Brian has served as organist and music director at DRC since February 2014. He leads the Vocal Choir, directs the Bell Choir, leads the Worship Band, and works with youth music ministry throughout the year. When not at DRC, Brian is the Music Director for Park Playhouse, and takes part in a variety of musical performances throughout the region. Brian is married to Lauren, and they have three wonderful children- Isis, James, and Eden.

Contact Brian at baxford@drchurch.org

A native of Toledo, OH, and an enthusiastic Cleveland sports fan, Pastor Jake joined staff in August 2023 in what was his first full-time call to pastoral ministry. Jake’s educational background is fairly widespread, having completed a B.S. in Kinesiology before entering the realm of theology in 2016. Jake’s formal theological training then began at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA, before completing his M. Div at Western Theological Seminary in 2020. Along the path to NY, Jake worked in various capacities, including sports journalism, disability ministry, and college athletic ministry. While living in Spokane, Jake met his future spouse, Sarah, who is a native of Seattle, WA. Jake and Sarah are now the proud owners of a puppy named “Blue” and together, the three of them cherish unhurried time outdoors. Having retired the baseball glove after college, Jake picked up the sport of running and has completed six marathons with hopes of qualifying for Boston one day.

Contact Pastor Jake at jchipka@drchurch.org

Kim, who grew up in Delmar, has been a part of DRC since childhood. Kim went to school at SUNY Cortland, where she met her husband, Jason. They live in town and have two children in the Bethlehem School District. As a family they enjoy the outdoors with camping, sports and a good barbecue.

Contact Kim at info@drchurch.org

Hannah has been worshipping at DRC for years. After graduating from Bethlehem High School in 2019, Hannah moved across New York to Houghton University to complete her undergraduate degree in Inclusive Childhood Education. Hannah returned to the Albany area after graduation, where she’s currently working at the Capital Region BOCES school. When she has free time, Hannah loves playing with her one-year old puppy, Gardenia, going on hikes, camping, and enjoying the sunshine.

Lisa feels she has the best job in the world - working with the children of DRC since joining the staff in 2012. After being a teacher for 15 years, she now gets to spend her time coordinating and implementing programs for children and helping them to grow their faith. This includes overseeing the nursery, Sunday School and special family events. It is her hope to help families get connected with God and each other by providing fun and meaningful ministries for children. Lisa lives locally with her husband, Luke, and two children. Lisa volunteers regularly at her children's schools, and in her free time enjoys watching NY Giants football with her family, reading, and classic films. Lisa would love for you to reach out to her - connect by emailing at lisa@drchurch.org.

Senior Pastor, Rev. Chris Vande Bunte is a native New Jerseyite who has served in lead, associate, and solo pastor rolls in three churches and two decades in ministry. Pastor Chris is graduate of Hope College (RCA) and New Brunswick Theological Seminary (RCA). Despite a degree in Political Science, he values working as a Christian across all kinds of aisles to be purposeful in promoting community and support for one another, in the church and our neighborhoods. He calls the Four Corners in Delmar home along with his wife Ellen and son Luke. The Vande Buntes are avid supporters of professional and semiprofessional sports teams in the Capital Region.

Contact Pastor Chris at cvandebunte@drchurch.org

Mark lives in Altamont and has worked at DRC for 16 years. His wife, Patricia, is an elementary school teacher. Mark has two sons who live in California and Chicago. They all share a strong work ethic and enjoy travel, reading, cooking and the seashore.