Our Team
The Connections Team
One word of explanation: you’ll notice we call everyone a “pastor.” We know, it’s a really “churchy” word. But it reminds us that everyone, in whatever role we serve, is called to take care of the people around us!
George Saylor – Lead Pastor
George grew up in western Pennsylvania and served as a campus minister in that area 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. In September 2018 George lead the launch of Connections Church in Highlands Ranch.
In addition to his role in the church, George has a passion for serving the community. He serves on the Board of the Douglas County Winter Shelter Network, coaches mountain biking at Columbine High School, and teaches rock climbing classes with Foothills Parks and Rec.
George and his wife Robin have 3 children, Eden, Karis, and Justin, and a dog named Indy that they adopted on a mission trip to New Mexico. George will drop just about anything to go biking or skiing. (No really, he will. Call him anytime!)
George holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, a Master of Arts in Higher Education, and a Master of Divinity.
Chris Sanchez – Worship Pastor
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 is responsible for recruiting, training and leading our team in leading worship at Connections.
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.
Bonnie Gamble – Children’s Pastor
Bonnie leads our ministry to children and their families. She and her husband Ryan have four children and have lived in Colorado since 2012. She’s been active in church and ministry to children her whole life.
Kim Crane – Office Pastor
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 – Finance Pastor
Jayne grew up on a farm in Iowa, has played and coached a lot of softball over the years, and 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. She has a passion for encouraging others to be 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 (But she doesn’t really have any spare time with everything she’s involved!)
The Connections Board
Connections is lead by joint board of Elders, Deacons and Pastor. Currently Kelly Tien serves as Elder and Chair. Jeff Kadavy serves as Elder and Vice Chair. Iva Prinsen and Jerry Alger serve as Deacons. George Saylor serves as Lead Pastor.
All inquiries related to church life and governance can be directed to elders@myconnections.church or deacons@myconnections.church
Prayer and Care
Rich Westra and Barbara Alger lead up our care ministry. If you have a spiritual, physical, emotional or financial need you can inquire for help at care@myconnections.church
Vi Sjaardema leads our prayer ministry. We gather every Sunday at 9am and every other Thursday at 10am. If you would like to be included for prayer contact us at prayer@myconnections.church