Staff
Ministry Staff
Pastor Tom was originally a Viking at Wyoming Park High School. He then took on the prestigious role of a Flying Dutchman, graduating from Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry. Hired at First Church following graduation, he then went on to get his M.Div. at Western Theological Seminary and an M.A. in counseling from WMU while developing ministries at FRCZ. He has served First Church since 1988 and is married to Michelle. Together they enjoy their three children Molly, Camden and Mallory. Pastor Tom is most excited about serving at First Church because he sees it as a supportive spiritual family where everyone is valued and appreciated. The ministry structures are set up to assist people of all ages in growing to their full, God-given potential. When he's not serving in these capacities, Pastor Tom enjoys running, swimming, camping, singing and planning social gatherings!
Chris grew up on the prairies of rural Saskatchewan, CANADA. A small town farmboy through and through, he left the farm after High School to head to college. After receiving his degree in Religion & Theology in 2003, he began splitting time between working and serving at a number of different Christian summer camps. In 2005, Chris left his job and ventured down to South Africa to participate in a Discipleship Training School through the mission organization YWAM. It was also during this time in South Africa that he met his future wife, Lindsay, an American girl from Zeeland, MI. It took some time, but Chris eventually followed Lindsay down into the States. He began serving at FRCZ in 2007 as the Director of Middle School Ministries and graduated from Western Theological Seminary with his M.Div. in 2009. He is excited to serve in a faith community where people call each other to true discipleship and genuinely desire to model their lives after Christ. Chris lives in Holland with his wife, Lindsay, and their little dog, Josie. He loves youth and camp ministry, reading, writing, hockey, donuts, CFL football, and most other stereotypical Canadian things.
Joe is originally from Midland, MI and is a graduate of Midland High School. After High School he attended Calvin College where he received a degree in Religion and Communication. While at Calvin he became very involved with the ministry of Young Life and through that experience felt the call to ministry. Upon graduation, Joe took a full time position with Young Life in the Holland Area. In this position he began work on a Master's degree at Western Theological Seminary, which he is still currently working on. Through these ministry experiences Joe has developed a deep passion for the discipleship and mentoring of adolescents. He began serving at First in June of 2010. When he is not working in the world of Discipleship Directing, Joe enjoys time with his wife Tiffany, their son Baxter, and dog Roxy. In his free time he loves surfing on Lake Michigan and being at the beach or near the water.
Jon grew up in Saginaw MI, and has lived in the Grand Rapids/Zeeland area for about 10 years. He attended GVSU and got his BS in Film and Video. During his time at GVSU, Jon became quite involved in the Grand Valley Campus Ministries, particularly in the area of music and worship. Following his time at Grand Valley, Jon began serving at Orchard Hill Reformed as a Worship Director for 2 years. He joined the staff at First Church in January, 2008. Jon is most excited to serve at First because he sees it as an opportunity to follow God's calling and to see people realize their potential gifts in music and arts.
Jon and his wife, Mandy, recently bought a home in Zeeland and live there with their daughters Lucy, and Molly, and a small menagerie of animals. When not involved with the ministries at FRCZ, Jon devotes much of his time to the areas of music, photography, video, movies, and books.
Jody grew up in Zeeland and attended GVSU with a background in Education, English and Math. Before becoming Director of Children's Ministries at First, Jody spent 12 years working in a Christian bookstore working with Pastor's, Children's Directors and Worship Leaders. In those 12 years she saw God move in many ways through the community and in the lives of the church. Jody joined the FRCZ staff in October of 2007 and enjoys working with the children of First, watching them grow in their faith as young disciples of Christ. Jody and her husband, David, live in Zeeland with their 4 children Hannah, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Isaiah. When Jody is not involved in ministry opportunities at First, she enjoys spending time reading, being creative and enjoying the outdoors.
Roger Keinheksel
Church Administrator
Roger was raised in the Holland area, a son of the Overisel Reformed Church. He graduated from Hope College (’60), Western Theological Seminary (’63) and Fuller Theological Seminary and completed his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1980. He has served churches in Rockwood, MI; Sacramento, CA; Hudsonville, MI; and Manorville, Long Island, NY. Much of his ministry was with new church starts. He and his wife, Virginia, live in Holland and enjoy their three children, three children-in-laws, and nine grandchildren. Roger began his work as Church Administrator at First Church in March, 2002. He enjoys his work at First because it is a great way “to use my spiritual gifts, even in retirement. The staff is terrific to work with. We really enjoy participating and serving Christ with this active, Spirit-filled congregation!”
Above is our Ministry staff, but there are many others that work behind the scenes as vital support to the ministries of FRCZ as well!