About
Our History



"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations"
- Psalm 100:5
History Time Line
The 1990s saw additional growth and leadership development:
The 2010s ushered in both expansion and transition:
Trinity’s facility and ministry support also evolved:
- 1994: A part-time Worship Coordinator position was added, filled over time by several individuals including Von Postma, Deb Vogel, Sharon Visser, Matt Gritters, Natalie Ysselstein, Ellen De Wit, Dawn Den Hoed, Kelly Vander Pol, and Gabby Eckardt.
- 1995: Pastor Dale Ellens joined as Associate Pastor while also counseling at Bethesda and serving as a U.S. Army chaplain. Membership stood at about 570 people in 125 families.
- 1997: Paul Van Stelle became part-time Ministry Coordinator until 2001.
- 1999: Pastor Dan De Groot returned to Rock Valley as Associate Pastor and Executive Director of Justice for All.
- 2000: Membership reached 500 people in 140 families.
- In 2001, the Groenewolds accepted a call to Washington. Pastor Mark Beernink, a Sioux Center native, was installed in 2003, followed by Pastor Al Kuiper in 2004. That year also launched long-lasting small groups through the 40 Days of Purpose campaign.
- By 2005, membership had grown to approximately 700 in 175 families.
The 2010s ushered in both expansion and transition:
- 2010: Pastor Al Kuiper retired; Pastor Bobby Van Otterloo, a Rock Valley native, was installed. Membership reached a peak of over 850 people in 205 families.
- 2011: Pastor Van Dyken retired. A mentorship approach to public profession of faith began.
- 2012: Pastor Stanley Groothof arrived from British Columbia. Kevin Nibbelink began as Financial Recorder.
- 2013: Pastor Dan De Groot retired. Trinity became a sister church to Abide in the Vine Disciples Church in Harbel, Liberia. Baptized children were welcomed to the Lord’s Supper.
- 2014: Pastor Mark Beernink accepted a call to Minnesota. Longtime secretary Jo Dirksen retired. The position was renamed Ministry Coordinator and filled by Kim DeJong. A Director of Youth and Family Discipleship position was created, filled by Shelli Kollis.
- 2015: Membership stood at approximately 830 people in 300 families.
- 2016: Pastor Van Otterloo accepted a call to Sioux Center. The nursery was renovated.
- 2017: Pastor Dale Ellens retired. Pastor Henry Lengkeek arrived from California as the church’s first Senior Pastor.
Trinity’s facility and ministry support also evolved:
- 2018: Mike & Carol Bonestroo took on full-time janitorial duties. Past janitors included Denny & Pam De Jager, John & Henrietta Vanden Bosch, Darrell & Esther Van Den Berg, and Art Kooima. Communion frequency increased to every 4–6 weeks.
- 2019: Worship Coordinators Kelly Vander Pol and Natalie Ysselstein returned after Gabby Eckardt moved to Sioux Falls. Stanton Visser became an ordained Commissioned Pastor serving in prisons.
- 2020 - the COVID-19 pandemic led to several weeks of virtual-only services and postponed the 50th anniversary celebration. Nonetheless, Trinity remained strong, with over 800 people calling it their church home.
- 2021 - Adrianne Wiekamp filled the Director of Youth Ministries position and Jaime Van Kley filled the Director of Children's Ministries position.
- 2025 - Pastor Henry Lengkeek retired and Pastor Stanley Groothof accepted a call to Vancouver Island. A Media Coordinator position was created and filled by Jasmine Boer.
- 2026 - Pastor Luke Johnston arrived from Kansas City as the lead pastor.
