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 publically committed to following Christ as Lord and Savior.

Gary is excited to be the next Pastor at South Blendon Reformed 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, and hiking.

Kristal Torres

Administrative Assistant

Kristal Torres grew up in Grand Rapids, MI learning all about Jesus through her family, Grace Reformed Church as a little girl, then later Kentwood Community Church, where she was a singer, dancer, and performer in many plays and musicals. It was there she was later baptized and made her profession of faith 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 Jesus has only deepened drawing her closer to Him and His calling on her life. 

Kristal’s husband’s name is Eddie and they have four beautiful blessings named: Angel, Nadia, Romeo, And Xzavier. They enjoy a variety of family activities together such as walking, bicycling, camping, swimming, watching movies, going out to dinner, and proudly watching their children play sports and of course watching them grow in Christ has made them proudest.

Kristal is so very excited to be the new Administrative Assistant at South Blendon Reformed 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. She has many strong gifts of the fruit of the spirit. Mainly, kindness, generosity, love, and gentleness. If you see her please don't hesitate to say Hello!

 

Lisa White

Worship Leader

I am very happy to join the SBRC 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 custodians since December 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.