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.
Rich Cranor
Technical Arts Team Lead
Kelsey Schlumbohm
Children's Ministry Director
Hi, I'm Kelsey, the Kids Ministry Director at LifeHouse Community Church. I'm married to Nick, and we have two wonderful young children. I have a deep passion for serving kids and helping them grow in their faith. Building relationships and discipling others is at the heart of everything I do. I love creating a welcoming and impactful environment where every child can thrive and learn about the love of Jesus. I'm excited to be a part of their spiritual journey and to see them grow in their relationship with God.
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!
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.
Bob Hansel
Elder & Board Member
Hello, I’m Bob. I live in Urbandale with my wife Rebekka and our two precious daughters. Our family has been faithfully attending Lifehouse since 2012, and I currently serve on the church board and we lead a small group in our home. Our hearts are to serve the local church as we reach out to share the love of Jesus with our community. So, when you visit feel free stop me and let me know if you have any questions. I’d appreciate the opportunity to meet you.
Taylor Buckley
Chief Gatekeeper
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.
Darlys Purdy
Cafe Manager
Hi, my name is Darlys. I live in Des Moines. I have been calling Lifehouse home for many years now. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, taking walks, and listening to audiobooks.
Tori VanderPloeg
Office Admin | Social Media Coordinator
Hi, My name is Tori. I married my high school sweet heart Alex, in 2017 and we now have two beautiful children. 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 can't wait to meet you!
In Loving Memory of John Weber
Men's Ministry Director | Elder & Board Member
John Weber faithfully served Lifehouse Community Church for over 25 years. Alongside his wife Mona, John became part of the Lifehouse family in 1998 and left an indelible mark on our church community. Throughout the years, John helped lead Life Groups, offered spiritual care through prayer ministry, and served as both an Elder and Board Member. His leadership was marked by humility, integrity, and a deep love for the Lord.
John had a heart for men’s ministry and was passionate about encouraging others to pursue God’s Word and walk in the power of the Spirit. His desire was always to help others grow deeper in faith, and he lived that out through mentorship, teaching, and service.
He also found great joy in life—traveling with Mona, casting a line with friends, cheering on the Hawkeyes, and sharing laughter with those around him. John was more than a leader; he was a brother, a shepherd, and a friend to many.
Though his passing was sudden, his legacy of faith, encouragement, and joyful service will continue to bless our church for generations to come.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
