What is a GBCC Elder?
This behind the scenes responsibility undergirds GBCC's organizational structure, leadership, and the spiritual well-being of the church.

The elders are challenged to resolve complex church issues with cohesive decisions after in-depth study and discussions.  Elders are empowered to use their God-given gifts to serve - having a heart for God, others, and the local church. 

This is a team of people who understand the Word and strive to utilize it in daily practice.


   

Bruce Conger
Bruce is enjoying his first term on the GBCC elder board as the Elder Board Co-Chairman. A former GBCC pastor, Bruce is currently a business broker who facilitates business mergers and acquisitions. Bruce and Kathy have been married for 40 years and have three married children and seven
grandchildren.  He enjoys hunting, fishing, and shooting sports along with biking, kayaking, and hiking with Kathy.

When asked why he serves as an elder he replied, "I have a heart for God and a deep desire to serve Him.  As a result, I enjoy the admonishments of scripture. The one scripture verse that encourages me no matter where I serve, but most certainly now with the other elders of GBCC is:  "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10
    
    Dave Kaufman
Dave Kaufman just started his 3-year term on the elder board in January and has attended GBCC for nearly 15 years.  A physician specializing in neurology, Dave is in private practice here in Green Bay.
 
Dave and his wife Paula have been married for 22 years and have three kids: Emma (17), Andrew (15), Helen (13). Dave enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his family at their cabin near Minoqua.
 
"I really enjoy being with the other members of the elder board", Dave said, "and look forward to working with them during the transition."
    
   

Denver Johnson
Denver is the Elder Board Chairman and has served as a GBCC elder for two terms - with this term expiring in December, 2009. He enjoys running (10 marathons), biking (he plans to ride around Lake Michigan this summer with a friend), gardening and reading.

Denver works for Brown County Human Services as a psychologist, and has been married to Joan, Arts & Community Life Director at GBCC, for 26 years. They have two children. Aubrey (22) is attending New England Conservatory, and is working on her Masters Degree in Vocal Jazz Performance.  Gentry (19) is a freshman at UMN in Minneapolis, working on a double major in International Business and Spanish.

    
   

Jay Zollar
Jay Zollar, General Manager of Fox 11, is a new member of the elder board. He and his wife Tracey have been married for 6 years and between them have 6 children. Jay enjoys parenting (thankfully), roller blading, bicycling, and aerobics.

When asked what he is going to enjoy most about being on the elder board Jay replied, "Offering up time and self to serve God and the church body provides meaning that has the ability to change people's lives.  A person's spiritual situation is of utmost importance in one's life. I look forward to working with the other elders and church staff in helping Green Bay Community Church continue to grow and serve the people of NE Wisconsin."
    
   

Jerry Wesolowski
A retired Civil Engineer and incurable optimist, Jerry Wesolowski is the Elder Board Secretary and Treasurer and is currently serving his second term as a GBCC elder. Jerry and Rita got married 47 years ago and have enjoyed raising their five children - Amy, Mark, Brenda, Dean, and Rachel. Both are also very busy traveling and attending school events with their 11 grandchildren! Jerry's favorite pastime is fly-fishing for trout.

According to Jerry, "Serving on the Elder Board is both an awesome responsibility and rewarding experience.  I enjoy serving the local Body, with the other dedicated men.  Everyone has a personal dedication to do that what is right." When asked about his philosophy on life he added. "I've always expressed to my children that going through hard times are temporary.  There are better times ahead."
    
   

John Emery
Elder John Emery has served on the GBCC board for 3 years. Currently working at Procter & Gamble as a Project Manager, John has been married to Ann for 32 years. They have two adult kids and one grandchild.

John said, "I most enjoy meeting new people in the membership interviews and prayer request times.  I also highly value the relationships working with fellow elders."
    
   

Scott Lade
Scott Lade, GBCC elder chair, is serving on the Elder Board for his second term. He and his wife Lynn have been married for 31 years and have one daughter. Scott has been in the automotive industry for 31 years and enjoys golf, golf, and more golf. In fact, he considers himself passionately fanatical about the sport.

When asked what he likes the best about serving as an elder he replied, " I enjoy giving back. I honestly feel that you don't get anything out of life until you begin giving back and serving others!"