Pastors

Dana Olson

Lead Pastor, Preaching & Vision

Pastor Dana is our senior pastor for preaching and vision. He leads the staff and serves as an elder at Faith Baptist Fellowship. He has a heart for encouraging people to study, understand and apply God’s Word.

Dana’s first senior pastor position was at Trinity Baptist Church in Lincoln, NE from 1983 to 1996, which explains his support of the Cornhuskers!

From 1996 to 2009, Dana was director of Prayer First, the prayer mobilization ministry of Converge Worldwide (Baptist General Conference). He has spoken at hundreds of churches, conferences and on mission fields around the world. He continues to serve on America’s National Prayer Committee and the Denominational Prayer Leaders Network. Dana’s ministry at Faith Baptist continues to be defined by his passion to inspire people to pray.

In the fall of 2009, Pastor Dana was called to Faith Baptist Fellowship to serve as the senior lead pastor for preaching and vision.

Dana and his wife Christa have three adult daughters. Anna makes her home in Sioux Falls. Mary is working with unreached people groups in New York City, and Betsy is earning her PhD in physics at the University of Minnesota in Mankato. Dana’s father was a pastor for over 50 years and is now with Jesus. His mother Mary lives in Sioux Falls and is a member at Faith Baptist.

Email Pastor Dana: [email protected]

David Vilhauer

Pastor of Discipleship & Operations

Pastor David focuses on providing ways for people at Faith Baptist to deepen their walk with God through studying the Bible together. He provides leadership for Faith Groups and Faith University as well as overseeing operations, finances, and personnel. David is gifted in teaching, administrating, serving and shepherding.

David grew up on a farm near Olivet, S.D and graduated from South Dakota State University in 1978 with degrees in Biology and Dairy Manufacturing. After graduation, he served on active duty in the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, including a one-year tour in Korea. For over 15 years, David worked in quality assurance for companies such as Kraft Foods.

In 1998, he moved with his family to Sioux Falls to be closer to his aging parents. David sensed a leading to attend seminary for more biblical training, so he enrolled in North American Baptist Seminary. During this time through Exodus 3:12, God confirmed that David was being “sent” even though the ‘how, when and where’ might not be clear. David knew the affirmation would come, but God was calling David to trust Him in the now.

After completing an Education Ministries Masters Degree and an internship with Faith Baptist, David was hired as part-time pastor of Christian Education and Assimilation. In June 2004, David became part of the full-time staff.

David has been married to his wife Evonne for more than 25 years. Their daughter Kimberly is a recent graduate of Grace University in Omaha, NE. He enjoys racquetball, basketball, reading, spending time with his family and working on home improvements.

Email Pastor David: [email protected]

Thomas Slawson

Pastor of Worship & First Steps

Pastor Thomas leads the congregation in singing songs that faithfully represent Jesus, clearly tell the gospel story and foster genuine affection for God. He also works to welcome and connect new attenders at Faith Baptist.

Bio coming soon...

Email Pastor Thomas: [email protected]