Leadership

Glad you checked us out!  I'm Ben and I am the lead pastor here since 2000.  I love this place and the people of FPC.  This is my wife, Tiffany.  We are so excited to be a part of this Church and continue to find ways for God to use us as we lead this flock.  I recently moved my ordination into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and am excited to continue ministry in Derby as FPC has also moved to the EPC.  We have three adult children, two whom are married (giving us five granddaughters).  And we can't forget our Yellow Lab, Lucy.

We love the Lord and caring for His people.  And we love how this church embraces being Christ's Church; in the community, for the community, serving the community.  I have several Bible verses that I love deeply, probably my favorite being John 10:10 and it is how I try to live my life.  "The Thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."  Come worship with us and experience the abundant life!  See you Sunday!

Hi! Michael Gutzmer here, FPC has always been home for me. I grew up in this church, met my wife Bailey through the youth group, was married here, and is where we are raising our two boys. I have a passion for youth and love getting to teach and build relationships with them. During my free time I love smoking meat, playing golf, and spending time at home with my family.

Hello! My name is AnnElise Irick, and I have been serving as  the part time Director of Children's Ministry for FPC for over 2 years. My husband Matt and I have been married 18 years and we have 5 children and 3 “furbabies”. I also work as a librarian for Derby Public Schools so I spend a lot of time with kids!  Most of my free time is spent watching my kids play sports  but I also enjoy reading, baking, crafting, and just enjoying time outside in nature.

Hi, I’m Adin Gilmore and I’m the Praise and Worship Leader here at FPC! The Lord has given me a passion for music and I’m so blessed to be able to use that gift here. I’m currently a student, composer, and performer at Friends University studying Music Performance, and I love getting any opportunity to worship through music! I spend most of my time writing and playing music but I also greatly enjoy physical activity and the outdoors.

Hi.  I'm Kurt .  I have been a part of the FPC family for many years.  As the Church Musician, I play the organ and piano.  I work with the vocalists as they share their gifts with special music.  I also play for the choir.  I have spent many years playing for vocalists and ensembles for Wichita State University as they performed for competitions.  My wife Lynda sings in the choir and we both sing in our Church cantatas.  Another passion of mine is teaching and I have the privilege to teach the LOGOS class on Sunday mornings.  

Hi! I'm Connor Klaassen, a music educator, conductor, and musician in the Wichita area. I currently serve as the Director of Vocal Music at Trinity Academy, where I have the privilege of directing middle and high school choirs and conducting our musical theatre productions. I also serve as the Chorus Assistant for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Outside of the classroom, I love to go hiking, working on house projects, and spending time with my wife Meghan and our two dogs, Bingo and Bluey.
I hold undergraduate degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education from John Brown University and am currently completing my Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Wichita State University. Whether I'm working with students, conducting a choir, or preparing a musical, I love bringing people together through music and creating opportunities for others to discover and share their talents for God's glory.  

Greetings! I am Andrea.  I am a local Kansan and Wichita State Graduate, and I am thrilled to join the FPC family! I have worked in various administrative roles since graduation.  I love music, art, and history!  I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help serve God and my community in this role.