Our Staff
Rev. Jeffrey Wade - Pastor
Rev. Kyle Jones - Pastor
Mrs. Adrienne Gurney - Principal & Sixth Grade
Mrs. Kari Tapley - Church Secretary
Mrs. Jennifer Doody - School Administrative Assistant
Pastor Wade, a Sterling Heights native and lifelong Michigander, pursued his education at Concordia University – Ann Arbor, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Family Life Education in 2009. The blessing of becoming Associate Pastor of St. John’s came to him on April 29, 2014. Subsequently, he achieved a Master’s of Divinity in 2014 and was ordained and installed on July 20, 2014, marking significant milestones in his journey of faith and service to the community.
Sterling Heights native and Lee’s Summit, MO, resident Melissa and I met during orientation at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Our connection deepened over shared bug aversions, leading to a relationship and marriage in June 2012. Melissa impresses with her profound understanding of Scripture and sound doctrine. We share the joy of raising three living children—Elliott, Jonathan, and Samuel—and cherishes the memory of three lost children, August, Owen, and Henry. Our children couldn’t have a better mother, and God has truly blessed us as a family.
Born and raised in Seymour, IN, I am a lifelong Lutheran Church member. I earned my Bachelor’s in Science from Indiana University Southeast in 1998 and Lutheran colloquy certification from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2003. Later, I obtained a Master’s of Arts degree and administrative license from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2006-2007. After teaching and coaching in Indiana, I served as an administrator at Our Savior Lutheran School in Marlette, MI, before becoming principal and sixth-grade teacher at St. John’s in 2014. I am blessed to be a part of the St. John’s family!
Raised in southeast Michigan by a loving Lutheran family, I initially enjoyed being an only child for ten years before gaining a cherished sister. My upbringing included fond memories of family camping trips and lively gatherings with extended family. After almost two decades in public health, I sought a change and now find fulfillment in a new, wonderful work environment.
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