Quintin Stieff, Lead Pastor What exactly do you do at Valley? I serve as the Lead Pastor. My main roles are teaching God's Word, sharing vision, developing staff and leaders and connecting both with Valley attenders and the community. How long have you been at Valley?  Started here in 1990, so I'm going on 20 years! What's something you love about Des Moines?  I truly love Des Moines. This city has been such a great place to raise our family. But for a random list of things I love: Iowa Cubs and Principal Park. Increasing diversity of ethnicity, nationalities and backgrounds. Iowa State Fair - especially the food! No rush hour and friendly folks. Family?  I've been married for 27 years to my beautiful bride, Ruth. God's blessed us with three great kids, Angela, Maria and Isaac. What's one of your goals for this year?  It was to qualify for the US Winter Olympic curling team. Unfortunately, I did not make the cut.

 

John Glad, Senior Associate Pastor When did you join the Valley team?  In 1993, so 16 years ago! What's the best part of your job?  Building effective teams and helping staff find their "sweet spot" where God wants them to serve. What's something you love about Des Moines?  Seasons. Seriously, I love the extreme blizzards and hot humidity. I also love the people, the culture of the Midwest, and the general all around balanced atmosphere for raising a family. Family?  My wife Carol and I have been married 23 years. We have three kids, Anders (11), Audrey (10), Ethan (8)

 

Josh Denhart, Director of Children's Ministry What's your role at Valley?  I serve as the Director of Children's Ministry and Junior High Ministry.  When did you join the Valley team? I've been on staff for four years, but my wife and I actually first came to Valley 10 years ago.  I had the opportunity to volunteer in a number of ministries including Life Groups, worship team, High School Ministry and Children's Ministry before ending up where I am now. What's the best part about your job? Being able to teach the Bible in fun, creative and memorable ways. Prior to working at Valley Church, I worked at Valley High School as a chemistry teacher. Now, it is such a joy to apply the years of training and experience (a Bachelor's, Master's and National Board Certification in various aspects of education) in a context as beautiful as the Bible and local church.  What was your first job? When I was 14, I worked as a telemarketer selling Time Magazines. Interestingly enough, for a 14 year old kid, I was very, very successful at selling Time magazines. Family? Sarah and I have been married 10 years. We have four children: Hannah (6), Caleb (5), Moriah (2), Andrew (1 month). Blog? Yes! I blog about my traveling chemistry production, The Amazing Chemistry Show.

Linton Lundeen, Pastor of Care and Counseling What roles do you play at Valley?  My title is Pastor of Care and Counseling. I am an Elder, Team Leader, Counselor and I give oversight to our caregiving ministries. When were you first introduced to Valley?  In 1992, I started as Valley's first Associate Pastor. I think I got the position because my name rhymed with the Senior Pastor. Since then, I transitioned into my current role because of my passion for counseling. What do you love about Des Moines?  I love that it is a relatively large city with a small town feel. When our family moved to Des Moines, I thought I'd landed in Mayberry. Des Moines seemed so friendly and down-to-earth. When you're not working, what are you doing?  Driving my wife crazy by perpetually shopping used car lots. Most people cannot stand shopping for a car. I enjoy car shopping for others. Family?  I met and married my wife Kristie in college. We have two daughters. Both are freshmen - Kaitlin is a freshman at UNI while Hannah is a freshman in high school. What's one of your goals for this year? I make the same goal for every year - to be a man of integrity and purity, never tarnishing the name of Christ.

 

Kevin David, Director of Worship and Music Ministry What do you do for Valley? I oversee the worship services in our three venues, Celebration, Traditions and Roots. I also oversee the communication pieces at the church including the website, enewsletter and videos. Favorite part of your job?  Working with incredibly humble and talented people every week. What do you love about Des Moines? I love the schools, the lack of traffic, the variety of seasons and that it's close to Missouri (home to my family and the Mizzou Tigers). Best advice you've ever received?  Pray for wisdom. Also, it is better to have a plan from which to depart than no plan from which to start. Family?  My wife Julie and I have three daughters - Holly, Natalie and Mallory. Blog or twitter? Yes, you can find me on twitter.

