Our Staff
Mark VanValin - Lead Pastor
I have been serving America (simply living here) 51 years and am coming up on finishing my 5th year at SAFMC. I have served as a pastor since 1983 and enjoy preaching, teaching, and seeing God work through people to extend his Kingdom. On the side I enjoy history, sports, fishing, and the less stressful varieties of home improvement (when I have the time to measure twice and cut once!). I also enjoy music and have written or arranged a number of worship songs, including 2 quirky musicals, one for Easter and one for Christmas.
Adam Davidson - Worship Arts
I have served at SAFMC since August 2006. As the Worship guy, I work with artists, musicians, technicians, planners, builders, singers, readers, actors, and preachers to help create an environment for corporate worship.
Doug Blume - Community Groups & Young Adults
I was born in Indiana and love the Hoosier state with all my heart. I come from a family of 5 boys and grew up playing every kind of sport imaginable. I became passionate about ministry when I attended Kanakuk Kamp in the late 80’s and have been hooked ever since. I spent my years in the camping ministry at Kanakuk and Spring Hill Camp and then spent some time working in student development at Greenville College and Taylor University. I have been at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church since January of 2000 in the young adult role and more recently in working with community groups. I have learned much during my time in church ministry and thank the Lord for this season of my life.
Rod Mathews - Community Outreach & The Family Center
I’ve been here at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church longer then any other staff. Not sure what that says or means, but one thing’s for sure, they can’t get rid of me! I’ve carried a few roles while I’ve been here, but my focus currently is overseeing our growing ministry to our local community and the Family Center (gym). I love sports and have had the privilege to use that as a vehicle to “show & share” the good news of Christ. If you need to find me, look for me in my office… which would be a gym, or a tennis court, softball field, out on the links, etc.
Rick Morgan - Senior High Youth Ministries
I love God, my family, and my teenagers in that order. I do some woodworking and exercise to stay busy.
Caitlin Hicks - Wild Fire (5th-6th grade)
I am a student at Spring Arbor University with a major in Christian Ministries. I have a minor in Pastoral Studies and a concentration in ministry to children. I am a kid at heart, which is probably why I could spend all day with any age kid and have a blast! I hope to possibly be a children’s pastor someday, but I know the Lord is still working on me and I’m excited to see where he leads. I love to laugh with close friends and make new friends. I also have a secret love of specialty coffees and meaningful conversation. Most importantly, Jesus is my everything.
John Newby - Administration
I am a part-time member of the pastoral staff, having served as a pastor in California, a missionary in Africa and a college administrator before retiring and coming on staff at SAFMC in 1994. It has been a pleasure to bring my fifty plus years of ministerial experience to my current position as Church Administrator. I also teach a senior adult Sunday School Class. I find great joy in service for my Lord.
Dottie Miller - Hospitality and Assimilation
I have been on pastoral staff here at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church for 9 years. The first 6 years here I built and led the ministry to children. Now I lead the ministry in the areas of hospitality and assimilation. I love meeting new people, helping them to feel welcome, valued and comfortable among us as true worshipers of Jesus Christ. I also help folks find areas of growing, connecting and serving that fits their needs, gifts and talents. God has led me in public school teaching for 24 years, in being Denominational Director of Ministry to Children for 8 years, to pastoral ministry here at SAFMC. I also have been developing and overseeing the Conversational English Classes and teaching Chinese to children have been a delight for me in the last 2 years. My goal is to be a fruitful laborer for the Kingdom of God.
Kara Riggleman - Junior High Youth Ministries
I graduated from Moody Bible Institute in December of ’05 with a BA in Youth Ministry. Kids are my passion and seeing Jesus work in their lives is what I’m all about! I love eating ice cream (and just about anything with sugar), drinking coffee, playing tennis, canoeing and camping with my husband, Jeremie.
Marv DeVisser - Facilities Manager
I have been serving the Lord at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church since 2000. Prior to my coming here I was a full-time grain and livestock Farmer for 30 years. I am also a licensed building contractor. I enjoy restoring old cars, hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. I have been a Christian for 47 years and will continue serving my Lord until he calls me home.
Cassandra Bregg - Web Content Manager
I am a student at Spring Arbor University where I am majoring in Equine Therapy. I love being outdoors, horses, doing hands on activities, dancing, ice-skating, boating, fishing, snow, rain, baking, and hanging out with my family and friends. I have been working at Spring Arbor Free Methodist since September of 2006 and enjoy being able to use my creativity to serve and work in a place where I learn something new everyday!