About Us

Rev. Emily Sparks- Senior Pastor

Bio: Pastor Emily grew up in Kalamazoo and has attended a Church of God her whole life. She is a double graduate of Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2009, she majored in Bible & Religion and History. She received her Master of Divinity in 2013. Pastor Emily was ordained by the North Central Region of the Church of God in 2017.

Pastor Emily has lived in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota. She loves to travel the world, get stamps in her National Parks passport book, knit, and live tweet Antiques Roadshow. Pastor Emily is married to Kenny and they have a dog named Lacy and a cat named Louie.

Joined the Staff: 2019: Prior to coming to Faith United, Pastor Emily was a missionary at the Wounded Knee Church of God in South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. 

Vision: To equip the local church to serve its community by being a light in dark places and to help people discover the redeeming love of God.

Kelsey Bowen- Worship Director

Bio: Kelsey Bowen grew up in Holland, MI, and earned her BA in Creative Writing from Grand Valley State University. She is a musician, a bookworm, and an Acquisitions Editor for Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

When she's not singing or editing, Kelsey can be found in the kitchen. She believes in sharing the love of God and community around her table, and is an avid home cook and baker. She lives in Allendale, MI with her husband and two daughters.

Joined the Staff: 2020: Kelsey was a long time worship volunteer before officially joining the staff

Vision: To use music as a vehicle of God's love and acceptance into the hearts of all people.

Judy Kerwin- Kids Hope Director and Parish Nurse

Bio: Judith Kerwin, RN has Associate Degrees in both Liberal Arts in Music and in Science from Grand Rapids Community College, as well as being one of the first to complete the Calvin College Parish Nurse training program. 

Judy has traveled throughout the United States, England and Ireland and enjoys continued adventures with her husband, Terry.  She believes that learning is a lifelong process so is an avid reader, musician, and in her ongoing travels, especially focuses on all things regarding history and nature. Her greatest joy is found in sharing time with her friends and family, especially her children and grandchildren. Her greatest strength is found in a deeply personal relationship with God and the privilege of sharing her faith by example.

Joined the Staff:  2006: Judy became the Parish Nurse and in 2013 she became in the Kids Hope Director

Vision: The vision for Kids Hope is that by building and sustaining life-changing relationships, one at a time, it not only impacts the child and the mentor, but supports their families, the school, and the surrounding community. The vision of the Parish Nurse is to serve as a health minister who provides Christian support to members of the church family across the life span while promoting health, healing and an understanding of the relationship between lifestyle, attitudes, faith and well-being.

Rhonda Plants- Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper

Bio: Rhonda Plants graduated from Rockford High School and attended Anderson College (University).  Rhonda has been married to her best friend, Daniel for over 30 years. She has two adult children Emily (married to Nate) and Tyler. She enjoys snuggles with her 9-year-old cat, Oliver.

Rhonda enjoys spending time with her family and friends and serving at church. She loves to camp and go on road trips. Her hobbies include walking, reading, puzzles, antiquing and re-finishing furniture.

Joined the Staff:  2005: Rhonda joined the staff as the Administrative Assistant and became the bookkeeper in 2018.

Vision: To treat others the way I would like to be treated and her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.