Brian White
Pastor of Worship and AdministrationBrian loves reading the Scriptures together and sharing excitement in learning more about Jesus. He received his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Before coming to Seymour in 2017, he served in churches in Oklahoma, New Jersey, Japan, and California.
Brian is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. In his spare time, he likes to read, spend time outside, and play video games with his kids. He is happily married to Sara and they have two children.
Shawn May
Pastor of Youth Ministry and Congregational LifeAs Pastor of Youth Ministry and Congregational Life, Shawn considers it a joy and privilege to walk alongside Seymour students and to work with a caring team of volunteers. Before coming to Seymour in 2017, Shawn worked as a youth pastor in Central Michigan, led a CRC church plant in Midland, and worked with at-risk adolescents at a residential treatment program in Saginaw.
Shawn enjoys mountain biking, camping, hiking, and running. He and Rachel have been married for 25 years and together they have three children.
Lori Schreur
Director of Visitation and HospitalityLori started volunteering at Seymour in the Youth and Children’s Ministries in 1980 and served in many different ways before being hired as part-time staff in 2005. Currently, her primary role is to oversee our visitation and hospitality ministries.
Lori graduated from Calvin College in 1980 as a German/English major. She is an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loves watching Cubs’ victories. She also loves to read, camp (she has a goal to camp in every Michigan State Park!), and hang out with her hubby and three adult kids and their families, who are all hilarious! She enjoys one super cute grandson and is looking forward to enjoying another new super cute grandson in May.
Abby Enos
Director of Children’s Ministry
Wendy Zwiers
Director of MusicA long-time member of Seymour Church, Wendy was an original member of the “Praise Team,” which formed in the 90s. She went on to serve as the Director of Children’s Ministries for 3 years before joining the staff again in 2022 as Director of Music.
Wendy recently celebrated 34 years of marriage to Kevin this past year and has three adult children and one grandchild. Wendy also teaches preschool in the mornings at Allendale Christian School. In her spare time she enjoys camping, hiking, crafting, and traveling to visit her kids.
Larry Van zee
Chaplain of Prison and Returning Citizens MinistriesLarry joined Seymour’s staff as the Prison Ministry Coordinator in 2009. With God’s help and for his glory, Larry ministers to Celebration Fellowship CRC members upon their release, helping them reintegrate into family, the church, and society.
Before coming to Seymour, Larry served in the Peace Corps and also served with Resonate Global Missions (formerly known as CRC World Missions) as a church and community developer for 32 years. He enjoys motorcycling, amateur radio (call sign: WA00AG), and camping and hiking in national parks.
Mel Solle
Administrative Assistant and Building ManagerMel joined Seymour’s staff in 2019 as the Office Administrator. Mel loves to laugh, and her favorite part of working at Seymour is that every day there’s a reason to smile and laugh. She enjoys getting to know people at deeper levels, being trusted to see both their best and worst sides.
Mel and her husband Rick have three grown kids and not nearly as many pets as she’d like: currently 13 chickens and 3 cats. Mel also enjoys reading, spending time in her garden, and hiking, and traveling.
Michelle Sytsma
Wedding CoordinatorMichelle has been a member at Seymour Church since 2005 and joined the staff as Wedding Coordinator in 2019. Michelle loves her role as wedding coordinator and working with bridal parties and their families to provide a sacred space for Christian marriages to begin.
Michelle and her husband Kyle live in Grand Rapids with their four kids. Together they own an ice cream shop and Michelle also works at an area deli, and occasionally substitute teaches. In her “spare” time she delights in watching their kids participate in many activities like bowling, ballet, piano, & football.
Duane Johnson
Head Custodian and Building ManagerDwayne started as custodian and maintenance staff at Seymour around 2014. He enjoys working with church members to make Seymour a welcoming place to be.
Dwayne’s hobbies include riding and doing repair work on his motorcycle, as well as light automobile mechanical work. Dwayne is a husband, father, and grandfather.
COUNCIL LEADERSHIP
Shepherding Elders and Deacons
If you are unsure of which zone you are in, a list is available next to the church mailboxes, or you can contact the main office. The Shepherd Board can be reached at shepherds@seymourchurch.org.
Admin Elders and Deacons
| Elders | Deacons | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair | Daryl Holleman | Chair | Randy Setsma |
| Clerk | Darek Jansen | Secretary | Ruth Holland |
| Vicar | Jeremy VanAntwerp | Treasurer | Matt DeYoung |