About Us
GET TO KNOW BRIGHTMOOR
2023
1942
MISSION
To Reach the Lost, Disciple the Found
Brightmoor has a rich heritage from humble beginnings. Our roots go back to the year 1926 when Alonzo Bates, and his wife, Zula, started the church on the second floor of a pool hall in downtown Redford. The church held large tent meetings filled with people giving their hearts to the Lord. Brightmoor became established and grew under the leadership of Pastor Alonzo Bates. After his early and sudden death, it was Zula Bates who became the pillar of strength to continue the vision God had given Alonzo for our church. Through her hard work, faith, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication, she saw the church survive and eventually thrive.
In 1933, Rev. Bond Bowman felt called at the age of 23 to pastor a church in Detroit, and he remained the pastor of Brightmoor for 43 years. In 1976, Tom Trask succeeded him as pastor, and he remained until 1988 when he was elected General Treasurer of the Assemblies of God. Brightmoor had the honor of other lead pastors until our current Senior Pastor, Jamie Kjos, was elected in August 2005. Brightmoor leadership has been favored and blessed for the past 98 years.
From the Brightmoor District… to Southfield… to Novi… Brightmoor has been a beacon of hope for the people living in the surrounding communities and beyond the metro Detroit area.
CORE VALUES
1. People
We strive to create an atmosphere of a family where singles, married, and people of all ages and races can choose to belong.
John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 13, Galatians 3:26-28
2. Biblical Teaching
The Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct. Our church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally sound. Culture conforms to Biblical teaching.
1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 2 Peter 1:21
3. Excellence
We believe excellence honors God and inspires people.
Galatians 6:9-10, Colossians 3:23
4. Reaching the Lost
We believe lost people matter to God, and therefore, they matter to our church.
Matthew 18:14, Luke 5:30–32, Luke 15
5. Discipleship
We believe that continual life transformation happens best in community.
Luke 6:12–13, Acts 2:44–47, 1 Timothy 4:7-8
6. Generosity
Our church should live as a unified community of servants, with everybody stewarding their spiritual gifts.
Psalm 133:1, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 6:19-21, Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 14, Ephesians 4
7. Next Generation
Our church is committed to influencing the next generation, knowing that our dreams are bigger than our memories. As the next generation grows, we will equip them to mature spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Doing this the church will outlive us.
Deuteronomy 4:9, Judges 2:10, 1 Timothy 4:12
8. Developing Leaders
We believe our church should be led by people with God-given leadership gifts. Our responsibility is to discover and develop the current and future leaders of our church.
Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah 2, Acts 6:2-5, Romans 12:8, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Timothy 2:2
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe the Bible is God’s Word. It is accurate, authoritative, and applicable to our everyday lives.
We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He is totally loving and completely holy. The Lord Jesus Christ is both God and man and is the only one who can reconcile us to God. Each time we partake of communion we remember Jesus lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory and empower us for life.
We believe sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives. In order to receive forgiveness, we must repent of our sins, believe in Jesus Christ, and submit to His will for our lives. God wants to heal and transform us so that we can live healthy and powerful lives in order to help others more effectively. In order to live the holy, fruitful, and power-filled lives God intends for us, we need to be baptized in water, set our mind on Him and His purpose, and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
We believe God has individually equipped us and corporately gathered us as His living body. We do this so that we can successfully achieve His purpose for our lives, which is to worship God, strengthen the Church, and share the Gospel with the community in which we live.
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is coming back again as He promised and will rule and reign on this earth. History will conclude as the wicked are judged and the righteous enter a new heaven and a new earth.
OUR PASTORS
Jamie Kjos
Senior Pastor
Pastor Jamie Kjos
Pastor Jamie Kjos has led Brightmoor since October 2005 and has been running a marathon ever since. Jamie and his wife, Kim, have two kids who have grown up in Brightmoor. Their daughter, Marissa is married to Zach and they both enjoy serving in the church. Their son, Harrison, is a recent graduate of Southeastern University. They all LOVE this church family and have considered this HOME since they day they arrived. There are not bad days, just days without Starbucks!
“Decide the kind of person you want to be…and do something today to make it true.”
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swebster@brightmoorcc.org
Kim Kjos
Director of Sisterhood Ministry
Kim Kjos
Kim Kjos been a part of the Brightmoor family since fall of 2005 when God led her and Pastor Jamie to Michigan. She has raised two children here at NCA and now guides her adult children through life. Kim has a heart for Women’s Ministry and loves to see women flourish in God’s individual love for each of them and to seek His purpose for their life. Kim has been at the leadership and heart of the annual Priceless Conferences held each fall. Each of these conferences allows the women within the church to come together and find encouragement, a sisterhood, and celebrate God and His purpose in each of the lives attending.
