Our Pastors
Senior Pastor
Matt Giesman
Matt was born in Lima, OH, in 1981, but spent over 20 years living in the Deep South being raised by Midwesterners. In college, Matt studied Journalism at the University of Alabama, worked for the campus radio station, served as the Sports Editor of The Crimson White student newspaper, and served at several Christian camps.
Matt earned his Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS while interning at Trinity Presbyterian. Later, Matt served as Assistant Pastor of Youth and Families at Fort Worth Presbyterian from 2009-2011. He also served for five years as Assistant Pastor at Providence Presbyterian in Clinton, MS before moving to Colorado Springs to serve as Senior Pastor of Forestgate on October 1, 2015.
Matt is married to Liz, a registered nurse who spends most of her time raising Annabelle (born in 2013) and Benjamin (2017). The Giesmans also have an Irish Terrier named Ty who will eat anything in sight. Matt is adjusting to the cold nicely, and he’s glad to be closer to good skiing destinations. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree at Covenant Theological Seminary.
Assistant Pastor
Steve Stanton
Steve was born in Anaheim, CA in 1987, but spent the majority of his childhood in Annapolis, MD. Steve studied Civil Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL, where he was also a member of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
After graduation, Steve joined the Air Force as a civil engineer. While at training in Montgomery, AL, he met Becca who was also serving in the Air Force. The two were married in 2011, at which time a very special Labrador Retriever named Ike also joined the family. After 5 years on active duty, Steve and Becca left the Air Force to move to Charlotte, NC where Steve earned his Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary and interned at Christ Central Church. Their daughter Lilly joined the family in 2015, followed by Joel in 2017. The Stantons moved to Colorado Springs, Becca's hometown, in June 2017 to serve at Forestgate.
Steve and Becca enjoy spending time outside in Colorado’s vast forests, especially around Lake George, CO. They’ve been blessed by the supportive Forestgate community which has been a great source of encouragement for their first year of ministry and beyond. Steve’s hobbies include roasting his own coffee beans, growing hot peppers in their garden, munching jalapeño poppers, and smoking brisket and then making it disappear.
Church Administrator
Carl Bobb
Carl Bobb has been married to Esther for 31 years, raising two daughters Annina, 28, and Katrina, 16. The Bobb family lived in Europe during the early years of their marriage serving as missionaries, and returned to the United States in order to start Timberline Lodge a Christian Sports and Retreat Center in Winter Park, Colorado. For the past 18 years Carl has worked in several business enterprises as a tent-making pastor. Carl and Esther are active members, volunteering in various areas during their nearly four years at Forestgate. He is a seminary graduate and ordained minister. Carl is a kid at heart and loves to play outside, engaging in meaningful conversation, staying young while growing in wisdom and joyfully walking with Christ.
Our Elders
David Edling
Dave Edling became a Christ-follower in 1978 at the age of 31 only through the redeeming grace extended to him by God. He felt called to attend seminary and later served on the pastoral staff of a PCA church in Southern California as a Ruling Elder/Church Administrator before joining the staff of Peacemaker Ministries in Billings, Montana where he served as a Christian Conciliator. He and his wife of 50 years, Pat, joined Forestgate PCA in 2016. They have the blessing of enjoying two adult children and six grandchildren.
Bruce Harrington
Bruce and Connie came to Colorado (and Forestgate) in 2008 from Tennessee. Bruce has served the nonprofit finance world as a chief development officer, CFO & chief investment officer. He has served as a ruling elder and teaching elder in both the PCA and EPC. In recent years he’s been consulting with nonprofit CEOs and boards. Bruce and Connie have three married children and ten grandchildren.
Alan Hemphill
Alan has lived all over the place. From MA to PA to NY, and even in rural KY & MI. For many years Alan practiced Pediatrics in Long Beach, CA, and later in Monument, CO. He has been an Elder in both the RPCNA, OPC, and PCA since 1978, before serving here at Forestgate since 2006. Gerry, Alan’s wife for 43 yrs., passed into glory in 2008, after wrestling with ALS for about 2 years. Alan has been blessed with 3 children and 4 grandchildren who are all actively serving the Lord in PA, and here in CO.
Chris Odell
Chris became a Christian in his youth. He was ordained as a PCA ruling elder in 1992 and his heart is to shepherd and protect the flock, to equip others for the work of service, and to encourage and support his fellow elders to the glory of God. Chris has been a successful executive in corporate and start-up environments in various technology companies. He is an active angel investor and board member of a number of local high tech start-ups. He also serves on the Boards of ARDM and Discover Goodwill. Chris and his wife, Molly, have attended Forestgate since its first service in February 1986. They have 4 adult married children, seven grandsons and three granddaughters.
Our Deacons
Dick Barthels
Dick and his wife, Donna, moved to Colorado Springs 5 years ago from Seattle, WA. Dick has served on the Deacons Board for the last three years. He also currently leads the Men’s Bible Study on Friday morning along with serving on the Missions Ministry Team.
Alex Funke
As the Chairman of the Deacons, Alex keeps the place running, with the help of many volunteer hands and our faithful service vendors. As a general contractor for over 30 years, Alex enjoys morphing his work into organizing work days and service projects. Alex and his wife Joan have been a part of Forestgate since 1986.
Dale Giebink
Dale was born and raised in Wisconsin. He became a Christian in college through the ministry of the Navigators. Dale met and married Joyce in San Antonio in 1983. For 33 years Dale served as a Dentist in the US Army. Joyce and Dale have been members at Forestgate since 1999. He currently serves as a worship leader, usher coordinator, church treasurer, and deacon.
Doug Hamm
Doug and his beloved wife Shannon have been members of the PCA since 2003, and Residents of Colorado Springs since 2010. They have three children: Joshua, Caleb, and Katherine. Doug currently works as an environmental engineer in the natural gas industry. He enjoys spending time with family, reading, hiking, and playing amateur guitar.
Craig Odell
Blessed with an upbringing as a covenant child, Craig accepted Christ at a young age and does not remember a time before knowing Him. Craig works in the software industry using his gifts in engineering and computer science. Craig married his wife, Jessica, in 2009 and has two daughters and a son. His desire is to serve God and God's people for the furtherance of the Kingdom.
Stan Russell
Stan committed his life to Christ through the Officer’s Christian Fellowship (OCF). He is very happily married to Penny with two sons and three grandchildren. Stan is a Retired Army Officer and financial planner who has volunteered many years with Crown Financial Ministries. He continues to serve with with Military Community Youth Ministries (Club Beyond).
David Ulsh
Dave is married to the wonderful Evelyn Ulsh and recently celebrated 40 years together. He grew up in New York and later attended school at Montana State University. He is the proud grandpa of 5 grandchildren. Like many Coloradans he enjoys hitting the slopes skiing with family