Arlene Vander Loon
Arlene joined the Chapel staff team in February, 2005. In this capacity, she oversees the Children’s Ministry, Adult Discipleship and Equipping classes (Vine Life), and the Resource Center.
Arlene grew up in Pella, Iowa, where she served on staff at her home church in youth and children’s ministries early in her career. She returned to school and earned a B.A. in Christian Education and an M.A. in Christian Ministries from Wheaton College and Graduate School in Wheaton, Illinois in the late 1970s. After graduating, Arlene served as Director of Christian Education for 14 years at a church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From 1993 to 2003, Arlene served as a “commuter missionary”, working with a team of Ukrainians to develop children’s ministry leadership, training, and curriculum to reach children and their families in every region of Ukraine. Arlene relates, “Observing the amazing number of children in Ukraine who brought their families to Christ was one of the biggest blessings of my life.”
Arlene’s husband, Ted, a Michigan native, is retired but contributes significantly by assisting in the children’s ministry, driving mission teams to Dulles Airport, and relieving Arlene of many tasks on the home front. They have one daughter and son-in-law.
Photo courtesy of Sigmon Taylor Photography