area pastor care leaders

Ray Befus is the West Mighigan Area Pastor Care Leader

Ray and Carol Befus are lead pastors at the Vineyard Church-North in Grand Rapids Michigan, a congregation they planted almost 15 years ago. The latest expression of their vision for ministry is 'More Changed Lives.' Ray and Carol grew up in the heart of American evangelicalism. After graduating from Calvin College, they attended Dallas Theological Seminary to prepare for a lifetime of pastoral ministry. Not long after, they were 'undone' by an experience with the Holy Spirit at a small healing seminar led by Steve Nicholson, pastor of the Evanston, Illinois Vineyard. The rest is history! Ray and Carol thrive on seeing men and women touched by the Holy Spirit and equipped to participate in the advance of Jesus' kingdom-doing the stuff. Ray and Carol have four adult children, two of whom are married; all of them participate in church life and ministry with their Dad and Mom. Some of their best family memories have been shared trips to southern Africa where they have partnered with Vineyard leaders and churches. On any sunny day, if you can't find Ray at the church, he might be out motorcycling down West Michigan's backroads. As often as not, you'll find Carol splitting her free time between her garden and her first grandchild.