Please look for the many opportunities that Sisterhood offers through Bible studies, Connect Nights, Pop-Up’s in the summer, and of course our annual PRICELESS conference.
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sisterhood@brightmoorcc.org
Amitabh Singh
Executive Pastor
Amitabh Singh
Amitabh joined the Brightmoor team as Executive Pastor in 2022. He is married to Susan, and they have two daughters, Rachita and Rachna. Amitabh enjoys spending his spare time authoring books and blogging on church administration and automation.
“I believe in helping leaders achieve inspirational goals so that we can pursue excellence & change lives.”
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asingh@brightmoorcc.org
Jimmy Hicks
Associate Pastor
Jimmy Hicks
Jimmy Hicks joined the Brightmoor leadership team in 2006. He served as Kids Pastor for the first 6 years and has served as Associate Pastor since 2012. Jimmy and his wife Donna, have three daughters, Alexandra, Adrian, and Audrey!
“Your job is not to judge. Your job is not to figure out if someone deserves something. Your job is to lift the fallen, restore the broken, and to heal the hurting.”
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jhicks@brightmoorcc.org
Liza Munro
Missions & Outreach Pastor
Liza Munro
Liza Munro joined the Brightmoor team as Missions and Outreach Pastor in 2009. She has been married to Dan for 19 years and is mom to Sammy and Rachel.
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
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lmunro@brightmoorcc.org
Kendall Trewern
Youth Pastor & Life Groups
Kendall Trewern
Kendall has served in his current role at Brightmoor since September of 2017, when he made the big move up north from Texas. He has been a Youth Pastor for over a decade and doesn’t want to stop anytime soon because he loves discipling the next generation!
“If you have a pulse, you have a purpose.”
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ktrewern@brightmoorcc.org
Ryan Gilliam
Assistant Youth Pastor
Ryan Gilliam
Ryan has been a part of the Brightmoor Team since 2018. His life was changed through youth ministry and knows the true value of this season in student’s lives. He has a passion for seeing young people encounter and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Ryan loves connecting with others through sports, sneakers, travel, and anything competitive. Ryan recently married Lizzie and is grateful to Brightmoor for being a place where God has called him to serve and met the love of his life. They were married at Brightmoor in September 2022.
“The greatest adventure in life is following the call of God.”
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rgilliam@brightmoorcc.org
Solomon Kasper
Music Pastor
Solomon Kasper
Solomon Kasper joined the staff at Brightmoor in 2010 as the Music Pastor and works with the worship, choir, productions, and technical areas. Solomon loves his wife and children and doesn’t mind watching some football on the side…
“Life doesn’t go as planned…that’s why you have God.”
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skasper@brightmoorcc.org
Robb Stancer
Creative Arts Pastor
Robb Stancer
Robb Stancer came to Brightmoor in the fall of 2015 from a Senior Pastor position. Through productions and music, it was clear that God was doing a new thing, and he joined full time in 2016 as Creative Arts Pastor. Robb is married to Cheri with three incredible adult kids.
“Bring them in, build them up, send them out… win the lost!”
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rstancer@brightmoorcc.org
Drew Hynson
Children’s Pastor
Drew Hynson
Drew Hynson along with his wife, Alysha, joined the Brightmoor team in April 2022. Before moving to Michigan, he was a lifelong native of sunny California, where for over two decades he had the privilege of working with kids in church and school settings. Drew believes there is nothing better than helping children discover the purposes that God has for their lives. Drew and Alysha were married in July 2016 and have three extremely energetic boys and one precious girl. When not spending time with family, Drew enjoys sports, fishing, and anything that has to do with being outside.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”‘ 2 Corinthians 5:17
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dhynson@brightmoorcc.org
Kathy Ramos
Pastoral Care Pastor
Kathy Ramos
Kathy Ramos joined the Brightmoor team as the Pastoral Care Pastor in 2021. She is married to Ruben and they have 3 adult children: Justin married to Jen, Jordan married to Courtney and Brittany. 5 beautiful grandchildren: Ellyana, Madison, Porter, Ruby and Rayna. Kathy enjoys spending time with her family, studying and teaching the Word of God, spending time with people and walking. She loves to encourage others and help those who are hurting and in need.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23
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kramos@brightmoorcc.org
Luke Bonzelaar
Young Adults Pastor
Luke Bonzelaar
Luke is no stranger to Brightmoor Church, having grown up as a child running the hallways. He joined the Brightmoor Team in 2023. One of his most vivid memories is anxiously walking into youth group for the first time and being greeted by a young person at the door. The warm greeting and friendly smile made him feel truly welcome. All these years later, Luke is on a mission to extend the same hospitality to all who enter the church doors. When he’s not in the office, he’s either training for his next obstacle race, working in the yard, or catching up on the latest episode of Survivor.
