Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Brian Stanley

Senior Pastor

Hi, my name is Brian. My wife (Dawn) and I have been serving as pastors to this wonderful group of people since 2009. I have a passion to bring hope to the hopeless and introduce them to the One who can give them new life. One of my greatest joys is serving with my family side-by-side in the ministry.  I love the outdoors and an ideal day for me is to be camping, fishing, or hiking.  I'm also a big Science Fiction buff (especially film) and may make more geeky movie references in my sermons than any other pastor in town - but, I'm not sure that's anything to boast about :) I'm glad you dropped by our website. I hope you'll stop by this Sunday and check us out. 

Dawn Stanley

Student Ministries Director | Young Adult Ministries Director

My name is Dawn. My husband (Brian) and I live in Johnston and have 2 gorgeous, grown and godly adult daughters. It's been a privilege to serve this church with my family. I have specifically been leading the youth ministry at Lifehouse since 2010 and love every minute of it. One of my greatest desires is to see young people live a life that honors God and changes the world around them (1 Timothy 4:12). I hate to say it, but I'm a typical girly girl.... I LOVE shopping, mani's & pedi's, eating out, and chatting it up with my friends.

Allison Orgeron

Worship Director

My name is Allison, and my husband Jeremy and I are Louisiana natives. We are thrilled to be moving forward in the work God has in store for us in the great city of Des Moines. We love to be outdoors, whether kayaking, hiking, biking, or playing games. We also love hosting weekend game nights with friends. We are most looking forward to being part of a church with a tremendous growth mindset and helping facilitate that in whatever way we can. 

Kelsey  Schlumbohm

Children's Ministry Director

Keren Terry

Global Mission Director

Hi, my name is Keren. My husband and I live in Clive with our two children. I was born in Honduras and have been personally involved with Global missions from an early age. I continue to have a passion for missions and have been a part of over 25 mission trips, from being a team member to being a team leader. Please reach out to me for any questions or interest you might have in global missions! 

John Weber

Men's Ministry Director | Elder & Board Member

Hi, my name is John Weber. My wife Mona and I have been a part of the Lifehouse Church family since 1998. During that time, together we've led a handful of Life Groups, been involved in prayer ministry, and I’ve had the great privilege of being able to serve our church in leadership roles. One of my spiritual desires is to encourage men to develop a passion for the Word of God and move deeper into the things of the Spirit. With His help this is possible. I enjoy traveling with Mona, spending time with family and friends, fishing, playing some golf, Hawkeye football, and just goofing off.

Rebekka Hansel

Women's Ministry Director

Hi, my name is Rebekka and I live in Urbandale with my husband and our two daughters. We have been attending Lifehouse since 2012, and it's truly our joy to serve in our local church. I serve as a leader for our church women's group, Women of Valor. It's my heart to help equip and encourage women to walk in their calling and to live victorious lives in Christ. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes". (Ephesians 6:10-11)

Cathy Tesar

Prayer Director

My name is Cathy and I live in Urbandale with my husband and our two beautiful daughters. We came to Lifehouse in 2011. God has changed my prayer life greatly since we’ve been at Lifehouse and has really stirred my heart in the area of prayer. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and writing. 

Brian Elsbecker

Elder & Board Member

My name is Brian and live in Clive with my wife Linda. We have been married for 32 years, have two grown boys and 4 grandchildren. We moved to Clive in 2015 and searched for a church immediately. We had visited many churches in the Des Moines area, but we are glad to call Lifehouse our home. I enjoy serving at Lifehouse and believe in our Core Values; Know, Grow, Live and Give. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, home remodeling, fishing and tinkering in the garage.

Dallas McDermott

Elder & Board Member

Dallas and his wife, Lois , faithfully serve as our Married for Life Group Leaders. Dallas joined our Elder team in 2022. 

Tim Ganske

Elder & Board Member | LifeGroups Coach 

Hi, my name is Tim. My wife and I have 3 grown children and live in Clive. I have been at Lifehouse since its start. Though I am involved in many ways at Lifehouse, I am most passionate about the importance of LifeGroups. I have been involved in small groups for over 30 years and believe it is essential for the spiritual growth and health of the Christ-follower. LifeGroups are an amazing way to build personal relationships and church community. When I have a little free time, I enjoy golf, hunting, and Hawkeye football. 

Linda Elsbecker

Secretary Treasurer & Board Member

My name is Linda and I live in Clive, Iowa with my husband Brian. We have 2 sons who are married and given us the joy of being MiMi and Papa to 4 grandsons. We have been at Lifehouse since 2015. I serve as Secretary and Treasurer on the church board. We love Lifehouse! We love that it is a Bible believing, Bible teaching church! We also attend a small group and are able to volunteer in various places. We hope you come and visit Lifehouse, and see where God is leading you!

Mary Ganske

Office Manager

Hi, my name is Mary. I reside in Clive with my husband, Tim. We have 3 grown children and are thoroughly enjoying our role as grandparents. I am an avid reader, a Hawkeye fan, enjoy all types of music, love to cook, and recently have added gardening to my hobbies. My family has been at Lifehouse from its beginning. I have served as an office manager since 2002. I appreciate how this role allows me to not only provide support for other staff, but to also help people who come through our doors learn about our amazing church community.

Rachel Williams

Volunteer Coordinator

Hi, my name is Rachel. My husband Jerard and I live in Urbandale. We have been calling Lifehouse our church home since 2011. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, and baking/cooking.

Tori VanderPloeg

Office Admin | Social Media Coordinator 

Hi, My name is Tori. I married my high school sweet heart Alex, in 2017 and we welcomed our first child, Asher, in March 2019 and our daughter, Esther, in October 2021. I have a heart to serve and do whatever God has called me to in every season of life. I have grown up at Lifehouse and couldn't imagine my life without my wonderful church family. I love to worship, read, hang with my kids, and be creative!