Rev. R.R. Tavárez – Senior Pastor & Church Planter
As a young person, Rev. Ricardo Tavárez felt a burden to access skills and training that he could bring into the city. His passion was to develop urban Christian disciples into community leaders. To that end he earned a dual undergraduate degree at Kuyper College in Bible and International Business. He later graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary with a Master’s Degree in Divinity, with a concentration in Missions. In 2016, Rev. Tavárez felt called to start En Vivo Church. He has served as a preacher, leadership trainer, youth ministry leader, non-profit leader, and mentor. As a pastor, Rev. Tavárez remains passionate about making disciples, and equipping disciples with cross-cultural leadership and ministry skills, while advocating for those pushed to the margins of society.
Rev. Linda Stoner – Associate Pastor of Teaching & Pastoral Care
Rev. Lin is a retired pastor from the Metropolitan Community Churches or the MCC. She was the founding pastor of Redeemer MCC in Flint, Michigan and served as pastor there for 15 years. She also pastored Reconciliation MCC in Grand Rapids for 10 years. Rev. Lin served the MCC Fellowship as North Area coordinator for several years. While Rev. Lin remains a member of the MCC, she is also a member of En Vivo Church. She uses her gifts to teach Bible study and is active in pastoral-care, counseling, and other areas of pastoral leadership.
Erin Mieskowski – Worship Coordinator
Rae Mieskowski – Pastoral Intern
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Rae attended Union High School, then Michigan State University earning a Bachelor’s in Sociology. Rae has worked in patient care for 8 years. He plans to attend Chicago Theological Seminary in the near future to pursue a career in ministry and preaching as part of a life-long calling to serve God and God’s people.