Our Team
The Connections Team
George Saylor – Senior Pastor
George Saylor serves as pastor of Connections Church. He grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and served as a campus minister for many years following college. He pastored his first church in North Carolina and then planted a church in London, Ontario. Yes, there is a London in Canada! In 2014, he fulfilled his lifelong dream and moved to Colorado. After planting Apex Church in Littleton, the congregation merged with Horizon Church in the Spring of 2018, and together became Connections on September 16, 2018.
In addition to his role in the church, George has a passion for serving the community. He volunteers as a Site Director with the Severe Weather Shelter Network and for fun he teaches rock climbing classes for children and adults.
George and his wife Robin have 3 children- Eden, Karis and Justin. They recently became pet owners and adopted to rescue dogs, Joey and Indy. George will drop just about anything to go biking or skiing. No really, he will. Call him anytime!
George holds a BS in Environmental Science, a Master of Arts in Higher Education and a Master of Divinity.
Chris Sanchez – Director of Worship Arts
Chris Sanchez serves as Worship Director at Connections Church. Chris grew up in Southern California, where he studied music at Musicians Institute and served as a worship leader, before moving to Colorado in 2012.
He has a passion for church planting and to see the local church rise. Chris met with George Saylor in 2015, jumping on board to help launch Apex Church. Now, with the 2018 Apex and Horizon merger, Chris is excited to be a part of a great ministry team!
Chris and his wife Alyssa have two beautiful twin daughters, Quinn and Aria. In Chris’ spare time, you can find him having tea parties with the twins or catching a romcom with Alyssa.
Cheryl Wood – Children’s Ministry Director
Cheryl, a Colorado native born and raised in the Springs, is excited to be back in Colorado!
With over 28 years of experience in children’s, youth and family ministry, we are so blessed to have her on our team. She’s worked with big churches, small church and churches in between. She’s created and directed sports camps, music camps, children’s choirs and more. She has the skills and the passion that we need at Connections to serve our families and reach out to our community. Cheryl also works full-time as the Assistant Director at Willow Creek Elementary.
Alex Sanchez – Youth Ministry Director
Alex was born and raised in Southern California where he met his beautiful wife Hannah. They spent the last 4 years in Seattle where Alex was on staff at a church as the youth creative director. He spent the majority of his time recruiting, training and equipping the next generation of leader in the church. Alex has a passion for building churches and rising up the next generation to know Jesus and to create an impact in their communities.
During their spare time you can find Alex and Hannah enjoying craft coffee exploring new food spots, and playing fetch with their dog Augie.
Kim Crane – Office Manager
Kim is Connections Church Administrative Office Manager. She is the first one you meet when you come through the doors and will help you with whatever you need, or guide you to the right person. When asked recently about what she does, she laughingly replied, “whatever no one else does!” We are very appreciative for all she does for Connections Church.
Kim and her husband have 3 adult sons and one grandson. Kim enjoys spending time with her family, reading, skiing, gardening, crafting and just about anything adventurous outdoors.
Jayne Tien – Director of Community Connections
Jayne Tien serves as the Director of Community Connections. Jayne grew up on a farm in Iowa, has played and coached a lot of softball over the years, and recently spent 18 years in Southern California, serving in ministry there–both at her church and for a faith-based homeless women and children’s shelter. Denver became home in 2016.
She has a passion for encouraging others to being part of a connections group and in helping others serve in the community. She also leads up the community gardens here at church. Jayne and her husband Kelly have 3 adult children and two granddaughters. In Jayne’s spare time, you can find her gardening, cooking, hiking, and enjoying time with her family.