Our Staff & Leaders

Our Pastors

Pastor Jeff Nelson

Pastor Jeff grew up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He has his Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire and his Masters in Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Jeff and his wife, Bridget…..

Associate Pastor Jennifer Tripoli

Jennifer Tripoli is our Executive Associate Pastor. She is a lifelong member who was baptized here in 1973 and married here in 1997. Jennifer joined us on staff in 2017 after years of volunteer work in various capacities. In January 2022, Jennifer was appointed

Associate Pastor Bridget Nelson

Bridget is our Associate Pastor of Programs. Bridget Nelson works with a great team of staff and volunteers to offer a wide range of programming to the children, youth, and families at Royal Oak First. From nursery care to high school Youth Group,

Governing Board

The Compass Team

The Compass Team champions the vision, mission and core values of Royal Oak First; cares for and improves the effectiveness of our pastors and staff; and directs the organization in compliance within our legal and regulatory environment. Compass Team can be thought of as a Board of Directors in a nonprofit organization, or as an Elder Board such as exists in some

Administrative Staff

Operations Manager
Karen Calhoun

Karen has been a member at Royal Oak First since 2006 and joined the staff as Operations Manager in September of 2018. Along the way, Karen led “Parents’ Night Out” and “Career Ministry”, taught Sunday School (eventually becoming Superintendent), and

Communications Director
Lee Trumbull

Lee joined the staff in June of 2021. A proud graduate of Wayne State University and a lifelong seeker of wisdom, she is excited to be a part of Royal Oak First’s mission! Lee is married and is the exasperated mother to six cats. She enjoys movies, music, reading and TV.

Worship and Arts Staff

Worship and Music Director
Michael Rosas

Michael R. Rosas grew up in a musical home and began church music ministry at a very young age and has been in ministry for over 30 years. He has vast experience as a church musician, music composer and arranger, educator, preacher,

House Band Coordinator
Griffin Anspach

Griffin grew up in the church and ministry in the metro Detroit area. He has served in music ministry for over 10 years, and has a degree in Music Performance from Northern Michigan University. He also works writing software professionally.

Audio Engineer
Fredrick Fife, II

Fredrick Fife II was born and raised in Flint, Michigan and grew up being very hands-on in his home church’s youth ministry. As a young member of the church, Fredrick was a part of the youth usher board, the youth choir, the praise