PASTORS

Mike Janes joined the staff at Ankeny First United Methodist on July 1, 2017. Prior to Ankeny, he served in Davenport for 10 years, Le Mars for 4 years, and in Muscatine for 7 years. Mike and his wife Jen, have two adult children, Josh and Lennon. In Mike’s free time, he is an avid runner and cross-country skier, a motorcyclist, and is a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.

John Wagner first joined our staff in 2009 as the Site Director of the Christian Life Center, where he helped develop both worship and sports ministries unique to the CLC. In 2012, John was appointed to our congregation and he continues his ministry focus at the Christian Life Center where he serves as the Campus Pastor. John and his wife, Amity, have two children, Gabe and Landry.

Pastor Lana Williams joined Ankeny First in late June of 2023 as an associate Pastor. She is a second-career pastor. After completing her Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Psychology, she became the Director of a Workshop for adults with disabilities. Feeling called to serve God she became the children and youth ministry director at Emmetsburg First UMC.  Continuing to feel called by God she began seminary at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and served the Graettinger and Terril UMC’s part-time. After graduation, she was appointed to Emmetsburg First UMC.

Lana and her husband Jon, also a UMC pastor, have two children; Hunter and Reba. Hunter passed away 5 years ago in a car accident and Reba currently lives and works in Ankeny. She loves to hike and enjoy nature.