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.

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.