Senior Pastor
Pastor Rich Sherman
Sunrise Community Church
As Senior Pastor of Sunrise Community Church, Pastor Rich leads the congregation and staff to reach the community and to personally develop deeper relationships with Jesus Christ. He recognizes Sunrise as a unique place where there is a spirit that makes a difference. Holiness, healthiness and humanness are combined in such a way at Sunrise that people sense reality and spirituality at the same time. Sunrise exudes the spirit of Christ.
Pastor Rich knows the Lord is real because, "Christ continually demonstrates that only He can meet the longings of my soul." He serves with the person who has made the biggest impact on his life, his wife, Kathy. "She continually challenges me (without even knowing) to become all that God has designed me to be; real and spiritual."
In addition to being a pastor, husband, and father, Rich is often found playing with his eight grandchildren.
Sunrise is blessed to be led by a pastor with a shepherd's heart. Rich was led into ministry due to a broken ankle during a high school football game. Ask him about it sometime. Rich would enjoy meeting you; you will recognize him by his signature pink sweater.
Pastor Carl ConliExecutive Pastor,
Sunrise Community Church
God called me to Sunrise in 1984, but I reminded Him of all the reasons I didn't want to attend there. It's too far away from home. It's too big. It must be an impersonal place.
The first time I visited Sunrise, God confirmed to me this is where He wanted me. God had planted a desire in my heart to minister to people who desired victory over homosexuality. During my first visit, the founding pastor, Gene Kern, challenged the congregation to "reach out to alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, and homosexuals" and show them that Christ loves them and can give them new life. This was the first time I heard this message of redemption and reconciliation from a pulpit.
Following a season of preparation, in 1990 we started HIS Ministry (He Is Strong). Since that first meeting, we have seen hundreds of people encouraged through this ministry. We now have a Men's Support Group, a Women's Support Group, and a Family and Friend's Support Group.
In 2000, I accepted the call to be Executive Pastor. In addition to my responsibilities for the day-to-day administration of the church (financial, personnel and facilities), I oversee recovery ministries at Sunrise.
After 20 years experience in the secular work place, I find many of the same management challenges in the church. The big difference is how we approach these challenges: as a team on our knees. I praise God for the privilege of working shoulder-to-shoulder with men and women who love the Lord and desire to glorify Him.
Pastor Julie KollenWomen & Children's Pastor
Sunrise Community Church
Julie has been a part of the Sunrise family for over twenty five years. She has served in many leadership roles both in Childrens Ministry and Womens Ministry over the years. In 2001 she joined the pastoral team as Womens Ministry Pastor. In 2004 the opportunity to blend Womens and Childrens ministry presented itself. With her background in Early Childhood Education, her passion for children and her heart for women she embraced the dual role of shepherding both ministries.
Julie is married to Tom and together they have six terrific adult children and two amazing grandsons! God has richly blessed us with a church family as well as our own! I am very grateful to be involved in the lives of so many families and to see His transforming power at work as individuals experience Gods amazing grace here at Sunrise.
Pastor Perry MayforthMissions & Youth Ministry Pastor,
Sunrise Community Church
Perry was born and rasied in Calgery, Alberta Canada. At the age of six he asked Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior. After high school he enrolled at Taylor University for education and training to become a Youth Pastor. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion.
1993 - Perry was called to Sunrise to work under the mentorship of Pastor Carlo Walth in the High School Ministry.
1995 - Married a Sunrise girl, Michelle Crosson, and headed to Talbot Theological Seminary where he recieved a Masters degree in Christian Education with a youth ministry emphesis.
1997 - Came back to Sunrise to work with Junior Highers.
1999 - He and Michelle started building a family which now includes three daughters.
2004 - Sunrise shifted his position from Jr. High Pastor to Youth Pastor. He is currently running the High School Ministry and overseeing the Jr. High Ministry.
2005 - Sunrise has just kicked off a new vision and mission for the Youth Ministry.
Vision: No One is Missing, No One is Alone.
Mission: Every staff and student shepherded, mentored, and equipped for the work and glory of God.
Pastor Zach ImbodenLife Groups & Junior High Pastor,
Sunrise Community Church
Zach Imboden graduated from William Jessup University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible and Youth Ministry. He and his wife Anne married in January 2007. They enjoy serving together in junior high ministry and encouraging fellow volunteer staff members.
Zach came to Sunrise Community Church in the summer of 2004. Since his own high school years he has maintained a passion to love and lead junior high students through their most awkward & challenging years. He has a very young spirit and keeps up with the kids week after week. He especially loves witnessing those moments when the light finally turns on for a student, when they have a true understanding of Christ's saving grace over their lives.
Zach and his wife are avid Oakland A's fans, taking every opportunity to see a game or even travel to AZ for spring training! They enjoy spending time outdoors and opening their home to friends for dinner & board
