Richard Birr – Transitional Pastor
Dick grew up in Wisconsin, and met Paulette, who is from Nebraska, at Crown College (MN). After Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (IL), the Birrs served C&MA churches for long terms in Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota. Moving to Sioux Falls in 2013, Dick continued to serve in multiple Alliance churches on a shorter-term basis in Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
COUNCIL OF ELDERS AND BOARD OF MINISTRIES
Mercy Church is governed by a Council of Elders, men who serve in giving spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the congregation, and a Board of Ministries comprised of the lead pastor and six elected individuals responsible for the administrative leadership of the church’s ministries and legal affairs.
SAMUEL GETACHEW
Pastor Samuel is originally from Ethiopia and is the founding pastor of Gospel of Mercy Church (Amharic-speaking congregation). His ministry focuses on first- and second-generation immigrants from the Amharic-speaking world, and on multicultural bridge-building. He is the Director of African Operations for the Adams Thermal Foundation, as well as a part-time chaplain at Avera McKennan Hospital. Samuel has a Master of Divinity degree from Sioux Falls Seminary and is ordained by the Christian & Missionary Alliance. Samuel and his wife Azeb have three children.