Our Staff

	John Richert Lead Pastor John was born and raised in upstate New York. He graduated from Long Island University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and a future teammate in ministry – his wife Garricyn. John and Garricyn moved to Davis in 2000 so he could pursue his Ph.D. in Ecology at UC Davis. Throughout that time, John has served in ministry at Discovery and started The FellowShip College and Young Adults Ministries. Through his serving, he has felt God’s calling him into full-time ministry following the imminent completion of his Ph.D. John now serves as our Senior Pastor. He and Garricyn have a four-year old daughter named Kendall and a nine-month old son Maddox. Contact John (phone: 530.758.0316, e-mail: john@discoverychristianchurch.org).

	Lindsay Hendricks Intirim Director of Worship Arts Lindsay is a native of western Kansas. Before moving to Davis with her husband, Nathan, she lived in the "Little Apple" of the U.S. A., Manhattan, KS. Lindsay graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Music Education and following graduation, was a student at Emmanuel House Seminary in Manhattan, KS where she studied spiritual direction. She has also enjoyed a previous position of Associate Youth Director at New Hope Church in Kansas. Lindsay is a visionary who desires to be a part of inspiring others to discover who God has created them to be: a worshiper of Him. Contact Lindsay (phone: 530.758.0316, e-mail: lindsay@discoverychristianchurch.org).

	Vince and Dawn Burgess Children's Ministry Dawn graduated with a B.A. in Childhood Development from California State University, Sacramento. Although she loved teaching, her true passion is helping children know Jesus. Dawn has worked with children for many years and most recently served as the Director of Children’s Ministries at her previous church. Vince graduated from Kentucky Christian University majoring in Psychology and Theology, then completed his Masters Degree and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Currently he is the Clinical Supervisor for a Children’s Mental Health Outpatient Clinic in Vacaville, CA. Vince has led worship for 14 years is now excited to partner with his wife in the Children’s Ministry. Vince and Dawn live in Vacaville, CA with their children Kayan, Madeleine and Hallie. Contact either Vince or Dawn (phone: 530.758.0316, email: discoverykids@discoverychristianchurch.org).

	Eli Elizaga Community Outreach Coordinator Aloha! I am a "local boy" from "The Islands of Aloha". At the age of 17, I left these beautiful islands to become a man. For 22 years I fulfilled my patriotic duty serving in the United States Air Force. While serving this great nation, I obtained a BS in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale . This degree opened the door to the corporate world. I was an acoustical engineer for a private firm after my commitment was fulfilled with the military. During this time frame, I felt the need to continue my education and obtained an MBA from Capella University . Nine Eleven changed the history of the world. This event also brought change into my life. I found myself laid-off from the corporate world. After some soul searching and rededicating my life back to Jesus Christ, my life has never been the same. I found myself with a career change to serve the Kingdom. Currently, I am a student at William Jessup University , pursing a degree in Christian Leadership and Bible & Theology. I plan to graduate May 2007 and enter into fulltime ministry in a Pastoral capacity. "Eh, even local boyz love Jesus!" Contact Eli (phone: 530.758.0316, e-mail: eli@discoverychristianchurch.org).

	Adam Darbonne Youth Ministry Intern Adam grew up in San Mateo, CA and attended First Presbyterian San Mateo. He is entering his second year at UC Davis and is in the process of changing his major from Biology to Religious Studies/ Psychology double. God has put youth ministry on Adam's heart and Adam can’t wait to see where God takes Discovery's youth. You can find out more about who Adam is on his facebook or myspace pages. Adam enjoys playing just about every sport- he especially loves trampolining, wakeboarding and being in the outdoors. Contact Adam (phone: 530.758.0316, e-mail: adam@discoverychristianchurch.org).