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39
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lbonzelaar@brightmoorcc.org
WEEKEND EXPERIENCE TEAM
Darlene Jebson
Director of Worship
Darlene Jebson
Darlene Jebson grew up at Brightmoor and became the Director of Worship in 2015. She is married with two children. She is a firm believer that a good book and peanut butter cups are pretty much a recipe for a great day!
“Our purpose is to get the focus off of us and onto Jesus as soon as possible!”
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djebson@brightmoorcc.org
Luke Bonzelaar
Growtrack
Luke Bonzelaar
Luke is no stranger to Brightmoor Church, having grown up as a child running the hallways. He joined the Brightmoor Team in 2023. One of his most vivid memories is anxiously walking into youth group for the first time and being greeted by a young person at the door. The warm greeting and friendly smile made him feel truly welcome. All these years later, Luke is on a mission to extend the same hospitality to all who enter the church doors. When he’s not in the office, he’s either training for his next obstacle race, working in the yard, or catching up on the latest episode of Survivor.
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39
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lbonzelaar@brightmoorcc.org
Mary Mayberry
Guest Services Coordinator
Mary Mayberry
Mary has been with Brightmoor since 2016, and loves that it is biblically based, on the move, and has something for everyone!
She is involved in various ministries that include Bible Studies, prayer, fellowship, and outreaches. She personally enjoys encouraging people and making a difference in people’s lives.
Mary moved in 2022 closer to church before retiring from a 36-year career at Ford Motor Company. She enjoys being active, getting together with family & friends, traveling and having fun!
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
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Renee Logerquist
Café Manager
Renee Logerquist
Renee and her family have been attending Brightmoor since 2006. She is currently serving as the Cafe Manager. Renee and her husband Kevin have two college students that have loved growing up at Brightmoor. In her free time, she and Kevin are gearing up for more overlanding adventures in their Jeep.
Renee believes that God will fully equip you in whatever he calls you to do… so just go for it!
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rlogerquist@brightmoorcc.org
Alysha Hynson
Early Childhood Director
Alysha Hynson
Alysha Hyson is married to Pastor Drew, and they have four amazing kids. Alysha has worked closely with the KIDS ministry since coming to Brightmoor in 2022. As our KIDS Nursery Director, she enjoys caring for our young babies and creating a safe and loving environment.
While Alysha’s current and only pastime hobby is raising her four young children, she loves a good coffee. When her and Drew have time, they also enjoy spending a day, any day, and traveling to one of Michigan’s 11,000 inland lakes or one of the big five lakes that surround our state.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
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ahynson@brightmoorcc.org
Roxanne Jones
Children’s Guest Service Director
Roxanne Jones
Roxanne and her family have been at Brightmoor since 2017. The loving welcome they received convinced them that they had found home. Roxanne and her husband Robert have three children who attend Novi Christian Academy. She considers the privilege to serve the families in the Children’s Ministry the greatest job in the world.
“Any definition of a successful life must involve service to others.”
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rjones@brightmoorcc.org
Mallory Herr
Youth Ministry Assistant
Mallory Herr
Mallory grew up at Brightmoor and joined the Brightmoor team as the Youth Ministry Assistant in 2012. She loves spending time with her family, traveling, and discipling students.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men.” Colossians 3:23
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Josh Curis
Kids Ministry Assistant
Josh Curis
Josh Curis has been on staff since 2024. Josh has a love for KIDS Ministry and enjoys seeing the kids learn and grow with their knowledge of Jesus Christ. As the KIDS Ministry Assistant, he supports Pastor Drew and the team with all the details that make KIDS ministry so great.
Josh loves to spend his free time writing music, being with people, and enjoys cooking for his family. Josh is a spontaneous guy who loves having his windows rolled down while driving.
Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things Gods works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
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jcuris@brightmoorcc.org
SUPPORT TEAM
Steffanie Webster
Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor & Office Manager
Steffanie Webster
Steffanie and her husband, Jim, have been a part of the Brightmoor family since November 2006. Her two college kids, Marlow and Emma, graduated from NCA. She enjoys the fall season and traveling, even a small road trip counts. Steffanie also spends a lot of time loving on the family’s needy dog, Toby and playing scrabble.
