MERCY STAFF

As Mercy's Lead Pastor, Gary guides the pastoral staff, oversees ministries, and serves as the visionary leader to grow Mercy's family and the greater community in loving God and others. He is passionate about discipleship, community care, justice, and wants to see all people flourish. Gary holds an MBA from Syracuse University, an MS in Communications Management from Morgan State University, and has attended Northeastern Seminary and Capital Bible Seminary. He loves to cook, is an avid reader, and among his favorite things are playing Monopoly with his wife, LeKita, and his daughter, Grace.

Liz is the Executive Assistant to Pastor Gary. She is passionate about connecting with people, creating space for learning and growth, and listening to people's stories. She and her husband Adam have been at Mercy for eleven years, and started leading small groups about four years ago. When not at Mercy, you can find Liz visiting museums, reading, or eating donuts in the park with her three kids and their friends. 

Jessie makes sure that all the behind the scenes work of the church moving in the same direction. She oversees the day to day work of the church staff and leaders- helping them to carry out the vision of Mercy. Previously, Jessie has served as Mercy's Kids' Pastor and worked on the Multiply Vineyard team as an Event Coordinator, working with Vineyard USA to support and send out new Vineyard churches. Jessie has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Masters of Organizational Leadership. She is a firm believer that the power of community is one of the greatest gifts that Jesus gave to us, and is thankful for the community surrounding her. She is married to Josh (the greatest thing that has ever happened to her- outside of meeting Jesus) and they have two school age boys that they love to play outside with, hike, and cheer them on at their various activities.

Louise is absolutely thrilled to serve Mercy Vineyard as Pastor of Connections and Groups. She is passionate about Jesus, people, and making sure everyone who comes to Mercy receives a proper welcome alongside really good coffee and excessive amounts of creamer. Louise is an experienced ministry and non-profit leader, and back in the day, she managed Panera Bread Cafes in the Twin Cities and Chicago. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, and is in training as a Spiritual Director. Louise loves the outdoors and on her best days, you’ll find her on a long hike, steeped in a deep talk, or creating adventures with her husband, school-aged boys, and 20-something bonus daughter.

Tai is over the moon to be the Worship Pastor of Mercy Vineyard Church. She is a lover of music and has a passion for creating spaces where people can connect with God through authentic worship. Tai is an Alabama native with a background in the Creative and Performing Arts. She enjoys singing, watching movies, and going to parks and museums with her husband Nathan, and sons Judah and Ezra.

Dan has been connected to Mercy since him and his family transplanted to the Twin Cities in 2013. Family meals, hiking and travel are some of his most beloved activities that he shares with his family.  Dan loves to be active and outdoors, especially if it involves some sort of aquatic sport or adventure. 

Darelle Williams Sr. was born and raised in Minneapolis. Darelle has been married to the illustrious Jannet for the past 19 years, father of three outstanding young people; Darelle Jr. (22), Eli'sha  (21), & Trinity (17). Darelle is also a grandfather to the amazing Elianna (10 months). For the past 6 years, Darelle has passionately served as a full-time Jr. & Sr. High Youth Director in South Minneapolis. Darelle is also a National recording Christian Hip-Hop Artist and has been recording since 2010 *stage name "F'rael" (pronounced Fa Real). When he's not hanging out with his family, being active in the community, or recording music, Darelle is a local radio host on a show called "Faith & Flow" that airs on Power 104.7FM. Darelle is passionate about serving youth and partnering with families to help students discover their identity in Christ and unlock their greatest potential.

Jannie is Mercy's tech director and uses a variety of her talents and strengths in her role. She oversees the tech teams that run Sunday mornings: sound, lighting, live stream, and projection. Jannie is from Ozamiz City, Philippines, and moved to Minnesota in 2008. During the week, she works as a chemist testing dairy products. She graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She spent the majority of her time in ministry leading worship and volunteering with youth. When not at Mercy, Jannie is either watching Wild hockey, playing tennis, or spending time with family.

Linsey was born and lived in Brazil until about 13 years of age with her missionary family. She graduated from Crown College with a communication degree and a minor in cross cultural ministry. While graphic design is her strong point, she enjoys video and audio production. Her hobbies now include art, spending time with friends, and learning traditional Cambodian music with her husband and lifting up his culture to empower refugees here in the U.S.

Mary is our Administrative & Operations Director, overseeing a myriad of projects and processes.  She is also a passionate life-transitions coach, speaker, podcaster, children’s book author, and organizational strategist, currently using those organizational and administrative gifts to serve in her role.   After working as a 20+ year dual-careerist as a SAG/AFTRA actor and a corporate C-Level Suite Support Strategist, she pivoted her life trajectory in 2021 to pursue Jesus’ calling to serve others through life-transition coaching. Mary currently lives in South Minneapolis, dedicated to using her skills and talents to serve the Lord where each adventure leads.