Our Leadership Team


  • Nick Boonstra  - Senior Pastor

    Pastor Nick became the pastor of Blue Course Community Church in July 2023. Nick is a Clarks Summit University and Grand Rapids Theological Seminary graduate. He is a self-professed theology nerd and, when not reading, loves to spend time with his family watching sports, hiking, and other outdoor activities. 


    Pastor Nick and his wife, Ashley, have been married for 13 years. They have three elementary-aged children. Ashley is also a Clarks Summit University graduate and is a third-grade teacher. You will likely find her helping out in our kids ministry. Nick and Ashley love to see people of all ages and walks of life grow in their knowledge and love for the Lord.

  • Cindy Rutschky - Church Ministry Associate

    Cindy grew up in upstate NY between Rochester and Buffalo. But now, Cindy and her husband Matthew live in State College. They have one grown son/stepson who lives in Florida. They also have three pets they love. Bella their mini-golden doodle and two cats, Lily & Devon. In her free time, Cindy enjoys quilting, crafts, reading, kayaking, & camping with family and friends. Cindy has a Masters of Education Degree from Clarion University and completed her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Lock Haven University. Most of her previous experience is in the Early Childhood field.

  • Ruba Elias - Administrative Assistant

    Ruba grew up in Amman - Jordan where she got her Bachelor degree in Business from The University Of Jordan. She came to Christ when she was 18 years old then God called her to full time ministry. In 2001 she got married to Ramy Elias & both were serving with CRU in Jordan, Lebanon & Egypt. In 2006 they both came to State College to continue working with CRU reaching the International students at Penn State. They have 2 kids; Talia is 15 years old & Carlo is 13 years old. They now serve with the Navigators reaching the 9,000 International Students at Penn State. In her free time, Ruba enjoys knitting, coloring, reading & writing.

Elders


  • Nick Boonstra

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  • Ryan Cummins - Chairman

    Ryan started attending Blue Course Community Church in 2014 but was initially drawn into the community via a Life Group in 2012.  Ryan met his wife, Olivia, during a membership class at the church, and they were married in the church sanctuary.  They have three young children.  Ryan is a lawyer for a local nonprofit law firm.  Ryan is passionate about helping others understand what they believe and why they believe it.  He has been on the Elder Board since 2020 and has been the Elder Chair since 2021.  He and Olivia also lead a Life Group. 

  • Tim Miller

    Tim has been a member of Blue Course Community Church since 2013. Tim is an engineer, entrepreneur and small business owner. He and his wife Hiliary have been married since 2015, and they have 4 children.Tim is passionate about reaching lost people and seeing the Great Commission play out in our local community. Tim has been on the elder board since 2020, and he currently serves on the Community Team and the Worship Team.



  • Bill Simon - Vice Chairman

    Bill has been part of Blue Course Community Church since 2018. He and his family were warmly welcomed, invited to a Life Group, and quickly made part of the Blue Course family. Bill leads the GO Team (missions committee) and enjoys serving in the church’s music ministry as well. The Simons live in Boalsburg and volunteer in campus ministry at Penn State. Bill currently serves as Elder Secretary.

  • Paul Shaffer

    Paul started attending Blue Course Community Church in 2021. He and his wife, Donna, were married in 1971. They have one son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. Paul is an Architect, retired after a career of 42 years. Paul has a special interest in ministries to internationals. He and Donna also lead a Life Group.

  • Sandy Smith

    Sanford “Sandy” Smith came to faith unexpectedly in 1997 during a communion service at Blue Course Community Church. Upon conversion, his life was transformed from a ‘mocker in the crowd’ to a worshiper of the living Christ. Sandy has served in Blue Course Community Church through numerous roles over the past 26 years, much of that time in ministry to men. He became an Elder in 2023. He is a professor of forestry at Penn State where he works with outreach education across the state. Sandy and his wife, Patricia, have been married for 44 years and are richly blessed with children and grandchildren