About GCC
Our Story
Greenville Community Church began in September of 1994 when Pastor Wayne and Amy Otto opened their basement to fifteen people who wanted to worship and grow together in Christ. That small group quickly doubled, and by early 1995, services were being held at the Greenville Community Center.
As attendance continued to grow, GCC moved to larger spaces — first to the North Pointe Banquet Center and later to Greenville Middle School, where volunteers faithfully set up and tore down equipment every week. In 1998, a local farmer, Tom Hansen, donated 75 acres of farmland so the church could build a permanent home. Construction began that same year, and by March of 1999, GCC held its first worship service in the new building — the same space that still serves as our gym and kids ministry area today.
Through the early 2000s, GCC became a thriving church community known for its outreach, family ministry, and heart for Greenville. Hope Christian Counseling Center began serving the community, and as the church grew, it expanded its facilities and leadership to meet the needs of a growing congregation.
Over the next two decades, GCC was led by several pastors who each helped shape its direction and growth. The church saw seasons of strong ministry, deep community engagement, and powerful stories of life change. Mission partnerships were built locally and abroad, small groups flourished, and hundreds came to know Christ through the church’s ministries.
Like any church with a long story, GCC has also walked through seasons of hardship and transition — times of challenge that tested faith, leadership, and unity. Yet even through those seasons, God’s faithfulness never wavered. He continued to sustain this church, refine its purpose, and prepare it for renewal.
In recent years, GCC has entered a new chapter marked by healing, stability, and vision. Under the leadership God has provided, the church is growing again — not only in numbers, but in depth, unity, and purpose. Worship is alive, new families are joining, and there’s a renewed hunger for God’s Word and community.
From fifteen people in a basement to a thriving church that has weathered every season with faith, Greenville Community Church stands today as a testimony of God’s grace and endurance. Our story is still being written, and we believe the best is yet to come.
What We Believe
At Greenville Community Church, we believe that faith in Jesus changes everything.
We’re part of The Wesleyan Church, a movement rooted in Scripture and centered on the transforming grace of God. Our beliefs are built on the Bible and shaped by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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We believe in one God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — who created all things and desires a personal relationship with every person. God is holy, loving, and faithful in all He does.
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We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God and fully man. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He conquered sin and death so we could be forgiven, restored, and made new. Salvation is found in Christ alone.
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We believe the Holy Spirit is active and present today — convicting hearts, guiding believers, empowering the Church, and producing spiritual growth and transformation in our lives.
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We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the final authority for what we believe and how we live. It reveals God’s truth, His plan for redemption, and how we are called to live as His people.
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We believe every person matters to God. Because of His grace, anyone can be forgiven and transformed through faith in Jesus. Salvation is not something we earn — it’s a gift of God’s mercy and love that leads us into a new way of life.
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We believe followers of Jesus are called to live holy lives — not through perfection, but through surrender. As we grow in relationship with God, His Spirit shapes our hearts, attitudes, and actions to look more like Christ.
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We believe the Church is God’s family on mission — a community of believers committed to worship, discipleship, and service. Together, we help people experience God, find freedom, and live out His purpose in the world.
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We believe Jesus will return to make all things new. Until that day, we live with purpose, sharing His love and truth so the world can know the hope we have in Him.
LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
At Greenville Community Church, our leaders are here to serve. We believe ministry is best done together, and our staff is passionate about helping people experience God, freedom, and life in every season. Get to know the team who leads, equips, and walks alongside our church family.
Aaron Spratling
Emily Bond
Sarah DeVries
Children's Ministry Director
Sarah DeVries and her husband, Doug, have three amazing children. Sarah has served in the children's ministry for many years and she enjoys teaching and leading children and adult volunteers closer to Jesus Christ. Sarah also enjoys growing deeper in her personal relationship with Jesus.
