Hello,

My name is Tim Merki, and it has been our joy to serve at Sonoma Baptist Church since June of 2017. Over the years, the Lord has graciously allowed me to pastor churches in Texas, North Carolina, Maryland, and now here in Nevada. Each place has shaped us, stretched us, and reminded us of the faithfulness of God to His people in every season and setting.

My wife, Heidi, and I were married in June of 2003. She is a steady and faithful partner in ministry, and I am deeply grateful for the way she loves our family and serves the church in quiet but meaningful ways. The Lord has blessed us with three boys—Ben, Jos, and Whit—who keep life full, active, and often loud! As a family, we enjoy being outdoors, cheering on our boys in their activities, opening our home to others, and simply doing life together with the church family.

Though we are not native Nevadans, Northern Nevada has truly become home to us. We have grown to love the wide-open spaces, the close-knit community, and the unique opportunities for gospel ministry in a rural setting. It is our sincere prayer that, if the Lord wills, we would be able to serve here for many years to come.

More than anything, our desire is to see Christ exalted, His Word faithfully preached, and His people strengthened and equipped for every good work. We are thankful for what God has already done at Sonoma Baptist Church and look forward with hope and expectation to all that He has in store for the days ahead.

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Phil Wright has been faithfully serving as a Deacon at Sonoma Baptist Church since 2022. In this role, Phil seeks to support the spiritual health and practical needs of the church body, coming alongside the pastors and leadership to help ensure that the ministry of the Word can flourish and that the congregation is cared for well.

Phil and his wife, Linda, share a deep love for Christ and His church. They are passionate about serving Jesus alongside the saints at Sonoma Baptist Church and are committed to being active, engaged members of the church family. Whether through quiet acts of service, encouragement, hospitality, or simply being present and available, Phil and Linda desire to reflect the servant-hearted example of Christ.

They are grateful for the fellowship and unity the Lord has given at Sonoma Baptist and look forward to continuing to grow, serve, and labor together with their church family for the glory of God.

Gale Griggs began serving as a Deacon at Sonoma Baptist Church in 2024. He stepped into this role with a sincere desire to honor Christ by faithfully serving His church and supporting the ministry of the Word. As a deacon, Gale is committed to helping care for the practical needs of the congregation, strengthening unity within the body, and assisting the leadership so that the church may continue to grow in spiritual health and mission.

Gale and his wife, Kelly, are devoted to loving and serving the flock at Sonoma Baptist Church. They value the close fellowship of a local church family and seek to encourage others through faithfulness, kindness, and a willingness to step in wherever help is needed. Their heart is to see the church rooted deeply in Scripture, marked by genuine love for one another, and active in sharing the gospel in our community.

They are thankful to be part of what God is doing at Sonoma Baptist and look forward to continuing to serve alongside their church family for years to come.

Steve Lange began serving as a Deacon at Sonoma Baptist Church in 2024. He entered this role with a desire to faithfully support the ministry of the church and to serve in a way that reflects the servant heart of Christ. As a deacon, Steve is committed to helping meet practical needs within the congregation, promoting unity, and assisting the pastors and leadership so that the church can remain focused on the preaching of the Word and the care of souls.

Steve and his wife, Connie, serve the members of Sonoma Baptist Church with genuine love and compassion. They are grateful for the fellowship of their church family and seek to encourage others through steady faithfulness, thoughtful care, and a willingness to come alongside those who need support. Whether through quiet acts of service, prayer, or personal encouragement, their heart is to strengthen and bless the body of Christ.

They consider it a privilege to be part of Sonoma Baptist Church and look forward to continuing to serve the Lord and His people in the years ahead.

Dave Hawkins began serving as a Deacon at Sonoma Baptist Church in 2024. He stepped into this role with a desire to faithfully support the ministry of the church and to serve in a way that honors Christ and strengthens His people. As a deacon, Dave seeks to assist with the practical needs of the congregation, encourage unity within the body, and work alongside the pastors and fellow deacons to help ensure that the church remains healthy and mission-focused.

Dave and his wife, Sue, are deeply committed to serving and loving those who attend Sonoma Baptist Church. They value genuine relationships within the church family and strive to reflect the kindness, hospitality, and compassion of Christ in their interactions with others. Whether through acts of service, opening their home, offering encouragement, or simply being available to help, Dave and Sue desire to bless and support the body in tangible ways.

They are grateful for the opportunity to serve at Sonoma Baptist and look forward to continuing to grow, fellowship, and labor together with their church family for the glory of God.