Staff, Elders & Deacons

Because we are a teaching church, we have a large group of part-time and full-time people who help make life happen at Granite Springs. One of the joys of being at Granite Springs is having so many different and unique voices who speak into our shared lives together.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Adams, Senior Pastor

Kevin is the founding and senior pastor of Granite Springs Church. He loves conversation with people in all stages of their spiritual journey, mentoring young leaders, and praying the psalms. He also loves preaching, receiving his D.Min. under the direction of Haddon Robinson, a much loved and highly respected prince of preachers.

Through his leadership Granite Springs has helped launch ten church plants in the Sacramento area and beyond and received numerous grants. He has taught at William Jessup University and Calvin Theological Seminary and authored The Book That Understands You (2009) and 150: Finding Your Story in the Psalms (2011), various blog posts, and a forthcoming book on baptism and Christian mission. He is the Director of Formation at the Newbigin House of Studies in San Francisco.

In his free time he enjoys hiking in the Sierra, bicycling in South Placer, and reading novels and historical biography. You can find some of his recent blog posts on Reformed Worship.

Matt Timms, Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation & Administration

Matt enjoys planning worship services that form us into people who are prepared to follow Jesus through the rest of the week.

He enjoys reading and writing theology, watching all kinds of television and podcasts. Definitely podcasts. You can hear him on the Curious Church and Curious Psalms podcasts.

Dr. Libby Backfish, Theologian in Residence

Libby is an assistant professor of biblical studies at William Jessup University and is delighted to serve also as a commissioned pastor at Granite Spring Church. You might find her teaching a small group, preaching, playing with kids on the playground, or devouring snacks at the Sunday morning hospitality table (yum!).

Libby and her husband Michael have two amazing children, Dana and Drew, too many pets, and a passion for outdoor adventures of all kinds.

Jana Dykhuis, Director of Creative Arts and Communication

Jana serves as the Director of Creative Arts and Communication at Granite Springs Church. She has a passion for people—hearing their stories, facilitating opportunities for them to serve and grow, or leading them into deeper awareness of who they are and who God is. Jana has been serving in church and worship leadership contexts for fifteen years. In addition, she has spent the last five years teaching and overseeing fine arts education in Christian schools in both the U.S. and abroad.

When she’s not reading everything from cookbooks to theology to YA fiction/fantasy, you will most likely find her in the middle of a creative project or off an adventure!

Becky Yaholkovsky, Office Manager

Becky is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to church life and foster community here as the Office Manager. With a professional and educational background in communication, she loves event planning and keeping things organized. Becky embraces being a life-long learner and enjoys reading and exploring new creative hobbies. In her free time you will likely find her spending quality time with her amazing husband and daughter.

Marrissa Sork, Director of Children's Ministry

Marrissa enjoys teaching God’s precious children the Gospel through love and grace. She enjoys implementing and creating engaging activities as children learn more about the Word of God and how much God loves them each week. Marrissa also loves spending time with family and friends.

Zach Tedrow, Director of Youth Ministry

Zach is from the Sacramento area and am a William Jessup University alumnus. He is currently studying towards a Master of Divinity at Western Seminary. He loves hiking and spending time outdoors, but you are also likely to find him trying different coffee shops, playing board games, or reading a good book.

He has spent the past few years working in higher education and loves coming alongside teenagers and young adults in their journeys of discovering themselves and who God is.

Rev. Kyu Hahn, Commissioned Chaplain in US Army

Stationed in Fort Riley, KS

Kyu enjoys learning, sharing stories, and preaching. He also enjoys playing and praying with the youth and helping them to flourish.

During the weekends or on vacation, Kyu loves to explore new places, take photos, and eat delicious food. He is an avid fan of the NBA and movies.

In addition to our staff, we also have deacons and elders who help lead at Granite Springs:

Elders:

Jim Norman

Titus Davis

Joan Curry

Dolly Leedy

Deacons:

Paul Dungan (serves last names A-C)

    John Keaney (serves last names D-G)

Janine Camerer (serves last names H-K)

Cheryl Edwards (serves last names L-O)

    Diann Kalsbeek (serves last names P-S)

    Samantha Born (serves last names T-Z)

Scroll to Top