Denise Parr
Kids Ministry Director – Crystal Campus
Denise Parr is happily married to her best friend, Micah Parr, and they have two wonderful children, Eliana and Brantley. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors—camping, hunting, and hiking. Denise also enjoys gardening, crafting, and reading. She is grateful to be a beloved child of God and loves growing deeper in her relationship with her Savior. Denise has a heart for teaching and enjoys spending time with children and watching them learn about and grow close to the Lord.
Aimee Davis
Finance Director
Aimee Davis is married to her husband, Marshall, and they have two awesome kids. Aimee is an experienced accountant who has primarily served non-profit organizations, and she enjoys daily exercise. She loves serving others and growing deeper in her relationship with Christ.
Sally Stevenson
Kids Ministry Nursery Director & Kids Ministry Administrative Assistant
I have been married to my husband, Bruce, for 25 years. We have watched our family grow over the years, and what a blessing this has been. I enjoy reading, walks with my dog, and gardening. I have been attending GCC for about 3 years now and love being involved in the Kids Ministry—it's so rewarding. God is amazing!
Aimee Davis
Sally Stevenson
Courtney Sweet
Krystal Hatfield
Larissa Syrjala
Worship Director – Crystal Campus
Larissa Syrjala serves as the Worship Director for GCC’s Crystal Campus. She’s passionate about helping people experience God’s presence through worship that is both genuine and inviting. Larissa’s leadership reflects her love for Jesus and her heart for people to encounter Him in real, personal ways. Outside of ministry, she enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with her community, and sharing life with her friends and family.
Larissa Syrjala
Emily Bond
Worship Director
Emily Bond recently graduated from Cornerstone University with a degree in K–12 Vocal Music Education and got married to her incredible husband, Peyton! She has been involved in worship ministry since middle school and has served in various roles; from youth group worship teams to being a worship intern and later a worship/tech assistant at Life Stream Church. Her heart for ministry is rooted in a desire to encourage others and point everything back to God. In her free time, she and Peyton enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles, watching movies, taking walks, and lots of laughter.
Aaron Spratling
Lead Pastor
Aaron is married to his absolute best friend, Brenda. They are a blended family with six grown children and a growing number of grandchildren! Aaron is passionate about helping as many people as possible live in the freedom Christ purchased for them on the cross! When not hanging out with their kids or grandkids, Aaron and Brenda love the outdoors, are avid mountain hikers, and enjoy a good walk and sunsets on the beach!
Alee Lafferty
Executive Assistant
Alee Lafferty is married to Justin and together they have two wonderful children, Jamison and Karlee. She enjoys being a light for others and loves making an impact by simply greeting everyone with a smile. Alee has always had a love for serving others and growing deeper in her relationship with Christ.
Dominic Briggs
Facilities & Grounds and Worship Arts Technical Director
Dominic has been attending Greenville Community Church since 2015 and has served in several areas over the years. Dominic serves as the Worship & Creative Arts Technical Director and Facilities & Grounds Director at Greenville Community Church. He is passionate about creating meaningful worship experiences through sound, lighting, and livestream, helping people encounter God, freedom, and life. Along with overseeing GCC’s facilities and creative environments, Dominic loves using his skills to make church a place that feels both welcoming and impactful.
Alee Lafferty
Dominic Briggs
Denise Parr
Sarah DeVries
Krystal Hatfield
Kids Life Director and Kids Ministry Elementary Director
Krystal is married to her husband, Fray, and they have two amazing girls; Lily and Olivia. Originally from Maryland, Krystal has found a home not only in Michigan but here at GCC. She loves helping and serving and is excited to serve GCC by guiding kiddos towards the truths of the Bible and God’s love for them. In her free time Krystal enjoys doing various Bible studies, reading, crocheting, baking, and going on adventures with her family.
Courtney Sweet
Livestream Coordinator
Courtney is married to her fun-loving husband, Adam, and they have five fabulous children: Ysabella, William, Angelee, Addison, and Jennaca. She is an ordained Reverend in the Wesleyan Church and holds a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University. Courtney is passionate about Freedom Ministry, discipleship, and doing God’s work wherever she is placed. She loves serving in multiple capacities at GCC while also working full time to serve her community outside of the church.