Meet Our Staff

We understand that a church isn't the building or its location, it's the people. Our staff are likely to be the first faces that you see and those that you connect with in serving the community for Jesus. We thought it might be nice to give you a head start to knowing who they are!

  • Pastor - Zach McNees

    Pastor Zach is originally from Battle Creek, MI and has served in many capacities of ministry since 2007. He and wife Sarah met in high school while attending Wesley Woods Camp and reconnected serving together in youth ministry. Zach's ministry background has been in youth and college ministry at United Methodist Churches in Mt Pleasant and Allendale. Zach and Sarah have a son and daughter both under 4.


    Zach has a heart for hearing the stories of all he serves and works alongside, knowing that our stories help to make up who we really are in our most authentic selves. He also has a heart for helping people find and use their gifts for ministry, even gifts they have yet to realize. He was appointed to serve at Northlawn on July 1, 2019 and is currently a full-time student at Duke Divinity School. You can email Pastor Zach here.

  • Office Administrator - Alicia Timmer

    Alicia grew up in Byron Center with her parents and 3 siblings. She went to Moody Bible Institute and Cornerstone University where she graduated with an English/Education degree. She also received her Masters in Reading from Grand Valley State University. Alicia taught in the Grand Rapids Public Schools for 15 years in grades 1-5. She is great at connecting with new people and pointing them in the right direction! You can email Alicia here.

  • Worship Ministries Director - Jenna Brevitz

    Jenna has a passion for planning and leading worship and brings experience from multiple local churches as well as Christian camping. She plays piano and guitar and has spent the last year developing and strengthening her worship technology skills. She now works full-time at Grace Christian University (where she graduated with her Bachelor of Music in Worship Arts) supporting students in the Online and Graduate Online programs. Jenna is thrilled to be part of this community and help create worship experiences where all are welcome to connect and grow! You can email Jenna here.

  • Director of Family Ministries - Caitlin Eyestone

    Caitlin is a mama, wife, and teacher eager to share the love of Jesus all around! Methodist from the start, Caitlin was born at Red Bird Mission in Kentucky, grew up at Hope UMC in Michigan, met her husband while working at Crystal Springs UMC camp, and now serves kids and families at Northlawn UMC!  Caitlin attended Grand Valley State University and now teaches special education at Northview Public Schools. You can email Caitlin here.

  • Nursery Coordinator - Open Position

    We are hiring a great person for this position! Is it you or someone you know? Learn more HERE.

  • Pianist - Ellen Brown

    Ellen began piano lessons at the age of four, beginning a lifelong passion for the study of music. She studied music at Hope College, and earned her Master of Music in Ethnomusicology at Bowling Green State University. Ellen also has an extensive background in performing liturgical music, serving many years as a church pianist.