She loves working behind the scenes and making it a smoother day for everyone in the church offices! One of her life’s goals is to always be an encourager to others and to be a “there you are” person, instead of a “here I am” person.
Her daily goal is based on Colossians Chapter 3, but in particular verse 2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
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swebster@brightmoorcc.org
Cheri Austin
Accounting Manager
Cheri Austin
Cheri Austin has been on staff since 2003. She has served at Brightmoor in many capacities over the years, Train Station Preschool, Children’s Ministry, Accounting Department and now as Accounting Manager. She enjoys her day making things “add up” while maintaining an orderly and concise department. It has been a joy to see all the transitions that the church as gone through and still stands strong.
Cheri loves to read, dining out with her husband, and thrifting or antique shopping with any member of her family willing to tag along.
“Don’t settle for yesterday’s accomplishments. Ask God for an even greater tomorrow!”
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caustin@brightmoorcc.org
Jimi Herr
Technical Director
Jimi Herr
Jimi joined the Brightmoor Team in 2014 as the Technical Director after volunteering since 2000. Jimi is married to his wife Mallory who works in the Youth Department. They have 2 boys, Gavin and Blake. He enjoys helping others, home renovations, and traveling with his family.
“Whatever you do always give 100%, unless you’re donating blood.”
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jherr@brightmoorcc.org
Sam Ridgell
Assistant Tech Director
Jimi Herr
Sam Ridgell came to Brightmoor in 2023 as our Assistant Technical Director. He serves in the capacity of “what-ever-is-needed” to get the job done. Often you will see him behind the scenes, working for ministry events and NCA related activities.
Sam and his wife Liz, have a beautiful daughter Everly, who is full of energy and loves to dance and sing. Sam also produces music and plays the drums. As a family, they love to travel In their free time exploring new places.
Keep your chin up and your head high!!
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.” Mark 11:22-23
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sridgell@brightmoorcc.org
Joe Nelson
Video Coordinator
Joe Nelson
Joe Nelson came on staff as Video Coordinator in spring of 2016. He has attended Brightmoor his whole life. He is a graduate of NCA and Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida. Joe met his wife Molly in December of 2016 during a Christmas at Brightmoor production. In their free time, Joe and Molly love driving up to their favorite spot in the UP to hike, explore and enjoy God’s beautiful creation.
“It’s never wrong to do the right thing.”
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jnelson@brightmoorcc.org
Thomas Harman
Facilities Manager
Thomas Harman
Thomas and his family have attended Brightmoor since 2018, and just so happens the Lord wanted Thomas to work here as well! Thomas met the love of his life, Laura, working here at Brightmoor and they were married shortly after that.
Thomas oversees the entire team that provides facility services to the church, NCA and Train Station Preschool on a 24-hour basis of needs. Thomas takes pride in making Brightmoor look fabulous, keeping everything in top-notch shape and responding to facility needs.
Thomas is the type of person that can have a good relationship with anyone, so if you ever see him, make sure you say “hello”!
“I still remember the days that I prayed for the things I now have.”
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tharman@brightmoorcc.org
Esther Kemoli
Administrative Assistant to Facilities Manager
Esther Kemoli
Esther’s smile is her signature! Originally from Kenya, she immigrated to the USA in 2012. She joined the staff team in 2019. She is mama to a precious daughter who beautifully colors her world.
Esther’s life slogan is “Make your Life Count for Something Great! You are God’s Plan A!” Her core values are drawn from Micah 6:8 “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”.
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ekemoli@brightmoorcc.org
Jamie Hill
Kitchen Manager
Jamie Hill
Brightmoor has been our church home since early 2007, we came here looking for a firm foundation for our then teenage sons. Since coming I have volunteered in many areas of our church as a nursery worker, RFKC/club & various outreaches. Bistro on Wednesdays is where I found my heart gravitating to; currently I’m the Kitchen Manager and look forward to assisting our church as long as HE directs me.
“Serving an audience of ONE!”
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jhill@brightmoorcc.org
Jennifer Heater
Production Coordinator
Jennifer Heater
Jennifer Heater and her husband, Roger, came to Brightmoor in 2016. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in secondary education, is a retired teacher/school administrator, and has extensive knowledge and experience as a producer and costumer in the theatre. She volunteered at Christmas at Brightmoor in 2016, then felt called to serve in Productions and came on staff in 2017. At Brightmoor, their daughter, Molly, met and married, Joe Nelson. Jennifer loves dogs, the fall season, and a good mystery.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
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jheater@brightmoorcc.org