Church Leadership

 Senior Pastor...Daniel J Berger
 A native of Indiana, Dan came to First Church in June of 2007.  He is married to Kelly, a Special Education teacher at Dayton Elementary School.  They have two children, Brandon, who is in the U. S. Army, and Jessica, who is in college in South Bend.  They enjoy their three grand-daughters, traveling and sailing.  After receiving his undergraduate degree in Illinois, Dan received his Master of Theology (ThM) degree from Boston University School of Theology.  He did further study at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. 
 
Pastors of Spiritual Formation...Lana & Glen Robyne
Rev. Glen Robyne and Rev. Lana Robyne, grew up in central Illinois.  They came to serve the Wesley Foundation on the campus of Purdue University, in 2002.  They joined the First Church Staff  July 1, 2006.  They have two children, Isaiah and Ella, and have a special place in their hearts for the people of Africa.   Glen received a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and a Masters of Christian Education (MCE) from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.  Lana received her Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Theological Studies (MTS) from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.
 
Administrative Assistant...Rhonda Todd
Rhonda Todd joined the First Church staff in the Spring of 2000. As Administrative Assistant her primary responsibilities are to oversee all of the administrative office work of the church.  She and her companion, Bill enjoy spending time in the great outdoors and their dog Beau.
       
Program Staff Secretary/Receptionist...Ronda Kroeschen
Ronda Kroeschen joined the First Church staff in May of 2009. She has been going to First Church since 1996. She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana but has lived in West Lafayette since she was four. Besides First Church, the things that keep her busy in her life are Prayer Shawl, Sewing, Crocheting, Crafts, Girl Scouts, family and friends. She graduated from William Henry Harrison High School and went to Purdue for 2 years in the Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management program. She got married to Gene on leap day, February 29^th, 2000 at the Roadside Chapel near Otterbein, where she had always wanted to be married since she was a little girl. They have 3 daughters, Erin, Kayla and Miki.
 
Financial Secretary... Anne Kolodny
 
Minister of Music and Worship Arts...Ellen Wilson
Ellen Wilson joined the staff of this church in the fall of 2006 as director of Music and worship Arts.  She is originally from Wabash Indiana and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Grace College in Winona Lake Indiana.  Since 1986, Ellen has been a church music director having previously served in churches in Wabash and Peru Indiana.  As director of Music and Worship Arts, Ellen conducts the Chancel Choir, MorningStar Choir, Aldersgate Handbell Choir, Jubilation Bells, and Rainbow Ringers. She coordinates the special music, overseas all other music ensembles, and assists in planning worship.  The goal of the music ministries is to offer a variety of exciting opportunities to glorify the Lord, worship, and to provide an energizing and enjoyable an environment for creating sacred music together, whether one is a beginning or trained musician!  Ellen serves as the Northwest Indiana District Leader of Handbell Musicians of America.  She enjoys spending time with her husband Mike, their children and their faithful canine companion.  Hosting family get-togethers gardening, hiking and playing tennis are some of her favorite activities.