708 East 13th Street
Pella, IA 50219
About
At Third Church, our mission is every one, every day helping one another experience life-giving freedom in Jesus.
Our Values

Progress Over Perfection
We know our good God always has more for us than we can achieve on our own.

Refuge Over Rejection
We experience the astonishing grace of Jesus as we are seen, known, and loved.

Many Over
Me
We partner with the Spirit to make disciples who multiply near and far.
Our Story
In 1868, a group of people who were following Jesus formed Third Church in Pella, Iowa. Their hope was to grow as a community of people rooted in the Word of God and connected to the Spirit of God so that they could learn to trust in God in all of life’s circumstances. They also ignited a passion for prayer, the next generation, and ever-increasing generosity.
For over 150 years, these pillars have been shaping us and our community, cultivating the prayer we pray each week when we gather in worship: God, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, in our lives, in our city, as it is in heaven. We’re so grateful for an invitation into God’s big story, where every one of us, every day, has an opportunity to help one another experience life-giving freedom found in Jesus. We hope you join us.

Statement of Faith
While things like denominations and shared beliefs matter to a church’s identity, the most important thing is joining with the Holy Spirit in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with a world that is hurting and broken.
In light of this value, while Third Church honors our history and theological heritage, we also welcome and embrace people who come from other orthodox (historically held) Christian traditions.
The Bible
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is the final authority for all we believe and how we are to live.
(Mt 5:18; Jn 10:35, 17:17; 2 Tim 3:16-17; 2 Pt 1:20-21)
The Trinity
We believe that the one true God exists eternally in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that these, being one God, are equal in deity, power, and glory.
We believe that God not only created the world but also now upholds, sustains, governs, and providentially directs all that exists and that He will bring all things to their proper consummation in Christ Jesus to the glory of His name. (Ps 104, 139; Mt 10:29-31, 28:19; Acts 17:24-28; 2 Cor 13:14; Eph 1:9-12, 4:4-6; Col 1:16-17; Heb 1:1-3; Rev 1:4-6)
Evil
We believe that Satan, originally a great and good angel, rebelled against God, taking a multitude of angels with him.
He was cast out of God’s presence and is at work with his demonic hosts to establish his counter-kingdom of darkness and evil on the earth. Satan was judged and defeated at the cross of Christ and will, at the end of the age, be cast forever into the lake of fire which has been prepared for him and his angels. (Mt 12:25-29, 25:41; Jn 12:31, 16:11; Eph 6:10-20; Col 2:15; 2 Pt 2:4; Jude 6; Rev 12:7-9, 20:10)
Man
We believe that Adam was originally created in the image of God, righteous and without sin.
In consequence of his disobedience, Adam’s posterity are born subject to both imputed and inherent sin, and are therefore by nature and choice the children of wrath, justly condemned in the sight of God, wholly unable to save themselves or to contribute in any way to their acceptance with God. (Gen 1-3; Ps 51:5; Is 53:5; Rom 3:9-18, 5:12-21; Eph 2:1-3)
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, that He was conceived and born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and offered himself as a penal, substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.
By the blood of His cross He obtained for us eternal redemption, the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. He was raised bodily on the third day and ascended to the right hand of the Father, there to make intercession for the saints. (Mt 1:18-25; Jn 1:1-18; Rom 8:34; 1 Cor 15:1-28; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 3:10-14; Eph 1:7; Phil 2:6-11; Col 1:15-23; Heb 7:25, 9:13-15, 10:19; 1 Pt 2:21-25; 1 Jn 2:1-2)
Salvation
We believe that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
No ordinance, ritual, work, or any other activity on the part of man is required in order to be saved. This saving grace of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, also sanctifies us by enabling us to do what is pleasing in God’s sight in order that we might be progressively conformed to the image of Christ. (Jn 1:12-13, 6:37-44, 10:25-30; Acts 16:30-31; Rom 3-4, 8:1-17, 8:31-39, 10:8-10; Eph 2:8-10; Phil 2:12-13; Titus 3:3-7; 1 Jn 1:7,9)
Holy Spirit
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit in whom also we are sealed for the day of redemption.
The Holy Spirit regenerates, forever indwells, and graciously equips the Christian for godly living and service. Following conversion, the Spirit desires to continuously fill, empower, and anoint believers for ministry and witness. We also believe that signs and wonders, as well as all the gifts of the Spirit described in the New Testament, are operative today and are designed to testify to the presence of the kingdom and to empower and edify the church to fulfill its calling and mission. (Mt 3:11; Jn 1:12-13, 3:1-15; Acts 4:29-30; Rom 8:9, 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12:12-13; 2 Cor 1:21-22; Gal 3:1-5; Eph 1:13-14, 5:18)