Bryan Host, Pastor of Life Transformation What do you do for Valley? It is my job to oversee and lead our Life Groups - Valley's primary means of discipling adults. Our 18 different Life Groups are generally oriented around phase of life. No matter how big Valley gets, if you are in a Life Group, you will always be in a small church. How long have you been at Valley? My family started attending Valley in 2007. We were looking to get involved in a new ministry and by 2008, I joined the Valley team as the Pastor of Life Transformation. What's been the biggest surprise in ministry? I have really enjoyed living and ministering in an atmosphere of grace at Valley Church. I guess you could say I have been surprised by grace. Family? My wife Julie and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for 20 years. We have two girls. When you're not working, what are you doing? I like to read, run, walk and ride bikes. I spend a great deal of time with my wife and kids (outside in the summer, Wii in the winter). I'm also writing a novel. Goal for the year?  To win a pie eating contest (preferably blueberry).

Dan Wentworth, Pastor of Outreach What does a Pastor of Outreach do exactly? I oversee international and local missions (and everything in between). As a Team Leader, I oversee High School Ministry, College Ministry, Young Singles Ministry and Sports Outreach. I preach and teach when they need me to. And I answer and write A LOT of emails. When did you join Valley's team? 2004 Best part of your job? Without question, it is the joy of seeing someone cross the line of salvation by surrendering their life to Christ and committing to worship and serve him forever. Most interesting place you've visited? Has to be India. Beautiful, bizarre, baffling, bustling... Family? Ruth and I will soon celebrate our 27th anniversary and are still hopelessly in love. We have two sons, Brian (21) and Travis (17). Our oldest, Brian, will soon be getting married. We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to our family! We are more blessed than we deserve.

 

Julie Carr, Ministry Advance Director What do you do for Valley? I'm the Ministry Advance Director. How long have you been at Valley? It's been 7 years. What do you love about Des Moines? The Downtown Farmers Market What's the most interesting place you've visited? Honduras. I felt really connected to the people there and I loved reaching out and helping. When you're not working, what are you dong? Riding my motorcycle!!! Family? My husband Jeff and I have 3 daughters and 4 grandkids.

Debi Lydic, Director of Women's Ministry How did you end up at Valley? My husband and I moved to Des Moines 4 years ago. We visited Valley and sensed God's presence in a very real way through the worship, the teaching and the many warm welcomes. It didn't take long for us to realize that Valley Church was part of God's plan for us. I got involved in Women's Ministry Bible studies and later joined the staff as the Director of Women's Ministry in 2007. What do you love about Des Moines? I love the people of Des Moines. They are some of the friendliest and most genuine people in the country. I also LOVE the sweet corn. Yum! Family? I've been married to Gary Lydic, the most wonderful man in the world, for almost 33 years. We have two adult sons, Trevor and Brent. My mother, Lavodis, also shares the Lydic home! First job? I worked as a tour guide in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. It was fun having Mickey Mouse for my boss!

 

Jon Kalvig What's your role at Valley? I oversee the High School Ministry. I work with families and volunteers to disciple 9th-12th grade students. We know that discipleship happens through relationships.  Read more about the ways we build these relationships (including Underground, Pledge small groups and Full House). How did you get involved? I was a summer intern in 2002, loved it and came back to join staff in 2006. What do you love about Des Moines? Personally, I love that I've lived on all four corners of the city.  I also love that you can drive to anywhere in fifteen minutes. Best advice you've ever received? If you're ever on fire - Stop. Drop. And Roll. Fortunately, I haven't had to act on this advice. Family? Me, my wife Kelly and my son Judah. Goal for the year? To qualify for the Boston Marathon.

 

Tony Stec What do you do for Valley? I get to serve as the College and Young Adults Ministry leader.  How long have you been a part of the Valley team? Started in 2008. Best part of your job? Being able to serve and love people alongside so many wonderful people. When you're not working, what are you doing? Reading, graphic design, gardening and spending time with family. I also love economics and following financial markets. What's one of your goals for this year? Start riding my bike to work. Family?  I've been married to Annie for 2+ years. Our daughter Sienna is 18 months old and Baby #2 is on the way!