Gary Jarvis

Lead Pastor

Gary Jarvis grew up hearing the good news of Jesus through Mountain View Community Church, his family, and Denver Christian Schools. Jesus has always been a part of his life, and his love for Jesus has grown throughout the years.  During his freshman year of high school, after reading the Bible for himself and many years of hearing the Gospel, he publicly committed to following Christ as Lord and Savior.

Gary is excited to be the next Pastor at South Blendon Community Church.  In order to embark on this journey, his family traveled from Gilbert, Arizona.  There, he was the Pastor of Leadership and Ministry Development for New Hope Community Church for nine years and the Regional Strategist and Classis Executive for the Southwest Classis for six years.  Prior to ministry, he was a financial analyst for seven years and then in 2006 received his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary.

Gary’s wife’s name is Cindy and they have three children: Hannah, Benjamin, and Naomi.  They enjoy a variety of activities together such as hiking, movies, participating in the kid’s activities such as musical theatre, basketball, boy scouts, and girl scouts.  Gary’s hobbies are softball, basketball, hiking, fishing, and golf.

Kristal Torres

Administrative Assistant

Kristal Torres grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan learning all about Jesus through her family, and at Grace Reformed Church. As an infant she was baptized there and dedicated to the Lord by her parents and her Church. Later on in life at Kentwood Community Church,  she was a singer, a dancer, and a performer in many plays and musicals. It was there she was baptized again and then decided to make her commitment to follow Jesus publicly as a young adult. She has a HUGE love for all of God's people! Jesus has always been The Lord of her life, and throughout the years her love and passion for Him has only deepened, as He draws her closer to Him and His calling on her life. 

Kristal’s husband’s name is Eddie and they have four beautiful blessings. They enjoy a variety of family activities together such as walking, hiking, bicycling, camping, going to the beach, swimming, watching movies, shopping, going out to dinner, watching the children dance and play sports. Watching them grow in Christ has made them proudest! Kristal's hobbies are; singing, painting, taking nature walks, and enjoying quality time with loved ones.

Kristal is so very excited to be the next Administrative Assistant here at South Blendon Community Church. She feels grateful and blessed to have been lead here by God himself. She hopes to be a blessing to staff, the congregation, and to the community. If you see her please don't hesitate to say Hello!

Lisa White

Worship Leader

I am very happy to join the SBCC staff as the new worship leader.  I have a Bachelor’s degree in music from DePauw University in Greencastle Indiana, and I’ve been leading worship in western Michigan for over 20 years.  After graduating from college, I met my husband, Clif, and we played music professionally, traveling all over the country for about 8 years.  Once we landed in Holland, Michigan, Clif went to Bible college at Great Lakes University and has been a pastor and worship leader at Shekinah Revival Ministries in Holland for over 20 years.  Our son went to MCC and then World Harvest Bible College in Columbus Ohio for media, and he was recently was hired at my husband’s church as the media director.  We love to spend family time with our little rescue dog “Jewel” taking her for walks, to the park, playing in the backyard, or watching sports or movies on TV.  (Jewel likes commercials with dogs in them!)  I also have a passion for mentoring musicians and worship leaders.  I give private voice and piano lessons to students in my “Arise! School of Worship Arts”, and we also do worship events along with a large network of worshippers in the area that I call the “Arise! Worship Army.”  Let God be praised!

Berv and Margie Vruggink

Custodians

We have been the custodians here at South Blendon Community Church since December of 1984. We’ve seen many changes over the years with building additions, remodeling, and Pastors. Berv is an avid biker—the pedaling kind—and can be found riding around the community on an agreeable and even not so agreeable day. Margie enjoys many crafts and reading. We both love camping, traveling, grandkids, and kayaking.