Aldersgate United Methodist Church is blessed with a wonderful and caring staff. You can learn more about our church family by reading our staff descriptions below.
Rev Greg Martin - Pastor
Pastor Greg Martin has served a variety of congregations and higher education ministries in more than 25 years of active ministry. He is an avid cyclist, downhill skier, reader and poet. Greg's wife Jennie is also a United Methodist pastor serving at First UMC downtown. They have two daughters, Katie, a college senior in New York City, and Lexie, a sophomore at Forest Hills Northern High School.
Jennifer Byrne - Office Manager
Jen has been a member of Aldersgate since 2000, and has been serving as its Office Manager since 2005. While there are many facets to her position, she is constantly reminded that working at Aldersgate is not “just a job,” it’s a ministry of the heart. She feels blessed to work for and serve the people of this wonderful congregation. She and her husband, Scott, were married in 1991 and they have a son, Evan, who was born in 2001. They are proud members of the Northview schools community.
Russell Van Vlack - Director of Music Ministry
Russell has been involved with church music continuously since 1987 when he started singing in choir and ringing handbells. He served as music director at Grand Blanc United Methodist Church from 2003-2006, and was hired at Aldersgate during the summer of 2011. He is an active member of the local musical community, performing with several area ensembles. Also an avid composer, Russell has written numerous original compositions for both vocal and handbell choirs. In their spare time, he and his wife, Laura, enjoy the many parks and trails of West Michigan.
Ellen Brubaker - Director of Children's Ministries
Ellen is a retired clergy person, who served as Aldersgate’s pastor from 1992 to 2001. She loves all aspects of spirituality and hopes to share them with all ages. She and her husband, Pastor John Ross Thompson, have 7 children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They love family activities and travel.