SHEPHERDING THE SHEEP -- OUR PASTOR

Gerald and Jennifer Volk are the parents of six incredible children and one son-in-law.  They are also now grandparents!  Gerald grew up on a farm outside of Logan, Iowa.  Jennifer spent most of her childhood in a preacher’s home in Kimball, Minnesota.  They both went to Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri and graduated with degrees in ministry.  Together they have been in ministry since 1992, working in six states throughout the Midwest.  


Gerald has served as a prison chaplain in Missouri as well as in various church roles as a youth pastor, family life pastor, and preaching minister.  Jennifer has worked supporting the family as a sign language interpreter, donut baker and Certified Nurse Assistant.  She is currently employed with Human Services Agency in Watertown as a client job coach.  The Volks started their ministry in Watertown in November of 2010.  They fell in love with Watertown Christian Church and the Watertown community very quickly and look forward to being here for many more years.
 
Life verse:  Philippians 1:27  “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.”
 
Hobbies: 

  • Gerald – Woodworking, weightlifting, hunting, fishing, motorcycling, four-wheeling, kayaking, shooting, reading, and talking.  I also love being a dad and a grandpa--of course with 6 children, you had better love it!  By the way, I am a huge Nebraska Cornhusker football fan. 
  • Jennifer – Scrapbooking, sign language, being a MOM and GRANDMA, and spending time with friends and family.  

shepherding the sheep -- our elders

"The saying is trustworthy:  If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task."  

I Timothy 3:1 (English Standard Version)

"Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor..."   I Timothy 5:17a


  • JACK "Boot" SMITH

    Jack and his wife, Lana, live in Watertown and have three grown children and a son-in-law.  Jack grew up in Nebraska and graduated from Platte Valley Bible College with a bachelor's degree in ministry.  He has been a proud South Dakotan since 1998.  He enjoys spending time with his family and cruising in his Mustang.  

  • JOHN MAYNARD

    John is a lifelong member of our congregation who served as a deacon for 25 years before becoming an elder.  He is a farmer who enjoys hunting, fishing, and studying Clark County history.  He is married to Connie, and they have three adult children, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law ,and five grandchildren.  

  • STEVE BRINK

    Steve became a Christian in 1980 while living in Germany and has been in leadership roles in several churches around the United States and in England.  He is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force.  He is married to Mavis and has two adult children, a son-in-law, and a daughter-in-law.  He enjoys working on projects around his acreage to improve it.  

  • DAVID SMITH

    Born to missionary parents in Brazil , David moved to the U.S. at age 16.  He attended Dakota Bible College, where he met his wife, Vicky.  They have four daughters and sons-in-law, as well as ten grandchildren.  David retired after 25 years working for a local bakery, and he is now caring for physically and/or mentally challenged adults through a local non-profit agency.  

  • MARLIN MAYNARd

    Marlin is another lifelong member of this congregation and attended SD School of Mines & Technology as well as Milligan College in Tennessee.  He is a farmer who enjoys fishing, and has done a lot of hunting and bowling.  He has been an elder since 1990.  He is married to Nancy, and they have three children, two daughters-in-law, and one son-in-law.  Ten grandchildren complete the family.