Sacraments
We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two sacraments of the church to be observed until the time of Christ’s return.
They are not a means of salvation but are a means of God’s sanctifying grace and blessing to the faithful in Christ Jesus. (Mt 26:26-29, 28:19; Rom 6:3-11; 1 Cor 11:23-34; 1 Pt 3:21)
The Church
We believe that the church is God’s primary instrument through which He is fulfilling His redemptive purposes on the earth.
To equip the saints for the work of ministry, God has given the church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. We also affirm the priesthood of all believers and the importance of every Christian being joined with and actively involved in a local community of the saints. We believe that women and men are called and gifted to proclaim the gospel and do all the works of the kingdom and that the method ordained by God for the support of His ministry is through the giving of tithes and freewill offerings. (Mal 3:10; Mt 16:17-19; Acts 2:17-18, 2:42; 2 Cor 9:7; Eph 3:14-21, 4:11-16; 1 Tim 2:11-15; Heb 10:23-25; 1 Pt 2:4-5, 9-10)
Men and Women
We believe in the equality and essential dignity of men and women of all races and classes.
We recognize that all persons are made in the image of God and are to reflect that image in the community of believers, in the home and in society. We believe in the family, celibate singleness, and faithful heterosexual marriage as the patterns God designed for us. (Gen 1:26-28; Gal 3:26-29)
Proclaiming the Gospel
We believe that God has called the church to proclaim the gospel to all nations.
Part of that proclamation must include remembering the poor, widows, and orphans, ministering to their needs through sacrificial giving and practical service. This ministry is an expression of the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ and is an essential part of the kingdom of God. (Is 58:6-12, 61:1; Mt 28:18-20; Lk 4:18, 21:1-4; Gal 2:10; 1 Tim 6:8)
The Second Coming
We believe in the literal second coming of Christ at the end of the age when He will return to the earth personally and visibly to consummate His kingdom.
We also believe in and are praying for a great end-time harvest of souls. (Ps 2:7-9, 22:27-28; Jn 14:12, 17:20-26; Rom 11:25-32; 1 Cor 15:20-28, 15:50-58; Eph 4:11-16; Phil 3:20-21; 1 Thes 4:13-5:11; 2 Thes 1:3-12; Rev 7:9-14)
Eternity
We believe that when the Christian dies, he/she passes immediately into the blessed presence of Christ, there to enjoy conscious fellowship with the Savior until the day of the resurrection and glorious transformation of the body.
The saved will then forever dwell in fellowship with their great Triune God. We also believe that when the unbeliever dies, he/she is consigned to Hades, there to await the Day of Judgment when he/she shall be punished with eternal separation from the presence of God. (Mt 25:46; Lk 16:19-31; Jn 5:25-29; 1 Cor 15:35-58; 2 Cor 5:1-10; Phil 1:19-26, 3:20-21; 2 Thes 1:5-10; Rev 20:11-15, 21:1-22:15)
Our Affiliation
Third Church is affiliated with The Sending Network, a group of churches that primarily derives from Reformed historical and theological heritage. Together, we embrace our purpose as “friends advancing the mission of Jesus.”
We also embrace a generous orthodoxy with those who come from other orthodox Christian traditions. We seek to be churches who live out this value without compromising the truth of Scripture.
Baptism
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality of new life in Jesus Christ. We practice two kinds of baptism at Third Church.
Infant Baptism
Infant baptism (sprinkling) covers God’s covenant promises for the child as he or she participates in discipleship with their parents and the church. We believe that parents of infants and children being baptized accept God’s promise on behalf of the child.
Parents wishing to baptize their child will attend the Infant Baptism Class to learn about infant baptism, Third Church’s spiritual formation plan, and what to expect at the baptism service. If parents have already attended class for a previous child, you will not need to attend class but will still need to meet with an elder.
Upcoming Class Dates: November 23, 2025
Upcoming Baptism Services: August 3 and December 13 & 14, 2025
Believer Baptism
The sacrament of believer baptism in any form (immersion, sprinkling or daubing) happens during or after an individual has made their personal and public profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
Individuals wishing to be baptized will meet with a mentor (a member of Third Church) over six meetings to learn about the gift of baptism. During your final meeting, you and your mentor will meet with an elder so you can share your personal testimony. On baptism day, you will make a public profession of faith and share your testimony before being baptized.
Upcoming Baptism Services
Auditorium: November 16, 2025
Chapel (smaller setting): December 13 & 14, 2025
Have baptism questions? Email Katie Peterson, Lead Pastor of Discipleship and NextGen Ministries.
Membership
If you’re interested in becoming a member at Third Church, join us for our Membership Class, which happens approximately twice a year. Class details will be shared on our Events page.
If you have any additional questions about membership, please email Brian Vande Lune, Care Team Pastor.
Campus Map








