Ryan is our Lead Pastor. He spent his first four years as our youth pastor; transitioned into our Pastor of Congregational Life in June of 2006; and now into his current role in July 2009. His responsibilities include overseeing the worship, as well as providing leadership for the overall church.

Ryan brings vision to FRC, as well as a passion to see people serving within the church as God intends them to!

Ryan was born and raised in Whatcom County, and he enjoys the privilege of doing ministry within his home community. He graduated from Trinity Western University and completed his MDiv (Masters of Divinity) degree at ACTS Seminary.

To contact this staff member, send your email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.14.

Arvin is our Director of Older Adult Ministries. He spends the majority of his time visiting with the chronologically gifted of our congregation, as well as overseeing monthly events for those he ministers to.

Pastor Arvin joined our staff in April of 2009. He comes to us with a Masters of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. Pastor Arvin was ordained a minister in the RCA, in 1956, and pastored four churches in: Luverne, MN; Chino, CA; Grand Rapids, MI; and Oak Harbor, WA. In 1990 he retired from the active ministry because of a serious heart condition.

In addition to his ministry here at FRC, Pastor Arvin serves a part-time ministry position with the RCA, as Senior Pastor of Visitation for the Board of Benefit Services – covering a large geographical area. Pastor Arvin continues to joyfully serve Christ in various ways as He leads. We are blessed by Pastor Arvin’s encouragement and ministry in our midst!

To contact this staff member, send your email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.10.

Daniel is our Director of Sr. High Ministries. He can usually be found in the local coffee shop with students or walking the halls at the local schools.

Daniel has a passion to see students grow in their relationship with Christ. He oversees our High School group (56eleven) as well as ministry with our Post-High (CORE). Daniel has been a part of ministry here at First Reformed since 2004. He is a highly relational, energetic leader, that First Reformed is blessed to have on staff.

To contact this staff member, send your email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.15.

Irene serves as our Administrator. She oversees the daily operations of the office. She maintains the master calendar and schedules for the church campus.

Irene is also responsible for hosting training events and teaching seminars that take place on campus. She also serves on our Ministry Support Team, assisting them in providing vision and leadership to First Reformed. Irene works with all the ministry leaders, assisting them in whatever needs they may have.

Irene is passionate about using her gifts and abilities to assist and empower the staff and members of First Reformed in their ministry areas.

To contact this staff member, send your email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.11.

Jeff has been our Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship for the past five years. He works full time as an English teacher at Lynden Christian High School, as well as being part time here at FRC.

Pastor Jeff received his seminary training from Fuller Theological Seminary, and spent seven years as the senior pastor of Hope Community Church in Lynnwood, WA.

Jeff has a passion for relationships and outreach. He believes that people make the church, and he loves spending time with them. Pastor Jeff concentrates on teaching weekly Bible studies, as well as spearheading our college and career ministry, here at FRC. Jeff is a vital part of our staff and we are grateful for his ministry!

To contact this staff member, send your email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.10.

Melissa has been a part of our staff for over two years now, serving as our front desk office assistant. She is often the first voice you’ll hear when calling FRC.

Melissa is responsible for assisting the office staff in their ministry areas with phone calls, database entry, emails, and other daily office activities. Melissa has been a part of First Reformed Church since birth, and is very gifted relationally and organizationally, making this position a great fit for who she is!

To contact this staff member, send your email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.10.

Sandy is our Director of Children’s Ministries. She is responsible for all of FRC's children’s ministries, from nursery through the fifth grade.

Sandy works with a great team of volunteers who help her on a weekly basis, ministering to these children.

We have been blessed to have Sandy as a part of the team here for the past twelve years! She is passionate about encouraging both the children, as well as the volunteers, to get to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him.

To contact this staff member, send your email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.16.

Daniel is our Pastoral Intern. He is a Trinity Western University graduate, and is fully TESL certified through Western Washington University.

Daniel assists in three primary ministry areas here at FRC: prayer, small groups, and worship. Another of his primary responsibilities is working with our weekly ESL program, planning lessons and working in partnership with the Whatcom Literacy Council. Daniel is a resource staff person to all of our small groups, providing them with resources and ensuring that groups have all they need to do ministry together. He is also one of our worship leaders at FRC, and assists in leading weekend worship.

Daniel has a tremendous heart for people, and brings gifts of wisdom, discernment, and teaching to First Reformed.

To contact this staff member, send your email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.12.

Michelle is our Kids Caboose Preschool Director. She has officially been on our staff for the past four years, but she has been ministering to the children of our congregation for much longer!

Michelle received her training from Whatcom Community College, in the area of Early Childhood Education. Prior to directing our preschool program, Michelle was involved with another preschool here in Lynden. She currently oversees a competent staff of teachers, as well as developing and overseeing our Kids Caboose Preschool program.

Michelle is passionate about teaching little ones about God’s love for them! She is a wonderful blessing to all the people she works with!

To contact this staff member, send your email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.20.

Ryan Spoelstra oversees our Junior High group (called JAM). He has been a part of our youth ministry the past three years, working as our youth intern this past year. Ryan has been continually growing in both his leadership and passion for student ministry.

Currently, Ryan is also attending Moody Bible College online, and is working toward a degree in youth ministry.

Ryan is passionate about seeing students transformed by the Gospel, and loves simply spending time with students and encouraging them to experience the fullness of what Christ has for them!

To contact this staff member, send your email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 360.354.4221 ext.15.