Jim was born and raised in Ohio. He has a college degree in vocal music and graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree from Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University. He has served churches in Fort Worth and Stephenville, Texas and Stillwater, Oklahoma, before coming to Wakonda in January of 1986. Jim and his wife Janice have been married 35 years and have three adult sons, Jamie, John, and Joshua. They are also proud grandparents of two little boys, Mason and Aidan. Jim loves all kinds of music and is a sports fan and continues to enjoy golf.

After 24 years at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, Gene’s career path changed and led him to pursue ministry. His family includes his wife, Lisa, and four children – two of them adults: Matt and Bryan; and two at home: Ashley and Andre. Gene’s excited and energized to lead families, adults and youth in learning and understanding the Bible, and seeing their faith and relationship with Jesus strengthened.

When Lisa joined the Wakonda staff, she'd just completed her 22nd year of teaching Vocal Music, with the last 10 of those years being shared with the Ankeny Community School District. Her passion for God, Music and Youth Ministry are what led Lisa to Wakonda. Wakonda's commitment and support in both these areas allows for even greater outreach for those who seek Him. This church is blessed, and Lisa is most excited to share her gifts with such a loving family. A graduate of Luther College, Decorah, IA, she has a B.A. degree in Music Education and Organ Performance. Her family includes her husband, Gene, and four children: Matt, Bryan, Ashley and André.

Larry was born in Pleasantville, Iowa where he still lives and is a graduate of Pleasantville High School, Drake University and Northern Colorado University. He was an instrumental music director for fifteen years, worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in Des Moines for ten years as a personnel administrator and has been director of the Webb Shadle Library in Pleasantville for over twenty years. Larry has been at Wakonda since 1969. For twenty years he was also Director of Music at Wakonda (part time). Other interests include coin collecting, gardening, and traveling, especially to sites of ancient civilizations.

Kris was born in Waterloo and grew up in Baudette, MN. She moved to Des Moines and the south-side in 1980 and graduated from Lincoln High School. Kris is married to Tim Fitzgerald and they have two children, Megan and Ryan. They also have three "furkids," as Kris calls them ...West Highland White Terriers ...Maggie, Jake and Mickey. Because of her love for furry-creatures, she is a volunteer with animal rescue organizations. Tim and Kris are members of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines and Tim sings in the Chancel Choir and with Des Moines Vocal Arts.

Jim joined Wakonda in 1974. He retired from Merrill Lynch after 32 years. He has been church treasurer from 1984-87 and then again in 1995. He became business administrator in 1996. He has three adult boys.

Randy was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois where he graduated from Rock Island High School. He later attended United Electronics Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa. Today, he is co-owner of Midwest Cinema Service which specializes in the distribution and maintenance of motion picture equipment. Randy has over 30 years of experience in the theatre business. Randy and his wife Susan have four daughters: Erin, Brittany, Melissa, and Tabitha.