Staff

Jim Erwin, Lead Pastor

Jim Erwin
Lead Pastor

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Pastor Jim and wife Monica both grew up in south central Iowa, met at the University of Iowa and married after graduation. Sensing the call to full-time pastoral ministry within a year of so, Jim enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary where he completed a Master in Theology  degree in New Testament studies, graduating in 2003. Previous pastorates include Twynholm Baptist Church in London, England; Senior Pastor at Wellspring EFC in Mount Pleasant, Iowa; and almost four years at Dix Hills EFC. Jim was ordained with the Evangelical Free Church in January 2016.

Jim has been married to his wife, Monica since 1998. they have three children; Jacob, Macie and William. The family arrived in Rapid City January 12, 2022.

Russ Ryherd, Pastor of Worship Ministries

Russ Ryherd
Pastor of Worship Ministries

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Russ and Denise Ryherd met during their undergraduate studies at Sterling College in Kansas, and have four daughters, Zoe, Zeah, Tanya and Sasha. Russ has been on staff at Parkview since he graduated from Sangre de Christo Seminary in 2002. As Worship Pastor, his primary role is to develop a team to lead this body of believers into God’s presence where they can engage with God and their perspective on life can be realigned. With that goal in mind, Russ plans, leads, and oversees everything pertaining to music and flow in the worship services at Parkview. Russ enjoys writing music and released a CD entitled Hope Looks Ahead, available on amazon.com

Terry Biers, Pastor of Student Ministries

Terry Biers
Pastor of Student Ministries

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Terry attended the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago earning his B.A. in 2001 and M.A. in 2003. In 2004 he married his “missing rib,” Eva, and they now have four children, Noah, Evie, Samuel and Ezra. After serving in student ministry for five years down south (in Nebraska), the Biers family returned to their home church, Parkview. Terry’s driving passion in youth ministry is to see Christ overflow from the lives of students and families as they discover that true satisfaction and lasting joy are found in Jesus Christ alone.

Amanda Oaks, Children's Ministry Director

Amanda Oaks
Children's Ministry Director

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Amanda Oaks and husband Danny met while they were both stationed at Ellsworth Air Force base; they married in 2003.  Shortly after this, they began attending First E-Free (which is now Parkview!), and have been blessed to call this their church ever since.  Amanda’s passion for children’s ministries stems from her own testimony which included a clear Gospel presentation one Sunday when she was in fourth grade.  It is her desire to be used by God to equip the youngest of saints in Bible literacy, so that they would be able to understand clearly their need for a Savior, and put their faith in Jesus.

She is supported in ministry by her hubby, Danny, and their four children: Moses, Abigail, Julia, and Naomi.

Carrie Nielsen, Finance Administrator

Carrie Nielsen
Finance Administrator

Carrie grew up attending Parkview (“First Evangelical Free Church” back in the day!) and came on as part-time staff in August of 2002. She and her husband, Shaun, have 3 girls and are involved in various ministries at Parkview. She handles the administrative details of the church finances, which includes tracking of all contributions, paying all bills, and maintaining the bookkeeping records for the Deacon Ministry Team.

Sarah Christopherson, Office Administrator

Sarah Christopherson
Office Administrator

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Sarah grew up in Western Washington and attended Seattle Pacific University where she graduated with a degree in Language Art and Elementary Education.  After teaching for 4 years, she started staying home with her kids.  She and Shawn participated in a church plant near their home where she lead a MOPS group, planned and led the women’s retreats and helped with women Bible studies along with working as the church office administrator.  They started attending Parkview E. Free Church in August 2021.

Sarah has been married to her husband, Shawn since 2005.  They have four children; Jaxon, Tobias, Jozsa and Talia.  The family arrived in Rapid City July 25, 2021.