Pastoral Staff
Pastor Josh’s role at Good Shepherd is to work with council, staff and leadership to guide the mission of the church. He has always felt the call to follow Jesus and make a positive difference in the world. He believes the Church is where he can most impact lives and touch the hearts of others through Christ. Pastor Josh is married to Gail Brecht, who is also on staff at Good Shepherd. He has three kids, a tiny dog, and loves to read and spend time outdoors in God’s creation. What makes Good Shepherd special to Pastor Josh is the Christ-like hospitality, authentic community, and generous hearts that make a difference in the world.
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:11-12
Pastor Amy Stewart oversees the ministry of the first half of life at Good Shepherd, from birth through college outreach, walking with children, youth, and families on their faith journey. She guides and nurtures people with their spiritual development, individually and in community. She especially loves walking alongside folks who have big questions, doubts, and curiosity about faith. Pastor Amy lives with her husband, two children, and a dog. She enjoys spending time outside in God’s beautiful creation, cooking, playing board games, and spending time with her family. She enjoys being a pastor here at Good Shepherd because of how this congregation loves God, young people, and outreach.
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Pastor Varinia’s passion is to care for the homebound, sick and dying. She walks with people through their last stages of life and through Jesus Christ gives the peace that passes understanding and comforts family and friends. She has felt a call to ministry since she was seventeen as an overcomer of many of her own struggles and wants all to feel the presence of God in their hearts. Pastor Varinia is married to a retired pastor, Isidro, has three kids, three grandchildren, and two dogs. Hobbies of Pastor Varinia’s include researching, reading, and looking at architecture of buildings with her husband. Pastor Varina loves Good Shepherd because it gives her the opportunity to live out her calling to help those in need every day.
I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Youth & Family Staff
Emily Horning works with children birth through fifth grade through Sunday School, Wednesday night programs, Vacation Bible School, and special events. When Emily moved to the St. Louis area in 2006, she visited Good Shepherd in search of a church home and fell in love with the community and has been here since. Emily, a long-time volunteer in children’s ministry, is thrilled to be on staff and share God’s grace with all of Christ’s little ones. She is married and has four kids, and enjoys reading (and leading the GSLC Book Club), traveling, and having fun experiences with her family. Emily appreciates that Good Shepherd offers both contemporary and traditional styles of worship here and cherishes the people of this church.
but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthew 19:14
Delaney Rhea’s role at Good Shepherd is to coordinate and run the middle and high school youth programs. She has a devotion to the kids she works with, sharing Christ’s love and walking with them in their journey by loving and accepting them for who they are and where they are at. Delaney and her husband have two grown children, two dogs, two guinea pigs, and two lizards. She loves animals and all of God’s creation. Delaney has been a member of Good Shepherd for 18 years and values the warm embrace of the congregation and their willingness to meet anyone where they are in their growth in faith.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Kathy Rebholz oversees the community outreach program of Building Blocks Preschool for children ages 1-5. With teaching as her vocation, she is excited about how education and faith intertwine at Building Blocks and the opportunities she has to shine the light of Jesus to her students and their families. Kathy is very close to her own family consisting of her husband and three children. Hobbies include walking at parks, reading, and any activities with her kids. Kathy appreciates all the relationships she builds with the families here and all the positive things that happen at Good Shepherd.
but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthew 19:14
Music Staff
Jamie De Geer leads the music ministry at Good Shepherd including directing all four church choirs and any music activities.
She has a passion to help people connect to Christ through music so everyone
can feel the love of Jesus. Jamie and her husband have a blended family with
six children and four grandchildren. They like to travel to places with warm
climates, read, watch live theater, and go to the gym. Jamie is drawn to the
family-like feel Good Shepherd has and the beautiful music that brought her to this
church.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.
Colossians 3:16
Gail Brecht is a Deacon who plans and leads the contemporary worship here at Good Shepherd. She has played piano since the age of 4, discovered her singing voice in college, and has felt a call to share God’s love through music ever since. She is also a certified Spiritual Director and enjoys silence and contemplative prayer. Gail is married to Pastor Josh, and together they have three sons and a dog. She enjoys reading, puzzles, hiking and swimming.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Psalm 100:1-2
Keith Kolander serves as the Organist for Good Shepherd, and also accompanies special music.
Office & Administrative Staff
Andrew Leach oversees all the technology for Good Shepherd and coordinates worship and volunteers. He has been a member at Good Shepherd since a young age and has always had a passion to help this church grow and thrive. Andrew’s family consists of his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. In his free time, Andrew roots for St. Louis sports, plays video and board games, and is an avid bowler. What Andrew loves about Good Shepherd is the different range of people in ages and backgrounds that he is friends with because of this congregation.
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Julie Deay functions as the office manager at Good Shepherd, making sure everything runs smoothly and the facility is maintained. She loves working for a Christian organization that is bigger than herself that brings people to Christ. Julie has two grown sons and three cats, enjoys reading and being in nature with wildlife by gardening, walking, and feeling birds. Good Shepherd’s well-rounded community and acceptance of all who walk in the door is Julie’s favorite part about this church.
“Give thanks to the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1
Jennifer Makowski handles the finances of Good Shepherd, while also maintaining the website and all electronic communication. She enjoys her job because she gets to do objective work as an accountant while also having the creativity and flexibility of helping others with communications. As a part of a hockey enthusiast family, Jennifer loves to be active with her husband and four kids and travel around the country. What Jennifer admires most about Good Shepherd is the staff and congregation members who make her job fun and a great work environment.
Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
