Leadership

Ryan Ahlgrim - Lead Pastor

Ryan Ahlgrim believes in the church. For all its flaws and foibles, the church is what provides us with a community of love, support, mutual discernment, and faith. Being a Christian is not something we do alone; it is what we do together: fostering healing for the world. For Ryan, no calling could be more meaningful or important than facilitating the wellbeing and mission of the church.

Ryan became the pastor of First Mennonite Church of Richmond on August 1, 2014.

He began his ministry straight out of college as a youth minister in his home congregation, Lombard Mennonite Church, near Chicago. While attending seminary in Elkhart, Indiana, he worked for two years as an assistant minister at Dunlap United Methodist Church. After graduating, he helped plant Peoria-North Mennonite Church in Illinois. Eleven years later, he became lead pastor of First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis, where he served for nineteen years and taught communication courses at Ivy Tech Community College before moving to Richmond, Virginia. In 2023 he became the Eastern District Minister of the Virginia Mennonite Conference, overseeing four other congregations.

Ryan holds a B.A. degree in English from Goshen College, an M.Div. degree from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (including a semester at Princeton Theological Seminary), and a D.Min. degree from McCormick Theological Seminary through the Association of Chicago Theological Schools Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program.

Ryan has authored three books: Not as the Scribes: Jesus as a Model for Prophetic Preaching (Herald Press, 2002); Sick Religion or Healthy Faith? Beliefs and Practices for Healing Christian Communities (Wipf & Stock, 2016); and Spying on Jesus: A Novella (Resource Publications, 2025). He maintains a website of essays, stories, articles, videos, dramas and more at www.ryanahlgrim.com.

Ryan is married to Laurie (Silver) Ahlgrim, a retired school nurse. They have two grown children: Garrett and Savannah.

Pastor Ryan can be reached by email at:
pastor@firstmennonitechurch.org

Emily Nyce - Associate Pastor

Emily Nyce (she/her) is the Associate Pastor of First Mennonite Church of Richmond (June 2023-). Emily was born and raised in Richmond, VA, though she was unfamiliar with the Mennonite denomination until attending Eastern Mennonite University for her undergraduate degree. While there, she quickly found that the Anabaptist tradition was her true theological home. Emily (and her husband, Travis) have been actively involved at FMC since August 2017. She is deeply grateful to expand upon her dedication to FMC’s vision now through her half-time Associate Pastor role.

Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious and Intercultural Studies from Eastern Mennonite University (2014), which included a full semester in the Middle East. Additionally, Emily worked professionally in Mennonite churches while in college and for several years after before moving back to Richmond for seminary. She holds a Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary (2020), and has also completed a Certificate in Community Storytelling through The Hearth in Ashland, OR. Emily has a decade and a half of professional experience working in a broad range of churches, non-profits, and volunteering to support local peace efforts, including as the founder of Yaupon Place at Union Presbyterian Seminary.

Emily and Travis are parents to one child. When time (and sleep) allows, Emily enjoys nature walks, writing and poetry, spirituality, cooking, social time with friends and family, food festivals, and any chance to get to the beach.

Emily can be reached by email at:
emily.nyce@firstmennonitechurch.org

Carrie Smucker

Office Manager
secretary@firstmennonitechurch.org

Staff

Sue Webster

Tyree Webster

Val Reinford

Chair

Administrative Board

Craig Wilson

Chair-Elect

Laura Beckler

Treasurer
treasurer@firstmennonitechurch.org

Sandra Joireman

Sandra Joireman

Chair

Ministerial Leadership Team

Matthias Joireman

Young Adult Rep.

Christine Suders

Chris Yoder

Pat Rohrer

Fellowship Commission

Commission Chairs

Cheryl Boggs

Christian Formation Commission

Don Oswald

Worship Commission

Grant Rissler

Outreach Commission