Our Team

Robert Hays

Pastor Robert joined our church in the fall of 2023—at a moment when something remarkable happened. We were praying for a pastor, and Pastor Robert was praying for a church. By God’s grace and gentle guidance, our paths crossed, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Known for his sense of humor, thoughtful insight, and passion for real-life application, Pastor Robert brings God’s Word to life each Sunday. Grounded firmly in Scripture and enriched with stories and illustrations, his preaching connects timeless biblical truth to everyday living in meaningful and accessible ways.

Pastor Robert loves faith, family, and fishing—and he does his best to keep them in that order. When he’s not in the office or engaged in ministry, you’ll likely find him tying fishing flies or standing knee-deep in a crystal-clear, ice-cold trout stream, grateful for God’s creation and a good cast.

PASTOR

Leadership

  • Dan Younce

    PRESIDING CLERK

    About 53 years ago, Dan’s daughter, who was 4 years old, began attending Vancouver First Friends via the bussing ministry. Soon his entire family was attending. In the last 50+ years, Dan has served on Christian Ed committee, Stewardship committee and Elders committee. He is currently serving as Clerk of the meeting. He also enjoys being part of the worship team by playing his harmonica. Dan currently is a bus driver for the local school district, driving students with special needs. He loves being a part of their lives and interacting with their families. When he’s not working, he enjoys golfing and traveling. He has 4 children, 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He enjoys cruising and traveling to visit his children and grandchildren.

  • Carole Schaefer

    CLERK OF ELDERS

    Carole came to VFFC in 2018.  God, knowing her heart for ministry and for helping those in need, directed her path here. She found the church body warm and loving, but most importantly, mission-minded.  She volunteers at the Giving Closet, Homeless Feeding Ministry, and the First Responders Rest Stop. Carole serves as the head Elder. Her hobbies include bird watching and feeding the many birds and squirrels that come into her backyard, and gardening. She loves going on hikes with her husband Frank, especially in areas with trees. They have two sons, nine grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Since childhood, her favorite bible verse is John 3:16.

  • Mel Kern

    ELDER

    Melvin C Kern was born here in Vancouver, WA, 95 years ago , weighing 3 &1/2 pounds. After graduating from Vancouver High School, he graduated from Cascade College in Portland, OR, originally founded as a Friends Bible College. To continue his music teaching career, he earned an MMUS at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. After almost two years in an Army band in Stuttgart, Germany, he finished his teaching certificate at the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!). For the next 34 years, he taught elementary music in Lake Oswego, OR & conducted church choirs, including VFFC's choir, where he met his wife, Lila.  They have taken their family to Twin Rocks' Family Camp for 41 consecutive years. Their lives have been richly blessed at VFFC!

  • Kary Zoller-Vest

    ELDER

    Over the past 65 years, being a part of Vancouver First Friends Church has truly shaped Karen’s life and the lives of those she loves most. Raising three sons in the church is one of the decisions she treasures most. Their gratitude means the world to her. Knowing her sons appreciate those values and experiences is a blessing she carries with pride. Reflecting on her life, she’s always been someone who loves to bring a smile to the faces of those around her, even if it sometimes lands her in a bit of mischief. Her granddaughter once told her that she taught her how to have fun, and there is no greater compliment in her book! Hearing those words reminds her that a joyful spirit can be a legacy as important as any other.

  • Dave Horne

    ELDER

    Dave Horne and his wife Peggy have attended First Friends for about 23 years. Over that time, they have been involved in many different areas in the church. One thing they have been blessed with is the many friendships they have developed over the years. They are looking forward to retirement this year (2026) and the opportunity to indulge in some of their favorite activities, like camping in their trailer and kayaking. They will also use this newfound time for more time with their grandson as he grows.

  • Frank Schaefer

    ELDER

    Frank came to VFFC in 2018 and has since worn many hats. Elder, Treasurer, Stewardship, Homeless Feeding Ministry. He is an avid sports fan who loves the San Francisco 49ers and the SF Giants.  He likes his coffee dark and black and loves to discover walking and hiking trails. One last thing, he has never met a “donut” he didn’t like. Frank’s favorite passage of the Bible is the first nine verses of Joshua. It establishes Joshua as Moses’ successor and the necessity of courage and obedience to God. He is married to Carole and they have two sons.