Staff of Bethany Church

Pastor: David J. Sieplinga

David began his ministry as Bethany’s Pastor in August of 2004. He returns to Bethany and to his hometown of Muskegon after thirty years elsewhere in the ministry, having served inner-city churches in New York (Harlem), Omaha, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Kalamazoo, Indianapolis, and, most recently, Holland, MI. He graduated from Calvin College (B.A.), did postgraduate work at Columbia University and received the M.Div degree from Calvin Theological Seminary.

David is the father of three children, Bree, Drew and Anton and, in his free time, enjoys reading, light exercise, Gospel music and playing pinochle. Scripture verses that reflect his personal and professional passion for seeing the body of Christ realize the heavenly mandate of becoming an all-nations fellowship are Ephesians 2:14-15 – “For he himself [Christ] is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace. . . . ”

Director of Youth, Education, and Worship: Randy Vander Weit

Randy began his ministry as Bethany's first Director of Youth and Education in September of 2007. This is Randy's second time ministering at a church in Muskegon. His first time was when he ministered from May 2000 until August of 2001, as Director of Youth and Community Development at Applewood Community Ministries, a joint church start of the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America.

Prior to his time at Applewood, Randy ministered as the Youth Director of "The Other Way" Minstries in Grand Rapids for seven and a half years. He also completed a Youth With A Mission, YWAM, Discipleship Training School with the lecture phase being in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and the outreach phase being in the Seychelles Islands and Madagascar. After leaving Applewood, Randy entered Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI and completed a Masters of Divinity. Randy is an ordained minister within the Reformed Church in America. After seminary, Randy ministered for just over two years in Tanzania, Africa through CRWRC, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. While in Tanzania, Randy volunteered and lived at an orphanage and taught Bible Knowledge at the local church-run secondary school.

Randy enjoys time with family and friends, playing soccer, attending cultural events, and ethnic diversity. Randy seeks to live out Titus 2:6-8 which reads, "Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

Director of Worship: Gail Hall

Gail has her BA degreee from Dordt College and her MSW from Western Michigan University. She is a therapist with a private practice in Grand Rapids – her “real job” - but her passion is planning and leading worship services for our increasingly diverse congregation.

Gail has been a member of Bethany Church since 1980 and has been involved in choir, Praise Team, and as an accompanist for much of that time. In January of 2005 she assumed the position of Worship Coordinator, overseeing the team of talented individuals who plan and lead worship services. Although classically trained, she has fallen in love with the Praise and Worship movement and has a growing appreciation for the gospel genre. Her husband Jeff is a high school band director and a cornerstone of our Praise Orchestra in which he plays the trumpet.

Jeff and Gail are the parents of two adult children: Erika, who is a teacher at Chicago West Side Christian School; and Nick, who is an E4 in the US Navy, based in Norfolk, Virginia. Together they play tennis, both recreationally and on local club teams; and they enjoy travel and boating on our beautiful lakes. Gail’s favorite verse is Col. 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”

Director of Worship Arts and Adult Gospel Choir: Leslie Montgomery

To find contact information for staff please click here.