Dr. Christopher Baldwin
Lead Pastor
Email Christopher
Education:
BS (1995) in Educational Ministry and Bible from Houghton College
Master of Divinity (1998) from Asbury Theological Seminary
Doctor of Ministry (2006) from Asbury Theological Seminary
Family
I am a native Western New Yorker, born and raised in the Southern Tier. I met my wife, Tammy, at Houghton College and we got married in July, 1994. Tammy and I have served in ministry together since we were dating and are partners in every sense of the word in both life and ministry. We have two boys, who love to play football, baseball, soccer and basketball with dad! I am a huge fan of the Bills and Sabres.
My worst job ever: Wendy’s fast food restaurant
What I love about the Buffalo area: Waterfront; the 4 seasons
Celebrity I most look alike: Gary LaVoy (Lead singer Rascal Flatts)
On my ipod: Christian rap & Worship
My favorite vacation spot: Virginia Beach
Guilty Pleasure: My wife’s chocoloate chip cookies
Rev. Tammy Baldwin
Associate Pastor
Education:
BA (1991) in Psychology from Houghton College
MA (1997) in Counseling from Liberty University
Ordained in the Wesleyan Church in 2001
Family
I grew up in Newfane, NY and met Christopher at Houghton College. We got married in July, 1994 and have two boys who daily remind us of God’s amazing love and creativity.
My worst job ever: weeding – anywhere, anytime!
What I love about the Buffalo area: the sense of community in Buffalo
On my ipod: My favorite Christian groups from the 80′s & 90′s; George Winston
My favorite vacation spot: Virginia Beach
Guilty Pleasure: warm apple pie – my grandma’s recipe
Johnny Juarez
Worship Arts Pastor
Education:
AA (2010) in Liberal Arts/Humanities from E.C.C.
Currently working on a B.A. in Communications and Culture from City University Of New York
Ministry Responsibilities
Pastor of Worship Arts and Growth Group Director. Overseeing and implementing all creative elements into our Sunday Worship Service. Building up teams of creative artists to create an atmosphere of transformational moments. Also oversee and develop our Growth Groups as The Vine grows deep and branches out. Bottom line do ministry and make it FUN!
Family
I was born in Texas, but my family relocated to Toronto when I was 3 years old. My parents are Central American. I met my wife Vanessa in Toronto, got married, had kids (two awesome girls), and moved to Buffalo because of the airport…. I was traveling a lot out of BUF so I figured we’d live here. God had other plans though! I have grown to love WNY…to the point where we are very involved with the community and have a desire to see the region transformed by Jesus and His followers!
Hope and Vision for The Vine
My passion is to live out the Great Commission and truly embody what the church’s purpose is! Our mission at The Vine is that every man, woman and child have repeated opportunities to see and hear the gospel of Jesus. I believe that the best way this can happen is by being relevant, creative and using the arts to communicate this awesome message. I am very passionate about artists…and can see The Vine becoming a place for all artists to serve and grow in Jesus. Every Sunday is the Super Bowl for me and I believe that during the week our church should mobilize the message of God’s grace in the marketplace.
Michael Richbart
Director of Youth
Education: Currently attending Houghton College with a major in Bible and Intercultural studies
What I love about the Buffalo area: fishing
Celebrity I most look alike: Randy Ortin
On my ipod: Chris Tomlin, passion band, Hillsong
My favorite vacation spot: Virginia Islands
Brad Bauer
Director of Vinekidz (Children’s Ministry)
Education: US Marine Corps
Pursuing a Bachelors of Business Administration degree through Indiana Wesleyan University
My worst job ever: Never had a job I didn’t learn something from.
What I love about the Buffalo area: the people
Celebrity I most look alike: Stallone (profile view)
Music I enjoy: Matt Maher, Lincoln Brewster, Third Day, Apologetix & U2
My favorite vacation spot: Florida
Guilty Pleasure: Cheese & jelly sandwiches
Steve Priola
Executive Lay Pastor & Men’s Ministry
My worst job ever: Kitchen cleanup
What I love about the Buffalo area: the people, sports, weather
Celebrity I most look alike: Tom Jones when I was young.
On my ipod: Praise music, James Taylor, Nat King Cole, Eagles
My favorite vacation spot: Florida
Barbara Kaczmarek
Prayer Coordinator
Education: MBA from University at Buffalo
My worst job ever: Worked two days as manager of the Shoe Department at Kmart
What I love about the Buffalo area: the people – they are “real”
My favorite vacation spot: Captiva Island
Erin Krakowiak
Director of Women’s Ministry
Education: Bachelor of Science in Economics/Finance
My worst job ever: I was an assistant at a salon
What I love about the Buffalo area: summer when it’s finally warm
On my ipod: a lot of variety
My favorite vacation spot: a relaxing beach
Guilty Pleasure: Reality tv
Diane Emser
Sunday AM Coordinator
Education: Bryant & Stratton, Associates degree in secretarial science
My worst job ever: Spencer Gifts
What I love about the Buffalo area: . . . still thinking . . .
On my ipod: Christian & country music
My favorite vacation spot: Carribean Islands
Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate!
Jason Hallnan
Outreach
Education: Associates degree
My worst job ever: Fast food
What I love about the Buffalo area: Summer activity
Celebrity I most look alike: Keanu Reeves
On my ipod: Words with Friends, Kindle
My favorite vacation spot: Arizona
Guilty Pleasure: Fudge Brownies
Rebecca Hallnan
Outreach
Education: Associate in Ministry of the Arts
My worst job ever: Tim Horton’s and Walgreens
What I love about the Buffalo area: Niagara Falls and the fall colors
Celebrity I most look alike: Jessica Simson
On my ipod: Jeremy Camp, Newsboys – God’s Not Dead, Mandisa
My favorite vacation spot: Arizona & Algonquin Canada
Guilty Pleasure: Cheese, pepperoni and crackers
Guilty Pleasure: Cheese & jelly sandwiches