Sonrise Elders
One of the important ministry leader positions at Sonrise Church is that of Elder. The role of the Elder is to assist the Pastors in meeting the spiritual needs of the church. This happens as qualified men come alongside the Pastors and function in a spiritual position assisting with congregational prayer, visiting of the sick, providing spiritual encouragement comfort to those in need, and sharing the gospel with the spiritually lost. The Elders function as both spiritual support and spiritual covering for the ministries of the church. As gifting and abilities allow, Elders are encouraged to serve as caregivers, guides, mentors, and provide conflict resolution among members.
Our Biblical directive for Elders comes from passages such as 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and Numbers 11.
“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders of Israel. Bring them to the Tabernacle to stand there with you. I will come down and talk to you there. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone.’” Numbers 11:16-17
The continual growth of Sonrise Church demands that we continually train up more men to assist us with this growing church body. Take some time to get to know those elected in January 2012 for a three year term.
Donnie Gillispie: Elder
Email: donnieg192@live.com
Married to Kym for 15 years.
They have 2 children: Hannah (6), Jacob (3)
Donnie has served as an Elder, and currently serves in Children's Ministry and Baptism Ministry.
Kym serves as the Children's Events Coordinator.
Donnie enjoys playing on the Sonrise softball team. Kym enjoys dentistry and hanging with the moms in the neighborhood. They both enjoy their coffee date nights and doing family activities.
Jeff Mourich: Elder
Email: jmourich@msn.com
Married to Karen for 24 years.
Their son Bryan is 18 and is a freshman at Pacific University.
Karen and Bryan teach 2nd grade in Children's Ministry at Sonrise.
Jeff is part of the Sunday morning prayer team, baptism ministry and leads a small group of men through “Daily in Christ”.
He enjoys woodworking, automotive repair, yard and gardening work, and time with his family.
Jeremy Johnson: Elder
Email: job.28_28@hotmail.com
Married to Heather, 11 years.
They have 4 children: Luke (3), Annie (6), Alyssa (8), and Adam (9)
His ministry involvement at Sonrise includes: Childrens ministry with Preschoolers and Sonrise Marriage Ministry.
Jeremy's interests include remodeling their house, hiking, memorizing Scripture, bike riding, and he and Heather run an in-home child care.
Phil Clark: Elder
Email: pclark@sterlink.net
Married to Carole, 25 years.
They have 2 daughters: Molly (20) and Megan (18)
Phil is currently serving in the Light My Way ministry, as a Small Group leader/trainer, and as facility team leader at the Sonrise Forest Grove campus.
He enjoys catching fish, writing, being with close friends and talking about life, swimming and water polo.
Thor Sewell: Elder
Email: thor.sewell@gmail.com
Married to Raeleen for 200 months (16+ years).
They have three children: Josh (15), Caleb (13), and Charis (8).
They currently lead a Small Group in their home.
Thor’s interests include running, coaching Caleb's soccer team and just doing life as a family.
