Meet the Staff

Encounter Kids! is a fun, safe, energetic place for your (pre-K-5th grade) child to learn about God and how much God loves us.

Leslie is a former teacher, a mother of 3 terrific kids, and a wife of 17 years. She has a heart for teaching children about the abundant love of the Lord, so coordinating the kids' ministries is right up her alley. Leslie's aim each week is to create an unforgettable Sunday morning program so that your kids can't wait to return to learn more about Jesus! Email Leslie@MyEncounterChurch.org

Leslie's experience in childcare helped form our Personal Protection Policy.

Bryan grew up in a farming community in Iowa before going off to college in Chicago, IL. He continued his studies at seminary here, in Grand Rapids, where he discovered Encounter Church. Each week Bryan leads us in a journey of worship with God. Email Bryan@MyEncounterChurch.org

Dirk and his wife, Kristin, are excited about being part of what God is doing Kentwood, MI. It was while studying in seminary that Dirk discovered his passion for church planting and new Christians. He looks forward to meeting new people over a slice of pie, throwing parties, and preaching on Sunday mornings. Kristin is a high school English teacher in Grand Rapids. Dirk and Kristin live in Kentwood where they enjoy mountain biking, running, and drinking coffee. Dirk and Kristin have a 2-year-old daugther and a newborn son. Email: Dirk@MyEncounterChurch.org