Meet our Staff

First Church has a passionate, enthusiastic staff that seeks to build God's kingdom.

  • Randy Buursma

    senior pastor

    Before beginning his pastorate at First in 2011, Randy was a teacher at both the elementary and collegiate level. He enjoys spending time with family, especially his grandchild! And rumor has it he brews a mean IPA. 

  • aDAM rODEHeAVER-VAN gELDER

    PASTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND YOUTH MINISTRIES

    Adam joined our staff recently, and we are excited about his gifts in youth ministry, discipleship, and vision. Adam and his wife, Laura, served as chaplains at the LCC International University in Lithuania for the past four years. They have two young daughters.

  • Kathy Oostindie

    Church Administrator

    Kathy provides support for virtually every aspect of church. She oversees the calendar and  schedules for church programs, while providing administrative support for staff members. Fun fact: She is an avid Packers fan.


  • Rachel Witte

    Administrator/Bookkeeper

    Rachel serves the church in two important capacities. She keeps track of the financial bookkeeping details for the church and creates the Sunday bulletin each week. 

  • Lois Boerman

    Prayer Coordinator

    Lois facilitates daily prayer meetings at church and coordinates special prayer events for the congregation.

  • Angie Leedy

    Kids Hope USA Director

    Kids Hope USA matches one church with one school, one student with one adult, for one hour each week. Angie coordinates Kids Hope volunteers for our church.

  • Julia Start-Fletcher

    Worship coordinator

    Julia serves as our worship coordinator, which means she plans worship with Pastor Randy, coordinates the praise team and instrumentalists, and helps to shape the vision of worship at First.

  • Jacob LApre

    seminary Intern

    Jacob serves as our Calvin Theological Seminary intern. His main work  focuses on our youth group. Jacob comes to us from Southern California and plans on being a naval chaplain once he completes his studies. 

  • DAVE lEIBSON


    pROPERTY MANAGER

    Dave began serving in the role of Property Manager in December 2019. He oversees the maintenance and care of First Church, Harambee House, and the Bates Place Neighbors building.  When Dave is not at church, you might find him taking a run or spending time with one of his four grandchildren.