UFM Board

Rev. Deborah J. McCreary (Executive Director)

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is divorced and has a son and six grandchildren. She graduated from Aquinas College, majoring in psychology and sociology. She has a Master of Arts degree, as a Family Life Educator, from Western Michigan University. She obtained a Master of Divinity degree, at Western Theological Seminary, and is ordained in the Reformed Church of America as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Deborah has a passion for women and marginalized populations. She has been privileged to serve with various outreach ministries including Mel Trotter Ministries, and Degage Ministries. She has preached, led women’s retreats and/or facilitated workshops in Michigan, New Jersey, the Virgin Islands, Chiapas Mexico, Uganda, Egypt, and Jordan. Pastor Deborah recently retired from serving as lead co-pastor at Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

Danielle Eerdmans (President of the Board)

Danielle has lived in the Grand Rapids area her entire life.  Several years ago she learned of UFM and the necessary work they were doing in urban Grand Rapids.   God has filled her with a special love and passion for UFM.  Danielle loves how individual people are being the hands and feet of Christ’s love, using their life experiences and gifts to build other individuals up, who may then in turn give someone else a helping hand. Danielle volunteered in the After-School Bible Club when it first started.  As her family continued to grow, she took time away to raise her and her husband’s five kids.  Danielle joined the board in 2021.She is excited to join back into the mission of UFM.

Barbara Thomas (Board Member)

My name is Barbara Thomas, I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am a God fearing woman whose faith can’t be compromised. I’ve lived in the south east side of Grand Rapids for many years and am very familiar with the community. I’ve lived the type of life that helps me understand the people in my community a little better, as well as being equipped to resourcefully help them. 

I have a degree in sociology and have worked in various areas with women in my community. I’ve done a program working in the jails with women who struggle with substance abuse and mental illness. I have also worked with teen moms struggling with parenting skills. The most important part of my life is helping people see God by letting his light reflect from my life that others may want the same personal relationship.

Dan Rinzema (Board Treasurer/Interim CFO)

Dan is a recently retired business owner and now volunteers his time and energy by serving on several local non-profit ministry boards.  His passion is using the skills and knowledge he was blessed to be able to learn during his business career to help Christian ministries become more effective at accomplishing their Kingdom mission.  He and his wife Diana attend Ada Bible Church, have two married Children and four grandchildren.