The Team
Posted on 01. Dec, 2009 by admin in The Basics
From the beginning, the Branch has been relational. College roommates became copastors. Church planters formed out of small groups. Church bodies agreed to be “mothers” and “sisters.” It’s natural that our leadership is team focused. Together, we celebrate our different strengths and our need for each other.
Our staff is made up of individuals who serve as point people for the rest of us. They will lead, design, and dream – but not by themselves. And, definitely not without coffee. Meet them.
Andy Dragt
There is just no simple way to sum this guy up. You name it, Andy’s done it. Or, at least he’s googled it.
Andy is usually sitting in front of his Mac or squinting behind his camera. He is often barefoot. He knows the Grand Rapids bus lines as well as anyone. Looking for a good, local restaurant in GR? Ask Andy.
As a Branch co-pastor, Andy leads in areas of mission and culture. He helps us ask “what should we be doing?” and “how do we engage those around us?” On Sunday mornings, Andy might be preaching, running a video, or holding a baby. He prefers not to sing into a microphone. But, yes, he does love a good cup of coffee.
Andy has been married to his wife, Gina, for 12 years. They have 2 daughters, Haeli and Maya. When not serving the Branch, Andy is running his video and web design business.
Chris DeBlaay
Chris’ life is defined by the days of the week. On Mondays, he is a stay-at-home-dad. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, he is a branch co-pastor. On Thursdays, it’s back to stay-at-home-dad with a little Warehouse Guy thrown in. Fridays are a hodgepodge: a little Branch, a little Wellness Coordinator, a little Warehouse Guy. With such a complex schedule, you might imagine Chris has the ability to create excellent Excel spreadsheets. You wouldn’t be wrong.
As a Branch co-pastor, Chris leads in areas of community and transformation. He helps us ask “with whom are you connected?” and “is Jesus more obvious in your life today than he was yesterday?” On Sunday mornings, Chris might be preaching, playing his guitar, or teaching a kids’ class.
Chris has been married to his wife, Bethany, for 10 years. They have 4 children: Raya, Zeke, JP, and Ruby. When not serving the Branch, Chris is … oh yeah, you already read that stuff. What you don’t know? He manages it all with a double-pump, white mocha in his hand.
Charlie Oliver
As Children’s Director at the Branch, Charlie leads our volunteers in loving kids more. The Branch really needs this: we have A LOT of kids! Charlie combines his unique project management and program direction experience to create a children’s program that is relaxed, experiential and fun. And, yes, we offer him an unlimited supply of coffee.
Charlie has been married to his wife, Mandie, for 8 years. They have 4 children: Liam, Josie, Ammi, and Ellie. When not serving the Branch, Charlie works as the Youth Services Coordinator for the American Red Cross.
Partners
If you find community at the Branch, we invite you to become a Partner. Partners make a year long commitment to intentionally live out the Branch values together. It’s that simple. No dues to pay or vows to take. No special outfits to wear or fancy perks to receive. Partners simply decide to lock arms and love others in the way of Jesus.
Stewards
We identify a few individuals at the Branch as Stewards. These leaders offer their time, discernment and skills to the Branch to care for its people and its resources. The Stewards are always up for conversation about the Branch. Contact any one of them if you have questions or a need.
