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 |
Contact Info |
|
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!
|
|
|
|
| Nate Schofield, Director of Music and Worship |
Contact Info |
| Nate comes to us with a breadth of music and worship experience, which include leading traditional and contemporary worship services as well as a successful career teaching band and theatre at the middle school level. He received a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music, a Masters in Educational Administration and Leadership, also from Pacific, and is currently pursuing and Certificate in Bible Teaching at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Nate is passionate about creating an atmosphere of meaningful worship, and loves to see lives changed by the Holy Spirit, especially through music. |
|
|
|
| Matt Hall, Director of Youth Ministry |
Contact Info |
|
Matt's leadership background includes managing a Christian Bookstore, eight years of volunteer youth ministry and paid internships,
and a degree in Christian Leadership from William Jessup University. He is passionate about reaching students with the gospel and
encouraging their faith development. Matt's hope is that students will recognize that they are not the church of the future but are
a vital part of the church today.
|
|
|
|
| Sarah Stierwalt, Director of Children's Ministries |
Contact Info |
|
Sarah comes to us with many years of experience working with children and a passion for spreading the love of Christ.
Growing up, She was an active member of a Presbyterian Church in the north bay and is excited for the
opportunity to continue to serve through children's ministry. Sarah brings energy and love to the department
and she hopes to create an engaging children's program that encourages young people to make personal connections
with God. Sarah also likes to have fun and on enjoys photography and going to the beach in her spare time!
|
|
|
|
| Pat Strandburg, Sunday School Superintendent |
Contact Info |
|
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 |
Contact Info |
|
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.
|
|
