A Vision for the Future
You want to see a world where faith, family, and freedom are not only valued but thrive. You know our culture needs to change, and you want to be a part of the solution. The FAMiLY Leader exists to help you do just that.
You know that real change is possible when the Church and government work together to meet the needs of communities, support families, and protect life. By leading with biblical principles, we believe you can be part of a movement that preserves these values for future generations.
Our Story
The FAMiLY Leader began in 1996 as the Iowa Family Policy Center, with a mission to promote God-honoring public policy. But as we grew, we realized lasting change requires more than laws—it needs godly leaders and a culture transformed by biblical truth.
Since 2010, The FAMiLY Leader has shifted focus to empowering the Church to lead that transformation. Through our Church Ambassador Network and initiatives like iF 7:14, we connect pastors with government leaders and foster a movement rooted in prayer, revival, and gospel-driven change. We believe true hope for America lies in the Church rising to be the salt and light Christ called it to be—in homes, communities, and government.
What We Stand For
Family
We believe that the family is the foundational institution created by God, essential for the well-being of individuals and society. Our work promotes policies that protect and strengthen families.
Life
We believe every human life holds immeasurable value from conception to natural death. We stand for policies that protect innocent life, opposing abortion, physician-assisted suicide, and euthanasia.
Education
We support every family’s right, regardless of income, to choose education options—public, private, religious, or homeschooling—that reflect their values and meet their children’s needs.
Elections & Government
We encourage the election of Christ-like leaders and promote righteous policies that honor God and serve the public. We equip voters and representatives to champion biblical values in government.
Marriage & Sexuality
We support policies that strengthen biblical marriages and oppose anything that undermines God’s design for human sexuality, including fornication, pornography, homosexuality, and transgenderism.
Religious Liberty
We champion policies that protect the free exercise of religion in both private and public life, ensuring no unjust government interference in living out one’s faith.
Our Team
Bob Vander Plaats
President and CEO
Darla Vander Plaats
Ministry Partner
Greg Baker
Executive Vice President
Chuck Hurley
Vice President
Angie Long
Chief Operating Officer
Nick Ludema
Assistant to the President
Greg Baker
Founding Director
Brian Allen
Director of Operations
Léo Lazarini
Director of Church Engagement
Noah Meyers
Regional Coordinator
Kathy Van Solen
iF 7:14 Prayer Ambassador
Tim Lubinus
Project Coordinator
Bryan English
Executive Director, Texas
Nino Gonzalez
Director of Church Engagement; Senior Director, San Antonio, Texas
Ed Upton
Senior Director, Fort Worth, Texas
Ryan Johnson
Senior Director, Houston, Texas
Matt Henslee
Regional Coordinator, Dallas, Texas
Doug James
Senior Director, Central Texas
Lanay Fournier
Director of Strategic Partnerships for The Daniel Impact
Chuck Hurley
Chief Counsel
Ryan Benn
Legal Counsel & Director of Policy
Danny Carroll
Family Advocate
Josiah Oleson
Director of Elections & Family Advocate
Chris St. John
Vice President of Advancement
Jon Dunwell
Director of Outreach and Engagement
Duane Nordquist
Advancement Specialist
Bryan Lee
CRM Manager
Drew Zahn
Director of Communications
Glen Cornell
Multi-Media Director
Kate McGovern
Events & Marketing
Dave Kutscher
Chair of the Board
Dr. Todd Troll
Vice Chair of the Board
Steve Boender
Secretary of the Board
Pastor Monte Knudsen
Chaplain of the Board
Mark Gilbreath
Board Member
Denny Hanson
Board Member
Dave Van Wyk
Board Member
Jody Wohlenhaus
Board Member
Join Us
Whether it’s through prayer, partnership, or advocacy, this mission can be part of your mission. Together, we can honor God in the public square and make a real, lasting difference in our nation.
iNSPIRE the Church
iMPACT Elections
iNFLUENCE Policy
iGNITE Partnerships
