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.  

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. 

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.

Kyle Rodgers

Director of Music and Worship Arts

Kyle is a lifelong musician who felt called to ministry with Redeemer after seeing how God is at work through Redeemer’s music, service in the city of Detroit, love of all people, and passion for the Gospel. He and his wife, Rachel, have served with Redeemer since 2017. During the week, Kyle works for the Rock Family of Companies in Downtown Detroit, and lives in East Detroit with his wife and five daughters.

Leah Rose

Admin & Events Manager

Leah was born and raised in Harrison Twp., MI. She started attending Redeemer in January 2021 where she met her husband, Josh. Together they enjoy reading, hosting, being active, and traveling. Leah has been working in the Event & Hospitality industry for 5+ years and enjoys using her gifts to serve the church. 

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.