Dan Petrak - Pastor
Since 2019, Dan has served the people of Living Faith in many ways, including Discipleship, Home Groups, Youth, and now as Interim Pastor as Living Faith calls its next Senior Pastor. Dan has been married to his wife, Sarah, for over 30 years and together they have three adult children and one son-in-law. Dan is also a full-time Professor of Mathematics at DMACC in Ankeny. Sarah is a full-time Senior Financial Analyst for Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Dan and Sarah enjoy going on long walks, golfing, traveling, and a good IPA.
Sandy Nelson - ELC 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 nearly 40 years, and they have 3 daughters who are all married. Sandy spends most of her free time being ‘Mimi” and enjoying her 6 grandchildren.
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, playing the piano, reading everything, listening to podcasts, and coaching youth soccer. Sara loves watching college volleyball, Michigan football, Red Wings hockey, and World Cup soccer with her family and fellow sports fans.
Keith Butters - Business Manager
Keith started serving as the Business Manager in 2026. He is a founding member of Living Faith, has served as Church Council president, and currently sings and helps with computer on the Praise & Tech Team. Keith and his wife, Sherri, are blessed with three grown children and a handful of grandchildren. In his spare time, Keith loves playing pickleball.
Sal Ludwig - Office Administrator
Sal joined the Living Faith team in 2025 as Office Administrator. In this role, she works to keep daily operations running smoothly, handling everything from graphic design and event planning to mail and general office support. Outside of work, Sal enjoys exploring her creativity through art projects in a variety of mediums, including sewing, crocheting, and glass. She also loves playing video games, spending time with friends and family, catching hockey games and movies, and spoiling her cats, Skips and Kitty MaoMao, with treats.
Brian Gentry - Vicar
Brian and his family joined Living Faith in 2010. Brian is a full-time professor at Drake University, where he teaches pharmacy students and conducts antiviral research. In 2025, he started the Specific Ministry Pastor program through Concordia Seminary, and now he assists with pastoral responsibilities at Living Faith. Brian and his wife, Sara, have two kids. As a family, they enjoy playing games, traveling, and watching sports. Brian also loves golf, cycling, and playing video games.
Bri Weesner - worship leader
Bri joined the Living Faith team in 2025 as the worship leader working alongside Sara. Originally from Colorado, she is currently in Iowa studying music at DMACC. Outside of her time at Living Faith, Bri loves to run long distance, get coffee with friends, and works at Fleet Feet in downtown Des Moines.