First Baptist Church
building an inclusive family of faith
Our Staff
Pastor: Rev. David Russell began his ministry with us in September 1999 after previous ministries as a pastor in Arthur, Illinois and as a campus minister at Illinois State and Illinois Wesleyan Universities. A native of Indiana, Dave is a graduate of the University of Evansville and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He received the Doctor of Ministry degree in 2007 from the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, writing his thesis on university congregations. He serves on the boards of the Center for Creative Justice, is vice-president for the regional Ministers Council (the professional organization for American Baptist clergy). and president of Iowa Religious Media Services. Dave enjoys gardening, computers, church history, and sports, especially basketball. (He has made a pilgrimage to the NCAA Final Four and enjoys playing on our church team, the First Baptist Dunkers!)
Associate Pastor: Rev. Susan Russell has served since January 2002 with responsibilities in outreach, pastoral care, worship, and other areas. She has also served locally as a Parent Educator at People Place, a prevention arm of Lutheran Social Services. Susan has degrees from the University of Arkansas and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has previously worked on church staff and as a hospital chaplain. In the denomination, she has been a regional Ministers Council president, and chairs one of the two Ordination Commissions in the region. Susan is an avid reader and likes to travel, cook, and spend time with her friends and family.
Dave and Susan have one daughter, Zoe, a high-school student. The Russells share their home with a calico cat, Hannah; a tabby cat, Jambo; and their faithful Lhasa-Poo, Conway.
Director of Music Ministries: Mindy Phomvisay has served since 1998 as our Music Director. A native of Alta, Iowa, Mindy is a graduate of Iowa State and an elementary music teacher in the Perry school district. She has served as a private flute instructor, a director with the Ames Children’s Choirs, and a featured soloist at the Bandshell Park summer concerts. Mindy brings much skill and enthusiasm to our music program, accompanying congregational singing in worship as well as directing our adult choir, youth choir, and our children’s Music Camp. She and her husband Aiddy are parents of two young children, Elijah and Emma.
Choir Accompanist: Steven Linn joined our staff as choir accompanist in September of 2006. Steve is well-known in the area as choral music director at Ames High School. He has previously served as a church choir director, and we are delighted that he is now part of our music program at First Baptist.
Office Manager: Gayle Osterberg has a wonderfully positive ministry with all who have contact with the church. An Illinois native, Gayle recently completed her 20th year as our office manager. She truly keeps things together for us! Gayle and her husband Arvid, an architecture professor at ISU, are parents of three adult daughters. Gayle has recently started taking piano lessons!
Custodian: Dale Vogel has been with us since 1998, keeping our facilities neat and clean and blessing us with his good humor. A resident of Nevada, Dale is also employed by the Ames School District.