Leadership at JROL
We value our leaders and encourage you to use your God-given gifts.
Meet Our Staff
Rev. Dr. Craig Ferguson
Lead Pastor
319-939-6788 Cell
Pastorcferguson@gmail.com
Pastor Craig began in ministry as a youth pastor in 1998 at Kimball Ave. United Methodist Church in Waterloo, IA. He started serving Geneseo UMC in 2004 and graduated from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 2007 with his MDIV. He was ordained an Elder of the United Methodist Church in 2009. In 2010 he was appointed to New Hope UMC with the purpose of starting a church in Johnston Iowa. JROL chartered on April 1, 2018. In May of 2021 he completed his Doctorate in innovative, connectional, community oriented ministry. He loves being a part of a church that is innovative, community focused, diverse theologically, and lovingly inclusive.
Church Council
Dawn Bernal
Administrative Board Chair
Nate Jacques
Trustee Chair
I am originally from central Minnesota, I went to South Dakota State University (Go Jackrabbits!), met my wife Sarah there, and received a mechanical engineering degree. I spent 3 years in the quad cities and moved to the Des Moines area in 2011. I have been at IMEG Consultants Corp for 17 years, and am currently a Project Executive. Sarah and I have three young boys, their activities and energy keep us busy. Our interests include cub scouts, anything Jackrabbits, being outside and spending time with family. I try to golf and snowboard when I can.
Cari Gregg
Finance Chair
I have attended Johnston River of Life since 2012 and was excited to be part of its official charter in 2018! I enjoy singing on the praise team and have served as the Finance Committee Chair since 2018. My husband, Adam, and children, Jackson and Lauren, are also active members at JROL through praise team and participating in youth group events and mission trips. Beyond my church commitments, I stay busy with my professional life and family adventures. I work at Wells Fargo Bank in Commercial Banking, love to travel with my family, cheer on my kids at their various activities, and enjoy attending all types of sporting events. Feel free to contact me with any questions about JROL!
Don Clark
SPRC Chair
I graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. I currently work for the City of Ankeny as the Director of Municipal Utilities and I will have worked for the City for 23 years this upcoming January. I have been married to my wife Libby for 25.5 years and we have 2 kids (Ava and Aiden) that are twins and 15 years old. We have been attending Johnston River of Life for approximately 11 years or at least long enough to be some of the original founders of our Church. I am currently the Chair of the SPRC (Staff-Parish Relations Committee) at JROL. My biggest hobby would be following the Green Bay Packers. I have been a season ticket holder for 5 years although one was the Covid year. My family and I enjoy going to Green Bay to cheer on the Packers as we typically will attend 3 games a year and any playoff games that they are able to host. Another hobby of mine would be playing fantasy football. I have been in one league for 26 years now (I know that sounds crazy) as we used to have to wait for the Monday Chicago Sun Times paper that printed the statistics so we could score the performance of our team.
Katie Larson
Administrative Board Secretary/ H2GO
I grew up in Ankeny, Iowa. I have been involved in children’s ministry in various volunteer capacities for over 20 years, typically teaching Sunday School and VBS. I love working with the kids. I have a large group of nieces and nephews (11!) that I adore. I graduated from College with a BA in Intercultural Studies and Bible, and then completed a MA in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary, both in Minnesota, with the intention of going into overseas ministry. However, during my schooling I started working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in group homes. I quickly realized how much I loved working with this population and when I moved back to Iowa I was hired by a non-profit called Mosaic in Central Iowa in 2011, and have been in various positions supporting people with a variety of needs since then. In 2022 I completed post graduate work in behavior analysis and now work as a licensed, board certified behavior analyst writing plans, training and supporting our teams, care providers, and the individuals we serve. In my free time I love reading, spending time with my dog, Gladys, and my nieces and nephews. I have been attending JROL for over 2 years now and am happy for the opportunity to work with the kids H2go program here.
Jess Hass
Lay Leader
I have my Bachelors degree in Human Services with a minor in Criminal Justice and Emergency Management. I work as a case manager to ensure people have what they need to live successfully in the community.
I love to go camping with our daughter and be outdoors with her. We enjoy competing against each other in mini golf.
Sarah Jacques
H2GO
I went to school at South Dakota State University and received a degree in Mathematics with a Teaching Specialization. I continued my studies receiving a Masters in School Mathematics from
Iowa State University. I teach Intro to Engineering Design & Cybersecurity at Urbandale High School. I have been married to my husband Nate since 2011, and we have three boys who are 8, 6 and 3. I like to read and go on walks or runs. I enjoy spending time outside. I have also done some sewing and crocheting, and I like to try new recipes when I can. We also have a camper that we have been taking on local camping trips.
Belén Thompson
Youth Director
I am Belen Thompson! When I am not working as the Youth Director at Johnston River of Life Church, I am a full-time student studying psychology and fine art at Drake University. I hoping to be one day be an art therapist who works with children and teens. I truly enjoy working with young people, especially when I can incorporate my love for Jesus! My favorite things to do in my free time are paint, bake, watch a good movie, and travel.