Staff

LEAD PASTOR 
John Lowder came to Frontline Bible Church in 1996 as an assistant to the former Senior Pastor, and currently serves as Pastor of Preaching and Worship. John grew up as the son of a pastor, and even though he had many great experiences as a “PK” never felt God’s call on his life to become a pastor himself. After starting a degree in business management, God changed his heart toward vocational ministry, which led him to change majors during his junior year. He graduated from Grace Bible College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Theology degree in Pastoral Ministry, and can’t imagine NOT being a pastor now. Even though pastoral ministry can be stressful and exhausting at times, being used by God to bring the life-changing message of Jesus Christ to someone is all the motivation he needs to keep serving. John married Melinda in 1998, and has seen their marriage just keep getting better every year. They are blessed to have two children – Jared and Mallory – Jared is married to Abby and they had their first grandchild, Summer, in late 2023. They have been so blessed to live and serve in the Byron Center community.

PASTORAL RESIDENT
Brandon Thomas started attending Frontline Bible Church in 2021 initially not pursuing vocational ministry. Within a year he started to have a growing desire to know God and serve him through stewarding His word. In 2023 he married his wife Megan, and he is now wrapping up his final year at Grace Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Bible and Ministry. Brandon enjoys board games, coffee shops, being in nature, as well as fine art and classical music. His favorite part of ministry is being able to share Christ and show love to people wherever they are in their walk.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

mark 12:30-31

Leo Caldas graduated from Grace Christian University with his bachelors in Music with emphasis in Worship Arts, and with his Master’s in Organizational Leadership. He has a passion for God, music and leadership. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he did not plan to be around Grand Rapids for so long, but God had different plans for him. He loves challenges and to see the potential in people and things. Leo and his wife have known each other since they were 12 & 13 years old. They married in 2015. They welcomed Matteo to their family in August 2022.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8–9

Dave Grube has been a part of Frontline Bible Church in a variety of roles throughout many years. He shares his musical talents and administrative talents and passion for encouraging others to help build the community. His favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your
heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways submit to Him and He will make
your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5–6

Sarah DeGraaf has been attending Frontline Bible Church since 2012 and has been involved in several events and ministries throughout the years. Sarah has a Bachelors of Science in Human Services from Grace Christian University. She has volunteered in several ministries over the years, which has sharpened her skills to help people connect, as well as grow organization and administration skills. She met her husband Seth at FBC and they were married in March 2024.

Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

ecclesiastes 12:13

Lynn Thomas has attended Frontline Bible Church since 1998, serving as custodian since 2006, and then Building Manager since 2017. He has also served on the church board, the men’s leadership team, and as the coordinator for Coached by Christ (CBC). Being “retired” and having four children and eight grandchildren, in addition to being on staff and volunteering in several leadership positions here at Frontline Bible Church, more than keeps him busy. Lynn served in the military and worked in municipal government, providing him with a unique experience that helps him to better know and understand people. He believes relationships are the key factor in life providing the opportunity to influence and impact people for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that being a follower of Christ means being a servant leader as He was.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. For this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

matthew 7:12

Tina Post serves as the youth director at Frontline. She graduated from Grace Christian University and Cornerstone University with her bachelor’s in elementary education. She married in 2019 and lives in Grandville with her husband Dan and their pitbull, Ganon. She enjoys reading, singing, playing board games, and drinking coffee on her porch with friends. She also spent three months in Bolivia for a mission trip after she graduated from college, working with orphanages, young adult groups, camps, and a missionary choir. Tina and her husband Dan welcomed their daughter Lily into their lives in October 2021 and their daughter Izzy in September 2024. 

I can do ALL THINGS through HIM who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Vicki Dolsen began attending Frontline Bible Church with her family by watching the service on Facebook Live in 2017. In June 2019, she joined as interim marketing director, along with her husband Bob. They both have a passion for communicating strategically and effectively. When she graduated from college with a degree in Graphic Design and Marketing, her heart’s desire was to work with churches helping with marketing communications. She has a passion for God’s people and communicating His message. She and Bob have had the joy of homeschooling and graduating their two sons, James and Ethan.

Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust in Him and He will do this.

psalm 37:4–5