Staff and Leadership
The New Testament teaches a structure of leadership that was originally modeled by Jesus and practiced in the early church. Jesus was a teacher or “pastor” who blessed many with his life, teaching, and grace. Eventually, so many flocked to Jesus that He appointed other pastors or “apostles” underneath him to successfully organize the growing movement of Christ followers. Eventually the community also recognized elders and deacons who also helped lead the community, organize its life, and serve the poor. As a Presbyterian Church, West Valley Presbyterian Church is a community that follows the New Testament teaching and is led by pastors and elders in shared leadership, who are helped by other ministry directors and staff. Together we seek to be a leadership team that helps people have an authentic relationship with Jesus and become an extraordinary blessing to our community and the world.
Our staff is currently made up of the following people who serve in full-time or part-time roles.
|
|
Kim Engelmann - Senior Pastor - 
Kim is a warm, engaging, and compassionate pastor whose gifts include preaching,
teaching, and congregational care. Pastor Kim came to us from Menlo Park
Presbyterian Church where she served as Pastor for Caring Ministries from
2001 to 2008. Pastor Kim is the author of seven books and speaks at local
conferences and retreats. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Barnard College,
a Masters in Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in
Ministry from Boston University. She was ordained as a Presbyterian minister
in 1985. Kim and her family enjoy trips to the
ocean, skiing, swimming, camping, baseball, horses, caring for their pets,
and reading books by the fire on a windy night!
|
|
|
Dick Spencer - Parish Associate
Rev. Richard L. Spencer ("Dick") does pastoral visitation, working with the Board of Deacons, and teaching classes and preaching as needed. A recently retired senior pastor, he remains active in our presbytery and our synod.
Dick is a native Californian, a graduate of U.C.L.A., Princeton Theological Seminary (B.D. and Ph.D. ethics), and The Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Seminary (M.A. clinical psychology). Dick and Joan have been married since 1968 and have two grown daughters and one granddaughter. They love nature hikes, good books, and fun with friends.
|
|
|
Joshua Elder - Music Director - 
Joshua brings an amazing breadth of talents to help lead WVPC's music
ministry in its mission of leading the community in worship. Equally
comfortable in traditional or contemporary music styles, Joshua has a
passion to see people truly experience the presence of God in worship.
In his spare time Joshua can be found teaching voice at Santa Clara
University, leading various operas around the Bay Area, and attending the
odd Journey reunion concert.
|
|
|
Mindy Prow - Director of Youth Ministry - 
Mindy has a passion to see kids come to know the incredible love of
God that comes through Jesus. Mindy also has the wonderful perspective
of having grown up at WVPC - she not only leads the youth groups but
she was in them at one time. Mindy brings great energy,
maturity, and leadership to her position, and as a mom raising four kids
she also brings a level of life- experience that is invaluable to families
and students.
|
|
|
Karen Cromack - Director of Children's Ministries - 
Karen is our
newest addition to the WVPC staff. She has 10 years of
experience in children's ministries, with her last position being that
of Assistant Director of Volunteer Development in Children's Ministries
at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. Karen has a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary
and a graduate design degree from Stanford University.
|
|
|
Pat Strandburg - Sunday School Superintendent - 
Pat brings tremendous experience to children's ministry, having served in
various children's ministry roles at WVPC for over 30 years. Pat has also been an innovative
leader in children’s ministry bringing such new programs as the rotation
model and the computer lab which kids love (especially in Silicon Valley).
Pat brings great warmth and gentleness in her leadership as well as a great
love for children, and wants to see them come to know the incredible love of
God that comes through Jesus.
|
|
|
Veronica Cruz - Office Manager - 
Veronica joined the WVPC staff as
the new Office Manager in December of 2009. She brings with her several
years experience as a corporate office manager with a strong accounting
background.
|
|
|
Roberto Flores - Custodian.
Roberto is the new Custodian at WVPC.
He comes to us with many years experience including several years at a
church in San Mateo. |
