will make it possible for people to find their God-given gifts and strengths and use them for the ushering in of God's Kingdom. e-mail Pastor Jim

Pastor Ned Suffern Preaching and Teaching Pastor Rev. Edward Suffern has been serving as a co-pastor here at First Reformed Church since April of 2007. As Preaching and Teaching Pastor, his primary calling is to preach God's Word six to eight services a month, working with the Director of Worship and Prayer to develop God honoring services that connect with people. He directs and oversees the development and implementation of education plans for First Reformed Church, working with the Preaching/Teaching Team, the Pastoral Staff, the Youth Director and with the Directors of Children's Ministries and the Sunday School. He also provides pastoral support and care to congregational members as needed and requested. Pastor Ned studied at the Eastern Christian Schools and Midland Park High School in New Jersey. He served as Program Director for two summers at Christian Service Brigade Frontier Camp in Lovell, Maine. In 1980, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Grove City College in Pennsylvania, having also taken a junior year abroad studying at the University of East Anglia in England, where he was a Bible study leader for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He taught chemistry, physics and Bible for four years at Stony Brook School on Long Island, New York. In 1985 he married his wife, Lois Kooistra Suffern, after she finished her Bachelor's Elementary Education degree from Northwestern College. Earning the Master of Divinity degree from New Brunswick Seminary in 1987, Pastor Ned served as Associate Pastor of Youth, Education and Evangelism at Sixth Reformed Church, No. Haledon, NJ, until 1993. He and Lois then began fourteen fulfilling years of pastoral ministry with the congregation, youth director and leaders of Hope Reformed Church, Clifton, NJ. Pastor Ned and Lois have been blessed with three daughters, Kathryn, Rachel, and Johanna, and a son, John. Pastor Ned counts it a privilege to partner in ministry with the pastors, staff, leaders and congregation of First Reformed. His desire is that as First Reformed Church experiences a life of transparent dependence upon our sovereign God through prayer, God will bring glory to His name as we make disciples, starting in Sioux County, and reaching to the ends of the earth. e-mail Pastor Ned

Pastor Perry De Groot Shepherding Pastor Pastor Perry De Groot joined our church staff in May of 2006 as the Shepherding Pastor. His responsibilities include shepherding the congregational members, Consistory leaders and staff; coordinating visitations of members in need of Christian support; providing compassionate, skilled, spiritual counseling; developing and implementing leadership training programs; and preaching two-four services per month. Pastor Perry grew up on a farm near Doon, Iowa. He graduated from Central Lyon and then from NWC with a B.A. in history. It was at NWC where he met his wife Joyce, and they were married during their senior year. Pastor Perry completed his M.Div. from Western Seminary in Holland, MI, and in June, 2005 completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. After graduation from seminary, the De Groots moved to Erie, IL and served the Newton Zion Reformed Church for five years. From there they lived in the northern unincorporated suburbs of Des Moines (Saydel), where they served Bethany Reformed for almost seven years. They served in Spencer, Iowa at Hope Church for about 17 years before joining our staff here at First Reformed. The De Groots have four daughters, three son-in-laws, and three granddaughters. A biblical, Christ-centered vision is an image or picture of what the Lord desires for the future. Pastor Perry is committed to working together with the entire staff and Consistory at FRC to see the Lord's will, ways and purposes regarding His vision for the congregation with the MOC/FV communities. Secondly, he is committed to the task and responsibilities of working with the Elders, Shepherding Team and Stephen's Ministers to provide congregational care on multiple levels regarding the needs of individuals, couples and families of all ages. Finally, Pastor Perry's vision includes FRC taking the lead in a cooperative venture with other congregations to provide care in a variety of ways for the college students that come into the community each year. e-mail Pastor Perry

Mr. Tom Hydeen Director of Worship and Prayer Tom has been working with the people of First Church since 1982. He is presently the Director of Christian Education and Music. He is active in recruiting and supporting volunteers who use their skills in the areas of teaching, leading and music. Tom earned a Bachelor of Music from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, and a Bachelor of Religious Education from Reformed Bible College in Grand Rapids, MI. He completed the study required for a Master of Arts in Christian Education from North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD, and has been certified as an Associate in Ministry in the Reformed Church in America by East Sioux Classis of the RCA. He is presently a member of CERCA, Christian Educators in the Reformed Church in America. The Christian education ministry at First Church is very strong. There is an intentional commitment to Biblical and Reformed teaching for children, youth and adults. New efforts are being made to connect home and church in the adventure of nurturing God's people. It is our goal to provide a groundwork whereon students of all ages may build their understanding and love for God and His Word. The music ministry is an integral component of First Church's life. There are several opporutnities for interested persons to use their music skills. There are worship teams, choirs and ensembles which are used consistently throughout the year. e-mail Tom

Mr. Kendall Stanislav Youth Director Kendall joined the staff of First Reformed Church in the Fall of 2005. Kendall is in charge of the Jr. High (J.A.M.) and Sr. High (S.U.R.F.) youth groups, as well as coordinating the Sunday morning education of the youth. Kendall is excited about the ministry position that he has here at First Reformed. He enjoys being able to build relationships and friendships with the youth as he teaches and leads them. Working with the youth sponsors is another highlight of Kendall's ministry, the sponsors bring a lot of knowledge, passion and energy to his ministry. Kendall is a Northwestern College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He graduated in May of 2005. e-mail Kendall

Mr. Galen Kleinwolterink Custodian Galen has been working at First Reformed since January of 1977. His responsibilities include the cleaning and maintenance of both the building and outside grounds. He is also in charge of the sound; along with a group of volunteers, they broadcast our morning and evening worship services over the radio as well as the delayed video on cable television.

Aletha Beeson Director of Children's Ministries (Sundays) Aletha began working with Children’s Ministries at First Reformed Church in October of 2005. Her responsibilities are focused on Sunday School and include being the curriculum coordinator, recruiting and supporting teachers and leaders, helping the other Christian Education staff coordinate the Christmas program, and organizing the summer Sunday program. Aletha graduated from Northwestern College with degrees in Elementary and Christian Education. Her experience has been as a teacher in a kindergarten classroom and as a tutor for many lower elementary-aged students before coming to Orange City. She also has been involved in many mission projects with high school and college-aged students and served as an assistant manager at a Christian bookstore. Aletha looks forward to working with Chris and Sherry Lang and Tom Hydeen to provide many opportunities for growth in Christian Education among the adults and children at First Reformed.

Chris and Sherry Lang Directors of Children's Ministries (Mid-Week) Chris and Sherry have been working with the Children’s Ministries at First Church since 2003. As of October 2005 they have specifically been serving in the Mid-Week programs of Catechism and Kids For Christ. Their responsibilities include selecting curriculum, recruiting and supporting volunteers, and writing the curriculum for KFC as well as organizing and leading the meetings during March, April, and May. Chris and Sherry both have their Education Degrees (Chris from Cal State, San Bernadino and Sherry from Northwestern College in Orange City). They each have several years of teaching experience and have worked with youth and children at First since they moved back to Iowa in 1998. Chris and Sherry work closely with Aletha Beeson and Tom Hydeen to ensure that the Christian Education Ministries at First are strong and encourage the children to grow in their understanding and love for God and His Word.