LEADERS & STAFF

Jon Saunders

Senior Pastor

Jon is married to Vanessa and is father of Lillian, Eleanor, Henry, Marion, and Katherine. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and Calvin Theological Seminary. He formerly served at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI as the pastor of campus ministry before moving to Detroit to help with the planting of Redeemer.

Jonathan Lacy

Assistant Pastor of Families & Youth

Jonathan is married to Kara and is father to Jack and Amelia. He is a graduate of Florida State University and Reformed Theological Seminary. He formerly served at Park Road Presbyterian Church in South Florida as the Assistant Pastor before moving to Detroit to take on a similar role at Redeemer.  

Kait Bown

Director of Media

Kait is a Detroit-based designer and visual artist who loves bringing creative ideas to life in ways that inspire, engage, and connect people. She believes the arts have a unique ability to reveal truth, beauty, and goodness, and is grateful for the opportunity to serve our church as Director of Media.

Nick Carrico

Volunteer Coordinator

Nick was born and raised in metro Detroit. He has always loved the city and its people. He and his wife, Courtney, live in Dearborn and have one daughter, Paige. Together, they happily serve Redeemer and hope to see the gospel flourish in Detroit. He is excited to help members of Redeemer find areas to serve.

Emily Gardinier

Director of Children’s Ministry

Emily is married to Joe and the mom of Naomi, Titus, Micah, and Daniel. She has a heart for our children and feels called to equip parents to disciple them in the Lord. Emily has been heavily involved in Redeemer’s children’s ministry for years as a Sunday School teacher and nursery worker. She also has experience directing a homeschool co-op. In the past, she has worked in a rehabilitation biomechanics lab. 

Esther Hwang

Printing Coordinator

Esther has been a member of Redeemer since 2017, when she and her husband, Caleb, moved from Philadelphia to Michigan. They have three children—Theo, Grace, and Serena—and are grateful to be part of this covenant community. Esther is thankful for the opportunity to serve by updating and printing the weekly bulletins and helping support the life of the church.

Grayson Jarvis

Director of Music and Worship Arts

Grayson is a classically trained composer and independent singer-songwriter who has been involved in church music ministry throughout his life, beginning in high school. He felt called to volunteer in Redeemer’s music ministry shortly after he and his wife, Grace, began attending the church in early 2025. A graduate of Shenandoah University and the University of Michigan, he is excited to honor God and serve His people by facilitating excellent music in His church.

Laura Millward

Bookkeeper

Laura was born and raised in the Pontiac area and met her husband, Dan, while working as a cook at a coney island restaurant. Married 45+ years, together they have three children and 15 grandchildren. They worked together as a team in all their ventures and adventures throughout the years.

Abigail Vargas

Wedding Coordinator

Abigail has been a member at Redeemer since 2022. You can find her serving alongside her husband, Abraham at the Welcome Desk on Sunday mornings. She has a bright smile and is eager to serve. During the week, Abigail is a school teacher. 

Abraham Vargas

Building Manager

Abraham was born in Traverse city and raised on the east side of Detroit. In 2014 he was called by Dan to help plant a church in Midtown Detroit and he has been serving Redeemer in various ministries ever since. He has spent most of his professional life working the building trades and event management.

Alyse Wesorick

Church Administrator

Alyse grew up in Metro Detroit and attended Michigan State University. She and her husband moved to the city in 2014 and fixed up a home in the Boston Edison neighborhood. She currently lives there with her husband and three boys