Our Staff
Michael Bell
Lead Pastor
Lead Pastor
Michael and his family moved to Clinton in 2014 where he served as an assistant pastor at a local church. In July of 2022 he became the lead pastor at Journey. He and his wife Christina have two children, Henry and Eli. He enjoys running, reading, and watching his boys compete in sports.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Joy Lower
Children's Ministry Director
Church Staff
Joy and her family moved to the Clinton area in June 2017 and began attending Journey Church at that time. Previously she had directed the children’s ministry for a mid-week moms’ group and taught Sunday School at her former church in St. Louis, Missouri. Joy is married to Jason and they have six children ranging in age from 6 to 15. She loves reading, being outdoors with her family, and caring for their collection of animals.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Wendy Yoder
Office Assistant
Church Staff
Wendy was born outside the US to her foreign missionary parents, who returned to the US when she was nine. She then lived in southern Minnesota for the next nine years and attended college in Sioux Falls, SD. Her parents moved to Camanche, IA right before her senior year of college, so she moved there as well after graduating. Wendy worked for Social Security for 33 ½ years. She and her husband Daryl have two children, Matthew & Elizabeth, and four grandchildren. They began attending Journey Church in 1998 and have seen lots of changes. Journey Church has helped her grow a lot spiritually, especially through a small group Bible study.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Marybeth Giddings
Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper, Church Staff
It has been Marybeth’s privilege to grow up, learn, accept Christ as her Savior, be baptized, and serve in Journey Church most of her life. Its leadership selected her to work in the church office where she was able to utilize her talents and skills for 18 years. Now she is serving as the church bookkeeper. Her greatest joys come from helping and serving, and she is so grateful for the ability to play keyboard on the music team. She also appreciates the many opportunities Journey Church offers her to grow in her faith and build relationships.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Rachel Logan
Graphics Administrative Assistant
Church Staff
Rachel grew up in Clinton and was homeschooled through her senior year of high school. In May 2020, she graduated from Clinton Community College with an A.A.S. in Graphic Arts Technology, which she has enjoyed putting to use at both Journey Church and the Clinton Public Library. Rachel enjoys drawing, playing video games, and playing with her cats.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Elder Board
Jon Balk
Elder
Elder Board
Jon was born and raised in Fulton Illinois, the son of John H. and Katherine Balk. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and spent his childhood heavily bathed in the teaching of God’s Word. He currently lives near Erie, Illinois. Jon married his wife Lisa in 1981, and they have three grown children, Justin, Amy, and Sara; and seven grandchildren. Jon retired from Exelon Nuclear at Quad Cities Nuclear Plant after spending 34 years in Maintenance. He loves the Lord and counts this church and this church family as one of his greatest blessings.
Gary Fier
Elder
Elder Board
Gary was born in Maquoketa, Iowa. He and Mary moved to Clinton, Iowa in 1995 and joined Journey Church. They have two sons, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Gary retired from Kmart after 34 years and many moves. He loves the outdoors, and his favorite activities include golf, fishing and spending time with family. His trust and faith in the Lord has been encouraged and grown deeper while being at Journey Church.
Kevin Hansen
Elder
Elder Board
Kevin has lived in the Clinton area all his life and is married to Rachel, who grew up in Northwest Iowa. Their three adult children, Erika, Seth, and Sean, all attended Unity Christian School, and their sons are both married. Their youngest son Sean and daughter-in-law Hannah live in Clinton, their middle son Seth and daughter-in-law Kat live in the Des Moines area, and their daughter Erika lives in the Quad Cities. Kevin works out of the Quad Cities in the IT field, while Rachel teaches in the Clinton Community Schools. They have been members at Journey Church for approximately 15 years and have developed many deep friendships with Journey families. Kevin is very thankful for the words of encouragement and prayers he has received while serving as an Elder, and he asks for your continued prayers.
Mike Ketelsen
Elder
Elder Board
Mike is a born-again child of Jesus Christ, the husband of his childhood sweetheart, Janet, and the father of their daughter, Malee. He is blessed to be retired from his wage-earning career and available to serve God and others as God directs.
Daryl Yoder
Elder
Elder Board
Daryl is a follower of Jesus. He and his wife Wendy have been attending Journey Church since 1998. Daryl enjoys playing music at Church or with family and friends. Spending time with children and grandchildren is a gift and a blessing. Trust God for the unexpected and let Him surprise you by doing the unexplainable.