LUKE TIMM - SENIOR PASTOR
Luke has been a pastor for 18 years and has served at Living Faith since 2009. Luke is the primary preacher, handles the administration of the staff and the Vision of Living Faith (a.ka. all the things Dan doesn’t want to do). He has been married to his wife Joni for 20 years and they have 1 amazing child and 5 other children who are causing them problems. It is a rotating schedule. Joni is an Occupational Therapist with Mercy One in addition to her full time job as wife and mom. When not Kingdom building Luke can be found in the gym, in a bar or outside doing things that are extremely manly.
Dan Petrak - Associate Pastor
Dan was installed as Associate Pastor in April 2019 and is called to serve the people of Living Faith in many ways including Discipleship, Home Groups, Youth, and occasional preaching (a.k.a. whatever Luke does not want to do). Dan has been married to his wife Sarah for 26 years and together they have three children. Dan is also a full-time Professor of Mathematics and Online Chair of the Math and Science Departments at DMACC in Ankeny. Sarah is a full-time Senior Financial Analyst for Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Dan and Sarah enjoy running, golfing, traveling, a good IPA, and watching their children's various arts and sporting activities.
Joanne Diehl - Administrative Assistant
Joanne is a member of Living Faith who once came by to drop off something for hospitality and was asked to stay and help answer the phones that day. Fourteen years later, she’s still at it. She is currently serving as Living Faith’s Communications & Events Director, managing calendars, volunteer ministries, print & digital media, and pastor/member needs. When not working, Joanne enjoys traveling, reading, great food and cocktails, attending sporting events and spending time with her husband, adult children, and grandbaby.
Sara Gentry - Worship Director
Sara and her family joined Living Faith in 2010, and she started serving as Worship Director in 2016. She and her husband, Brian, are working hard to properly raise their two kids as Michigan Wolverines, in spite of the bad local influence. Her favorite things include finding the perfect Sunday set list, reading everything, playing the piano, listening to podcasts, and watching college volleyball, Michigan football, and Red Wing hockey.
Sandy Nelson - Preschool Director
Sandy Nelson has been the Director of the Little Friends Early Learning Center since it began in 2003. She has over 30 years experience in early childhood education and is passionate about helping young families build a foundation of faith in their homes. Sandy and her husband Kirk have been married for over 35 years. They have 3 daughters who are all married. Sandy spends most of her free time being ‘Mimi” and enjoying her 6 grandchildren.
Sheila Treu - Business Manager
Sheila serves as Living Faith’s Business Manager. Sheila joined the staff team with over 20 years of nonprofit management experience. She is responsible for all things payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and other business office duties as needed. Sheila and her husband, Keith (drummer Keith), have been married over 30 years and began attending Living in 2013. They are grateful to be surrounded by a congregation full of grace that feels like home. With a growing family of three now-married children, Sheila focuses her time on serving the communities both here in the Des Moines area and in Elkader, IA, where she enjoys spending time on the river with family and friends.