Elder Team

At Arise, elders are men and women who are biblically and theologically competent (Titus 1:9-11), servant-hearted and shepherding-oriented (Hebrews 13:17; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-4), respected by God’s People (1 Timothy 3:4-7), responsible and professional in habit and lifestyle (Titus 1:5-9), emotionally and spiritually mature (Titus 1:5-8; 1 Timothy 3:1-3), and relationally pure (1 Timothy 3:4-7). The following men and women are elders at Arise:

Nick was born and raised in the St. Louis area (High Ridge/Fenton to be exact.) He’s married to his wonderful highschool sweetheart, Sommar. They have 3 children: Trevor (20), Luke (18) and Phoebe (9). Nick grew up in church, but his family drifted away during his junior high years. He spent the next chunk of his life thinking that his relationship with God was entirely personal, and that he didn't need a church. When he got married, they met (and were married by) a wonderful pastor that began to open his eyes to what he had been missing. Eventually, Nick and Sommar found their way to a wonderful church (Rooftop) that was like something he never even knew existed. It was upbeat, casual, and relevant. They quickly became involved in the church and in an amazing small group and his relationship with God grew in leaps and bounds during this time. Nick says, “I know there are a lot of people that have some of the similar experiences and misconceptions that I had about church, and I look forward to reaching those people and helping them grow in their own relationship with Jesus through Arise.” Contact Nick

Jacob and Hayley have been married since 2012 and have two adventuresome kids, Bree and Judah. Jacob was born, baptized, and confirmed in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS). After a period of questioning and searching for where he fit into the Church, He and Hayley have come to believe strongly in “big tent” Christianity. This led them to pursue church planting and serve as associate pastor of connections and church planting at trans-denominational Rooftop Church prior to planting Arise. Jacob holds a MATS in Historical Theology from Saint Louis University, a MA in Religion from Wake Forest University, a BA in Theology from Valparaiso University, a certificate in theology and worldviews from Oxford University-Trinity College and the Oxford Study Centre, an AA in Liberal Arts from Southwestern Michigan College, and a certificate in critical thinking and worldviews from Summit Semester. He loves spending time with his family, reading, hiking, shooting, and writing at Conciliar Post and Pursuing Veritas. As lead pastor, Jacob serves as a perpetual member of the elder team at Arise. Contact Jacob

Zach attends Arise with his wife, Rebecca, and their four young children, Nate, Benny, Liza Jane, and Tabitha. They moved to the St. Louis area about four years ago and have since made it their home. Zach works in Clayton as a patent agent and he serves at Arise on the worship and treasury teams. He and Rebecca are passionate about what God can and will do in St. Louis through Arise. When it comes to leadership in the church, Zach has a straightforward approach: “If [God] is calling me, then I will not refuse.” Contact Zach

Michael is husband to Rebekah, and father to Cecily. He and his family have lived in the St. Louis area for the past eight years with their three cats, two guinea pigs, five chickens, and assorted fish. In his spare time, Michael enjoys working on small software/computing projects at home, camping, playing games both in person and online, gradually renovating most aspects of his house, and listening to audiobooks. Michael works as a software engineer for Boeing and serves on the tech team at Arise in addition to leading a small group with Rebekah. Contact Michael

Kelsey and Roger have been married since 2012 and have two children, Bentley and Delaney. She loves music, art, playing board games, and Harry Potter. She serves as the Worship Pastor at Arise. She has been leading worship since she was in high school, and even though she had different professional goals, God guided her to pursue full-time ministry and has given her a heart for Arise Church and the people we serve. Kelsey says, “I believe in the importance of planting churches and what our church is going to be as we reach people who are on the fringes of faith. I believe in pouring into and growing leaders, and I am thankful that God had called me to be apart of this church and this Elder Team”. Contact Kelsey

Roger is husband to Kelsey, and father to Bentley and Delaney. He’s currently a Chef Manager for a company called Guckenheimer. Roger enjoys playing bass, and recently collecting shoes! He leads the social media team (where he also hosts the Arise podcast) and works with small group leaders. Rogers says, “I feel God calling me to eldership as strongly as I feel like He has called me and my family to this church plant. I’m really excited about helping shepherd the people in the church, and the people on the fringes outside the four walls.” Contact Roger

Jeff and his wife Lori have been married for forty years. Their son, Kevin and his wife, Megan have blessed them with two grandchildren, Tate and Poppy.  Their daughter, Elizabeth lives in Columbia, MO.  Jeff is a dentist, practicing in south St Louis city for thirty-nine years. The Roneckers have been with Arise Church since its launch, coming from an inner-city church plant and ministry. They serve at Arise on the Events Team, in discipleship through Rise Together and in the Kid’s ministry. Jeff also leads a small group. God has gifted Jeff with a compassionate, shepherding heart. As a servant leader, he lives his life and runs his business with Christ centered principles, and it gives him great joy to see others realize and trust in that same way of life. Contact Jeff

Don was part of Rooftop Church for eleven years before being led to join the Arise Church plant. His wife Laura is part of the worship team and they have three children: David, Zack and Juliet. Don serves in children's ministry and co-leads a small group at Arise. He loves to study apologetics to help learn how to answer questions in our skeptical world and to study theology and how it can impact how we live for Jesus. He's a life-long Blues and Cardinals fan, likes to listen to podcasts, and loves to play board games with family and friends. Don works as an actuarial pension consultant. Contact Don

Jody and John have been married for 44 years. She's mom to Kate and Megan, and grandma to Trish (7), Alex (5), Decker (20 months), and Tucker (1 month). Jody is an organizer by nature with a bookkeeping background. Currently, she heads the Wardrobe Department for VP Organization of St. Louis. Jody recently joined the Arise staff team as a part time office administrator. She loves to sew for her grandchildren, quilt, read, hunt, hike, and root for the Cardinals! As a member of Arise, Jody serves with the Children's Ministry (working in the baby and toddler rooms), Treasury Team, and Outreach Events Team. John is part of the Facilities Team, Outreach Events Team, and supports Jody in all her many endeavors. Contact Jody

Doctrine: Zach Wiersma (chair), Michael Brush, Kelsey Jackson, and Don Schisler

Finance: Justin Randall (treasurer), Don Schisler, Zach Wiersma, and Jody Wilkerson

Prayer: Kelsey Jackson, Roger Jackson, Jeff Ronecker, and Nick Spiniolas

Personnel: Nick Spiniolas (chair), Michael Brush, Roger Jackson, Jeff Ronecker, and Jody Wilkerson