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"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-13
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Gary Leyendecker, Senior Pastor
Gary@rushcreekbiblechurch.org
Pastor Gary is thankful for his family and for his ministry for Christ. He and Sherry were married in 1971 and together raised a daughter and two sons who are now raising their own families. Grandchildren are a real joy! Pastor Gary and Sherry have partnered in the pastoral ministry for 31 years - at Grace Community Church in Belmont, MI from 1975-1984; then at Grace Bible Church in Phoenix, AZ from 1985-1994; and at Rush Creek Bible Church (former Berean Bible Church of Wyoming, Michigan) since June, 1994. Pastor Gary has come "full circle" at Rush Creek. He attended the church as a teenager and Bryon Center was home to his ancestors.
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Gene Pearson, Pastor of Christian Education
Gene@rushcreekbiblechurch.org
Pastor Gene was born and raised in Mears, Michigan, where he lived very close to Grace Adventures for a number of years. He also lived in Muskegon, but the Grand Rapids area is where he feels most at home. In 1976, Pastor Gene married Kathie who was a member of this church at the time. They have three married daughters, and four grandchildren. They were missionaries in Brazil from 1985 to 1994. He began working at the church in 1995. Pastor Gene's interests are: Doing things with his wife and family, especially his grandchildren. In addition, he likes to use computers and learn about the latest trends in technology.
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Brian Lorenz, Youth Pastor
Brian@rushcreekbiblechurch.org
Pastor Brian grew up in Whitehall, MI. He met his wife Ingrid at Grace Bible College and they married in 1990. They have 3 children, 2 girls and 1 boy.
At the age of 24, Pastor Brian developed a real passion to work with teenagers and felt the call to be a Youth Pastor. He has been in the ministry since 1984 and has served as Youth Pastor at the Coopersville Bible Church and Holland Berean (now Parkside Bible Church). He has served here as Youth Pastor since 2004. Pastor Brian's Interests are: Fishing and spending time with his family.
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Phillip Long, Associate Pastor of Teaching
plong@gbcol.edu
Pastor Phillip is married to Lori and has two children, Amy and Caroline. He was born and raised in California. He went to Grace Bible College were he graduated with a B.Th in pastoral studies. Pastor Phillip served as interim pastor in Newaygo, Michigan and Riverside, California. He also taught in a Christian High School and is presently the Associate Professor of New Testament at Grace Bible College.
Pastor Phillip's interests are: Music, books, and a great cup of coffee.
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Mark Taylor, Director of Worship Arts
Mark@rushcreekbiblechurch.org
Dr. Mark was born in Longmont, Colorado, but grew up in Grand Rapids. He met his wife, Sandy, in 1980 while directing music at Gratiot Avenue Baptist Church in Detroit.
After earning his Bachelor of Music from Grand Rapids Baptist College, he began earning his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University. He also began teaching music and directing bands and choirs in Christian Schools. After teaching in four Christian schools in three states, he earned a Ph.D. in Music Education at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. He has taught music in three Christian colleges and directed music in seven churches. In addition to his responsibilities at Rush Creek Bible Church, he is the Music Director of the Metropolitan Choir of Praise.
Dr. Mark's personal interests are spending time with his wife and their dog, Jazmyn, playing and watching basketball, and reading.
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Dan & Karen Neymeiyer, Directors of Christian Education
danandkaren@rushcreekbiblechurch.org
Dan and Karen were raised in the Grand Rapids area and met in high school. They were married in 1985 and have two daughters, Kayla and Christina.
Karen attended Grace Bible College and Grand Valley State, where she earned a Bachelor's degree and elementary teaching certification with endorsements for special education. She taught in North Muskegon for three years before leaving the classroom to be at home with her children.
Dan has been in business for many years, selling and servicing farm and lawn equipment in the Sparta area as well as in Forest Grove, south of Hudsonville.
Dan and Karen have been the Directors of Children's Ministries since 2008, working as a team to fill this role at Rush Creek. They enjoy traveling especially on mission trips with the youth, and spending time with family.
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Terrah Befus, Youth Ministries Assistant
terrah373@yahoo.com
Terrah was born and raised in Costa Rica, daughter of missionaries Chuck and Joy Befus. From a very young age she had the privilege and opportunity to be involved in various ministries and has been a leader in youth ministry for the past 7 years. Terrah graduated from Grace Bible College in December 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Missions. She feels a distinct call to work along side young women and to be an encouragement and help to young people in general. In the future Terrah hopes to become a full-time missionary to Latin America.
Terrah's interests are: Traveling, languages, reading, writing, and being active (sports).
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