Leadership

The spiritual, administrative and financial oversight of Appleton Community EFC, under the headship of Christ, is provided by the Board of Elders, which consists of a minimum of three lay Elders (elected by church members), and the Senior Pastor.

Our Pastor

Greg Dykstra – Senior Pastor
Greg began his ministry at ACEFC in April, 2014. Prior to moving to Appleton, he served in pastoral ministry in East Peoria, IL for over 26 years and pastored in Texas, Illinois, & Michigan before that. He has also enjoyed the privilege of teaching college courses for Moody Bible Institute’s Distance Learning Center.

After being raised in a farming community near Kankakee, IL, Greg attended Illinois State University in Normal, served for two years in the US Army, then went back to ISU to complete his undergrad degree in Accounting.

Greg married Donna in 1976 and they moved to Dallas, TX, where he received a Masters of Theology in Biblical Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary. They have three adult children (Joel is married to Angela, Katie is married to Ryan, and Kristin is married to Jeremy). Donna worked with Special Needs students for many years in the Peoria Public Schools and has assisted with Youth and Children’s Ministries at each of the churches where Greg has been a pastor.

An avid sports fan, Greg enjoys taking walks with Donna as well as hiking and biking and he cheers without shame or apology for the Cubs, Bears, and University of Illinois basketball. He also has a strong passion for prayer and for teaching and talking about the Truth of God’s Word.

Blake Burton – Associate + Youth Pastor

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Kayleen and I were called to Appleton Community EFC and moved to Appleton in February 2020. Both of us were born and raised in Minnesota so this is our first move out of state! I graduated from St. Cloud State with a degree in Finance and Economics. Kayleen has a degree in Social Work and currently works for Outagamie County. We met in college and were married in 2011. 

While in college I felt a desire to work in ministry. With the pastor and the elders of the church I attended, I started to discern the call to ministry. After graduating I worked as a financial analyst while taking online classes for seminary. I eventually graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in May of 2019 with an emphasis in Biblical Counseling. I enjoy helping people grow into Christlikeness in every area of their life.  

My wife and I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and running. I jokingly say that we joined a cult called CrossFit. My wife is good at it and I participate.  We also enjoy traveling to new places and exploring. This can be new cities we have not been to or a small little town near us. 

A personal hobby of mine is trying to find the best burger place to eat. Let me know of recommendations of places in the area. Better yet, let me know your favorite place and let’s go together! 

Our Elders

Andy Soto

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I was raised in New London by my two loving parents, Peter and Debbie Soto. Both of my parents attend at ACEFC and are a consistent support to me and the rest of my family. I have been married for five years to my beautiful wife Molly, and our Lord has blessed us with two little boys, Huxley and Beckem. Currently I work for TriCity Glass & Door in Appleton as a lead commercial installer.

God has taught me countless things throughout my Christian walk. As a young man, seeking to understand the things of God, I pursued anything and everything I could get my hands on to help. I found interest in hundreds of hours of sermons, discussions, and debates on various different biblical topics as I became obsessed with God’s word. In the midst of all that, the weight of my own sin became impossible for me to bear. I cried out to the Lord on many occasions during that time, and not long after that I became sure that the Lord had done something incredible. He gave me life, he saved me. My life had become something brand new as my desires had completely changed. He has given me an incredible desire to know Him through His word, to love truth, and to defend that truth as I seek to honor Him.

ACEFC has been my family for many years. I started attending as a single man with my friend Molly. We were married not long after and started a family. ACEFC has been a large part of our Christian walk and I cherish the support, encouragement and relationships that have been vital as we seek to sharpen one another and grow in faith.  My love for this church family is something so very special to me, and I thank those of you that have been faithful in your love towards me and my family. I hope to continue to honor and glorify the Lord as an elder.

Tim Diestler

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By the grace of God I was born into a Christian home and accepted Christ as my Savior at Bible camp in my later elementary years. My wife, Sue, and I met at church when we were young and started dating in our later teens. We’ve been married for 35 years and have 2 children Matt and Holly, a daughter in-law Hannah, a son in-law Nate, and 3 grandchildren.

We started attending ACEFC 20+ years ago and enjoy leading short-term mission trips. I have worked in youth ministry, AWANA, served on the mission and outreach committee, taught Sunday morning Adult classes, served as an Elder for 6 years and am now back on the Elder board.

I pray that everything we do as a body brings glory and honor to God. That each day we learn to be more like Jesus through the study of his word. That we love each other well and love others so they can come to know the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Marshall Legg

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My name is Marshall Legg and my wife Shay and I have been attending ACEFC since 2016. Born and raised in Colorado, I grew up in a loving Christian home and church very similar to ours.  I was blessed to grow in the knowledge of Christ early through biblical preaching, Awanas, youth groups, and countless Sunday-school lessons.  I recognized my personal need for Jesus around age 9, surrendered my life to Him, and was baptized by my fathers a few years later.  While completing high school and entering college, I met Shay and was humbled to share my faith with her and witness her own personal choice to follow Jesus!  We were married and left Colorado for a professional development program which led us to live in Illinois, Minnesota, and Texas and we were graced with two beautiful girls during that time, Adalay and Miriam.  I followed His prompting to pursue my interest in supporting our nation’s military and joined Oshkosh Defense where I am currently employed.  We have been blessed since with two boys, Uriah and Callum

Throughout our travels we’ve learned how extensive the body of Christ is and felt the impact of the local church.  I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in our church as I recognize how much you/it has blessed me/us. I have a passion for communication and helping organize the community of believers to share the God-graced talents He’s created in all of us.     John 3:30

Desmond Van Houten

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Doug Moran

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Darrell Martin

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Children’s Leader

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Lisa Schodorf – Children’s Ministry
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I grew up Catholic, I always felt like something was missing. When I was 33 years old God revealed to me what was missing… a personal relationship with Jesus Christ! I have been growing in my faith ever since. I am blessed to have an amazing husband, Kurt, we have been married for over 30 years. We have 3 adult children and 3 wonderful grandchildren.

Being a mom and a nana is the most important rewarding job there is.  I am so thankful God allowed me to be both. I have been involved in Children’s Ministry for over 18 years. I look forward to what God has planned for Appleton Community EFC.

Church Secretary

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Worship Leader

Music Ministry