Staff and Leadership

Pastor Don is passionate about teaching the Word of God and helping people grow as followers of Jesus Christ through the ministry of the local church. Don has served as our Senior Pastor since September 2008. Before coming to Atlantic, Don served for ten years as the pastor of the Glastonbury Community Church (EFCA) in central Connecticut. Don earned his Bachelor of Arts in history at Amherst College in Massachusetts and his Masters of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Don and his wife, Laura, met in college and have been married since 1993. Don and Laura have three young adult children and one daughter-in-law: Hannah, Josh & his wife Sarah, and Nate.

Favorite book - Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy

Favorite Scripture - Matthew 13:44-46

Favorite food - chocolate chip cookies

Hobbies - Reading, hiking, cheering for the Boston Red Sox, and playing games with friends and family.

Paul Iekel joined the Gracepoint staff in the summer of 2023, but he is no stranger to the church or the community.  Paul and his wife, Sheryl, have attended GracePoint since 2004; During that time he has been a teacher, coach, and handyman, and active in the life of the church in youth, worship, teaching, and evangelism.  Prior to attending GracePoint, Paul connected with church youth through Tentmaker’s Youth Ministry in part time and volunteer positions, and then was the youth director at Elim Mission (EFCA) in Cokato, MN. Paul believes that God wants to use us in whatever we are doing to be making a difference for Him.  God calls the people of His church to show His love to the world and community around us.  Paul’s passion is encouraging youth and adults to discover how God has uniquely equipped each of us to serve Him fully.

Paul and Sheryl have four adult children and two daughter-in-laws living as near as Nebraska and as far as Central Asia. They have three grandchildren (and more foster grandchildren) they enjoy watching grow up.

Favorite Streaming Series - “The Chosen”  - (I LOVE IT!)

Favorite Bible Verse - Acts 8:30-31

Favorite Foods - Ice Cream and BBQ

Activities - Camping, Trumpet, Track, XC Skiing, Biking, Animal Balloons. 

Cheering for - NY Giants, MN Twins, Iowa State, Nebraska, Syracuse

Hello! As Children's Discipleship Director, I have the privilege of working for children up through grade five. Along with the Christian Education Elder, I oversee ministries such as Nursery, Sunday School, and Children's Church.  Events such as VBS, AWANA, and Christmas programs are part of Evangelism and Outreach as well. It's great to see kids enjoy learning from the Bible!  

In addition to family time (with Ron and 22-year old daughter Lauren), I love women's Bible studies -- for growth, accountability, and fellowship. 

Any day is a good day for 'going to coffee' with a friend! And the Best thing to have with coffee is pie -- coconut cream or gooseberry (not seen enough in Iowa).

My preferred leisure reading is usually a murder mystery!  I'll read other things recommended by a friend or Lauren. (I sometimes drag my feet to read what Lauren recommends.)   

Some of my favorites in Scripture:  John 1:1,14; Micah 6:8; Acts 17:28  Since our dear son Turner went to his heavenly home, I love this from Job 19:25-26: "I know my Redeemer lives... I will see Him...My heart yearns"