Meet our Staff

Pastor David Knuth was ordained into the Holy Ministry in 1996 and has been serving Pella since 2015. His personal ministry emphasis is teaching the Word, especially through the Divine Service and Bible study, but also by collaborating with fellow pastors for continued study and supervising and teaching future pastors through Pella's Vicarage program. He currently also serves as Secretary of the South Wisconsin District Board of Directors. Pastor David Knuth grew up in Sheboygan where he attended Sheboygan Lutheran High School.  He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University, Mequon and a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Pastor and his wife, Tomi, have four adult daughters and many delightful grandchildren. Before coming to Pella, Pastor Knuth served at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN from 1996-2002, and at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, IL, from 2002-2015. Pastor enjoys hunting, fishing and family time.

Tomi Knuth has been our part-time church secretary since November 2019. Having worked in professional office environments for many years, Tomi is very happy to be using her talents to serve the Lord here at Pella. When she's not at work, she loves to volunteer, read, walk, cook and spend time with her family. 

Jenna Westphal is our In His Hands (IHH) Preschool Director and Teacher. Jenna has been a member of Pella Lutheran Church since 2008 and has been teaching at In His Hands Preschool since 2012. Jenna's two daughters attended preschool at IHH. She believes a Christian education is essential for our children and is honored and blessed to be a part of IHH.  

Shirley Canniff is our In His Hands Preschool Teacher. She has been a member of Pella Lutheran Church for over 50 years and has been teaching with IHH since 2018. She is so kind and truly loves the children. Her creativity in bringing lessons to life by making them hands-on and full of imagination is admirable. She is a tremendous blessing to our school and we are so thankful to have her.  

Arlene Pattee is our part-time custodian and does a great job keeping our large facility ready for worship and other events.

Zachary Benkert was installed as Vicar here at Pella Lutheran on July 21st, 2024. He and his wife Vanessa, and their four children: Emmaline, Josiah, Eliana, and Hezekiah, are originally from the central Mid-Michigan area. Zachary has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Baker College in Owosso, MI. Prior to entering seminary, he worked as a chemical plant operator for over a decade and ran a small hobby farm with his wife and children. The Benkert’s home church is St. Paul Frankenlust, in Bay City, MI, where Zac previously served on the board of elders. When he’s not studying theology, you might find him reading a history book, listening to history podcasts, spending time camping, or simply being outdoors with his family.