Candidates for Provisionl Membership

Donald Dinger

Don Dinger spent 22 years in the North Dakota Army National Guard as a Religious Affairs Specialist (chaplain’s assistant). Born and raised in Minnesota, his faith is part of his identity. He is being commissioned as an elder.

When he was 16 years old, he accepted Christ in his life. Don knew he was called to be a pastor after attending Bible camp during his senior year of high school. He ran from God’s call on his life while he got a college education and started a family. Finally, after two deployments in the Army National Guard and some life struggles, Don surrendered to God’s call.

He attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, and received an associate degree in architectural drafting. Don obtained an undergraduate degree in Bible studies and youth ministry at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, North Dakota. In 2022, he completed his Master of Divinity from Kairos University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Don served as the administrative pastor at Legacy United Methodist Church in Bismarck, North Dakota. He currently serves at the United Methodist Churches in Steele and Tuttle, North Dakota.

He is married to Stessa, and they are currently raising a daughter and a son. Together they have four adult children and four granddaughters. He relaxes by doing woodworking and restoring old furniture.

Krista Ducker

Krista grew up in Ohio attending church and in the children’s choir, adult choir, and youth group. She distinctly remembers asking Jesus into her heart at a young age. Her dad worked as a Christian radio host, which fostered her faith and love for music. Her mom, an avid singer with a deep curiosity and love of learning, grew in Krista a similar desire to learn, grow and mentor others. Krista is being commissioned as an elder.

She traveled to England in her twenties and began to discern a call to vocational ministry. Unfortunately, life events and the tragic loss of family members paused her discernment. However, over time her call to vocational ministry materialized. Krista found that her gifts in leadership as a worship director and pastor flourished in the opportunity to serve The United Methodist Church.

She received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in theology at Durham University in the United Kingdom. Krista graduated with her Master of Divinity from Kairos University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She has served as the pastor at Southern Hills United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, and as the associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Brookings, South Dakota. Krista currently serves Ben Clare United Methodist Church in Valley Springs, South Dakota, and as a chaplain at Avera McKennen Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Krista is married to Jim and has one son, Lucas. She enjoys music, reading, puttering in the kitchen and long walks in the woods.

Amber Laffey

Amber has always gone to church and loved Jesus. Throughout her life, she has been actively engaged in worship, music, youth activities, Bible studies, and attending church camp. Her parents, siblings and extended family are committed followers of Christ and showed her how to do the same. Her brother is an ordained clergy member in the ELCA. Amber is being commissioned as a deacon.

Her call started as a youth when she attended a church conference where she felt God’s call, perhaps to be a youth pastor. After marrying and starting a family, Amber served in many volunteer roles at the churches she attended. During that time, it became clear that raising her children to have an active faith life was essential. Amber landed at Fusion United Methodist Church in Mitchell, South Dakota, serving in many areas of ministry; and her family engaged in mission projects. God nudged her in her calling to become a staff member at the Dakotas Conference office. While working at Annual Conference, she answered God’s call to professional ministry during the Celebration of Life in Ministry Service. Amber attended Midland and Bellevue University in Nebraska and earned an undergraduate degree in marketing management. She graduated with her Masters of Divinity from Kairos University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Amber has served as the pastor at Stickney United Methodist Church and Flandreau United Methodist Church in South Dakota. She currently serves the United Methodist Church in Alexandria, South Dakota.

She is married to Tyler. They have four children, three girlas and one boy, ranging in age from 5 to 15 years. She enjoys traveling, volunteering in the community and supporting her children’s activities.