Staff and Leadership

Email Pastor Don

Pastor Don Erickson

Hi there.  I’m Pastor Don Erickson.  I’ve served at Rock of Ages for 8 years.  I have a background in both the business and faith worlds.  After 23 years with Hallmark Cards I retired and went to seminary in Chicago and then served a congregation in suburban St. Louis for four years.  Following that I served as President/CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators Foundation and VP Marketing for Wycliffe Bible Translators in Orlando for a total of 8 years.  After a brief second retirement I served as interim pastor at Rock of Ages.  That led to a call to be the permanent pastor.  Throughout my vocational life I have witnessed the transformational power of the Gospel in many different contexts.  It is my privilege to serve at Rock of Ages.  I look forward to serving you.

Email Emily

Emily Smith, Office Manager

My name is Emily Smith and I have been at Rock of Ages since July of 2021. My husband, Andy and I moved to Florida from Nebraska to escape the cold winters. I have worked in a number of different organizations, including the U.S. Army, an insurance company and a Jesuit university. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Rock of Ages as office manager. It’s given me to opportunity to combine my skills with my love for the church and its community. Working alongside everyone here has been an absolute joy and I am constantly inspired by the dedication to serving others I see on a daily basis!

Royce Ruther, Pianist

I have been a church musician since I was 12, playing piano and organ and directing choirs. I’ve served at Rock of Ages since 2011 and consider my musical leadership my primary form of worship. 

I graduated from the Music Conservatory at Capital University and was married to a Lutheran pastor for over 48 years. 

I love the Lutheran worship liturgy, and strive to connect the music to the Scripture readings each week. 

Tech Team

Randy Chidester, John Stahl, Karen McQuay & John Kilguss