Susan’s educational background is in special education/elementary education. She began a master’s degree in counseling psychology, but put that dream on hold while she stayed at home to raise her children. Susan and her husband Dave have 4 sons. Susan has Stephen’s Ministry training, and her goal is to complete her Master’s in counseling in the future.
“We all face struggles or trials at some point in our lives. Having someone to come alongside and listen with care and empathy can provide comfort and encouragement. It is a blessing, as a counselor, to pour Biblical truths into the lives of those who need to hear God’s voice”
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven; a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
I have been in the ordained ministry for 28 years and served Providence for the past 18 years. I am very familiar with the life of ministry, having grown up in a pastor’s family. I received my undergraduate degree from Calvin College, a Master of Divinity degree from Calvin Theological Seminary and completed a Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. My wife, Brenda, and I have had the joy of raising three children.
“I’m eternally grateful for the Lord’s call on my life to serve his church. I desire to partner with the Holy Spirit in encouraging the church to become all that Christ desires his church to be. For me that means keeping the vision for mission alive and well. It is my desire that every Christian develop a passion to be an agent of reconciliation and healing in the world. I believe that the local church, as Bill Hybels says, is the hope of the world. The local church, well functioning, Spirit-filled, and outward focused can change the world for good and for God. Such is the vision that gets me up every morning.”
John Hutt, D.Min., BCC is a bilingual pastor, preacher, teacher, CPE trained chaplain and pastoral counselor with extensive experience in a variety of cultural contexts. Rev. Hutt has been married for 40+ years and is the father of 4 grown children. He and his wife, Elaine, enjoy spending time with their 4 granddaughters.
“All humans, regardless of race, color, gender or economic class, are created in the image of God and, therefore are to be valued and respected. We live in a fallen world with the tragic and sometimes devastating effects of sin in our lives. Hope and healing can come only if our lives are restored physically, emotionally and spiritually. To that end I have incorporated the seven biblical ‘Steps to Freedom in Christ’ and healing and deliverance prayers into my counseling sessions.”
Brad Laninga has been in student ministries for 16 years, serving churches in Chicago, IL and Grand Rapids, MI. He has served Providence Church since 2006. Brad grew up in Holland and graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1985. He received his undergraduate degree from Trinity Christian College in 1989. He and his wife, Patti, have three boys, Caleb, Levi and Isaac. As a family they enjoy being outdoors, camping, fishing, and relaxing at the beach.
Cal Pelon has been director of Facilities at Providence Church for 5 years. Previously he was employed as a Facilities Manager in the banking industry for 16 years. Cal is a native of Holland. He graduated from Holland Christian High School and has attended Calvin College, GRCC and Ferris State University. He and his wife have been married for almost 30 years and have 3 grown children and 1 grandchild. He spends his free time bicycling and cross country skiing.
“My goal is to manage the Providence facility so that it is not just a beautiful building, but an integral part of our mission to ‘bring Jesus To People’.”
After graduating from Calvin College with a degree in Education, Sue Prins spent several years teaching at the elementary level, before leaving the field to begin a family. She spent many years serving beside her husband in their small business, working as a kitchen designer. In 2005, Sue felt the call to serve in ministry and began serving as Director of Discipleship at Providence Church. Married to Curt for 25 years, they have three children.
“I accepted Christ as a teenager, and grew in my faith for several years before I ‘stalled out’. What brought me back to a vibrant relationship with God was learning the disciplines of Bible study and prayer, plus surrounding myself with a small group of godly people who encouraged me to grow. God used that dry period of my life to put a passion into my heart to help people grow in their relationship with God. I’m so thankful that He redeems the past, and that He’s given me the opportunity to serve here at Providence Church! This is a great place to be!”
Dean has worked in the worship ministry at Providence Church for the past 10 years. He had previously volunteered as a worship coordinator and leader at Providence. Dean is a graduate of Calvin College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a Fine Arts Group major. Following his graduation he taught various elementary grades for 9 years before his employment at Providence serving as Director of Worship. He still enjoys working with children within the ministry by leading the GOODNEWS! Choir (grades K-5th) and leading a weekly singing/Bible story time for the students at Lakeshore Little People’s Place.
Dean and his wife Sue are enjoying raising their family – two girls and two boys. Together they love to spend time outdoors, gardening, playing sports and going on adventures. They also greatly appreciate a wide variety of music and playing various instruments.
Sheri has been serving as Providence’s administrator since September 2005. Previous to that, Sheri spent 20 years in various sales/marketing and administration positions at Haworth, Inc. She is married to Greg and together they have 5 children.
“Providence Church, the community, the members and staff, are an amazing bunch of people. I thank God every day for the opportunity to serve Him in this place.”
