Meet Our Staff

PASTOR RICH STEENSMA

Senior Pastor

Pastor Rich was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.  He and his wife, Kate have three daughters, Emily (Chris), Sarah and Anna.  They also have an amazing granddaughter, Ellie. He has served the church since 1990 as a Teacher, Music Director, Principal and Pastor, and he was installed as the new Senior Pastor for Faith on Sunday, November 19, 2023.  

Pastor Rich is an avid fan of the Michigan Wolverines (Go Blue!) as well as the Detroit Tigers.  As a resident of Missouri for over a decade, he has learned to love the Mizzou Tigers and Kansas City Royals. His favorite passage of Scripture is Psalm 121:1-2 - “I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” (NIV)

Please click the button below to contact Pastor Rich by email. He would love to connect with you!

CARRIE HINRICHS

Director of Christian Education

Carrie Hinrichs graduated from the Director of Christian Education Program at Concordia University Irvine. Carrie is from Kansas City, Missouri, where she lived with her parents, Kurt and Alice, and grew up going to Lutheran schools with her sister and brother, Bekah and Christian.  In addition to her parents and siblings, Carrie’s family also includes one brother-in-law, Carter, and orange tabby cat named Jasper. 

Carrie seeks to serve, inspire, instruct, and strengthen relationships in ways that best use her skills and talents, always pointing to God's Word and creation. Drawing from her experiences in nature, creativity, and personal trials, she will connect with the youth she leads and trust God will guide her ministry and the youth of tomorrow. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 126:5 - "Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!"

DONNA SCHEPERS

Administrative Assistant

Donna was born and raised in Jefferson City.  She worked many years for the State of Missouri. Most of that experience was in Human Resources working for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education/Vocational Rehabilitation.    

Donna and her husband Ed have three children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves football, especially the Kansas City Chiefs. She enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling every chance she gets. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. ​

JODI BATES

Parish Nurse

​As parish nurse, Jodi promotes the health and well-being of our Faith members. A native of Jefferson City, she earned an associate degree in nursing from Lincoln University and a BSN from the University of Missouri at Columbia, where she worked as a pediatric nurse until becoming a stay-at-home mom. The parish nurse office hours of 8:00 a.m. - noon Tuesday - Thursday balance Jodi’s desire to be of service to the congregation with the needs of her family.
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Jodi and her husband Brad have two children. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, activities with her children, nature and physical fitness. Her favorite Bible passage is Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

WILL OTTEN

Music Director

As Music Director, Will is passionate about using music to inspire, uplift, and bring people together. With extensive experience in directing choirs, leading congregational worship, and arranging musical selections, he strives to create meaningful and enriching musical experiences. Whether behind the piano, organ, or working with vocalists and instrumentalists, his goal is to use the power of music to deepen faith and create a sense of unity.

 Will is a graduate of Calvary Lutheran High School and State Technical College of Missouri, where he obtained an Associates of Applied Science degree in business administration, marketing and accounting. Will also serves as a licensed funeral director at Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City and enjoys traveling with his family and friends and spending time on the farm. His favorite Bible verse is John 1:1 - In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the Word was God.