meet our pastor
“I believe God longs to meet real people in real and meaningful ways — and that the church is called to be a place where grace is lived, not just spoken.” Pastor Sven Verbeet
A little bit of my story
My faith journey began on a church bus to Sunday School, but it became personal through curiosity, invitation, and grace. I was born in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and at the age of 10 my family relocated to Southeast Texas.
I still remember the moment it “clicked” for me: hearing the good news of Jesus’ love in a way that felt real. That message quietly shaped my life—and it still shapes how I lead and serve today.
I still remember the moment it “clicked” for me: hearing the good news of Jesus’ love in a way that felt real. That message quietly shaped my life—and it still shapes how I lead and serve today.
How God shaped my calling
As a teenager, I became involved in an Assemblies of God congregation, where my faith deepened and my sense of calling began to grow. Over time, I pursued theological studies so I could serve the church faithfully and with care.
Along the way, I’ve learned that transformation is often formed through prayer, honesty, and steady grace—not quick fixes.
Along the way, I’ve learned that transformation is often formed through prayer, honesty, and steady grace—not quick fixes.
Why I'm grateful to be at St. John's
I was ordained in the Assemblies of God in 1996, and in 2002 moved into fully Open and Affirming ministry, something exceedingly rare in evangelical settings. Begining in 2012, I served in Houston as the founding and Senior Pastor of Gateway of Hope Church, an affirming congregation, focusing on preaching, pastoral care, and helping people rediscover faith rooted in grace rather than fear.
In 2024, work relocation brought me (and my husband, Jay) to the Bay Area—and opened the door to serve St. John’s in a meaningful season of growth; allowing faith to take root, lives to be shaped, and equiping people to follow Jesus in real life. I’m truly grateful to be here.
In 2024, work relocation brought me (and my husband, Jay) to the Bay Area—and opened the door to serve St. John’s in a meaningful season of growth; allowing faith to take root, lives to be shaped, and equiping people to follow Jesus in real life. I’m truly grateful to be here.
What you can expect
I believe God is not distant or abstract, but present and personal—meeting real people in real ways. My hope is that St. John’s will always be a place where grace is lived, not just spoken.
If you visit on a Sunday, you can expect Christ-centered worship, a welcoming community, and a church learning to follow Jesus with compassion and hope. Whatever your story, and no matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome, and you belong here.
If you visit on a Sunday, you can expect Christ-centered worship, a welcoming community, and a church learning to follow Jesus with compassion and hope. Whatever your story, and no matter where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome, and you belong here.
I’d love to meet you—feel free to reach out or introduce yourself when you visit.