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Our Team
- Leadership
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- Prayer & Care
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Email: darinw@trcpella.com
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Governance
Executive Board
The responsibilities of the Executive Board have both routine and varied aspects. Throughout each month and at monthly meetings, the Executive Board tackles important issues for the church, including:
- Overseeing the overall vision and future direction of the church.
- Creating policies to clearly define church values and biblical operating procedures.
- Ensuring the teachings and practices of the church reflect accurate biblical theology.
- Praying for congregational pastoral care needs, conflict resolution, and restoration.
- Protecting the church by providing direction on financial and risk management issues.
- Supervising the board-appointed Lead Pastor for accountability and to ensure the vision and values determined by the Executive Board are carried out.
Current Board Members
Officers:
- Bev Roozeboom, Chief Governance Officer
- Barb Finney, Secretary
At-Large Members:
- Ron Jansen
- Mick Snieder
- Steve Van Dusseldorp
- Al Van Roekel
Ex-Officio Staff Leaders:
- Katie Peterson, Lead Pastor – Discipleship & NextGen Ministries
- Klayton Korver, Lead Pastor – Teaching & Vision
- Darin Wogen, Lead Pastor – Strategy & Alignment | CEO of Consistory
Consistory
The primary way that elders and deacons serve is through spiritual leadership in Third Church ministries. Elders and deacons also fulfill other “traditional” biblical roles and special responsibilities for the church in both structured and unstructured ways, including congregational care, teaching, prayer, church discipline, mediation, theological discernment, communion, baptisms and the offering.
Current Consistory Members
Elders
- Duane Anderson
- Matthew Burch
- Brett Clayberg
- Eric De Boef
- Dale Deur
- Bob Fessler
- Jenny Hesseltine
- Kristy Huerter
- Sandy Hundt
- Ron Jansen
- Laine Korver
- Denny “Buck” Kraft
- Steve Langrud
- Mike Lind
- Brett Newendorp
- Nuper Nunnikhoven
- Steve Roozeboom
- Seth Schreur
- Matt Schulte
- John Steddom
- Steve Van Dusseldorp
- Al Van Roekel
- Steve Van Zee
- Christy Vande Haar
- Evan Vande Haar
- Jeff Vander Voort
- Karen Vanderhoff
- Cathy Veenstra
- Dave Willemsen
- Bev Wisse
Deacons
- Tayte Askelsen
- Bill Boender
- Jay Boot
- Bruce Coyle
- Brandon Dingeman
- Craig Douma
- Mike Finney
- Jen Hardman
- John Holterhaus
- Jay Kime
- Dustin Kraft
- Rusty Kramer
- Connie Marlow
- Jim Mitchell
- Judy Nunnikhoven
- Kathy Pealer
- Joseph Ritzert
- Duane Rozendaal
- Greg Stravers
- Colin Van Kooten
- David Van Soelen
- Rhonda Van Soelen
- Ron Vande Lune
- Scott Vos