SUNRISE STAFF

Leadership

LUKE MILLER - SENIOR PASTOR

Luke joined Sunrise in 2020, moving from Saskatchewan, Canada where he had been serving as Senior Pastor for the past 10 years. Pastor Luke is originally from the West Coast of Canada in Victoria BC. Luke and his wife Sara met at Briercrest and then spent 3 years living in Israel while Luke worked on his M.A. in Hebrew Bible before moving to Toronto to complete his Ph.D in Old Testament.

Whether teaching as seminaries, speaking at camp, or preaching on Sundays Luke loves to bring the Bible to life with his gifts as a storyteller and communicator. His teaching illuminates his passion for actively building the Kingdom of God through living and preaching the Gospel in our communities. When Luke's not in the office out on the golf course, or at home with his two boys cheering on their beloved Vancouver Canucks hockey team

CLIFF CAREY - EXECUTIVE PASTOR

Cliff came to Sunrise after serving for almost 20 years in Christian camping ministry. He and his wife April have been married for over 16 years and have four kids, having adopted their youngest from China in 2019. Cliff has a degree in Business Management from Biola University. In his free time, he enjoys studying the history of the space program and loves all things aviation. When he’s not working in his “Back Shed,” he can be found doing road trips with his family and all kinds of unfinished projects around the home.

Cliff loves seeing Christ followers become more sensitive to the Spirit's voice, while becoming obedient to God's calling on their lives. He believes that God has called the Church to be light in a dark world, and is excited to see how God will use Sunrise to that end, both locally and globally.

JENNIFER COLE - WOMEN'S MINISTRY PASTOR

Jen came to Sunrise in 2014 and is the wife of her high school sweetheart, James, and is the proud mama to four amazingly fun and active kids, Grace, Luke, Jack, and Will. As a family, they love spending time outdoors, traveling, and are always up for an adventure. Jen loves M&Ms, reading her latest book club selection, walking her dog, and spending time in Tahoe.

Her greatest passion in ministry is for women to find and embrace their identity and giftedness in Christ. She loves coming alongside women to help them realize their gifts and passions. She wants to help women see where God may have them use these gifts not only in the church, but more importantly in their own communities. She loves to be an encourager and cheerleader for our women to passionately follow Jesus through whatever stage of life they are in and to recognize God’s plan and purpose for their lives.

WARD DAVIS - FACILITIES DIRECTOR

Ward joined Sunrise in 2016 and looks after our beautiful campus, keeping it ready for the church & community. He met his wife Kim in 9th grade. Ward attended Pacific Lutheran University and loves to share his love of God and Creation with their three children and eight grandchildren

KIM SHAW - CHILDREN'S PASTOR

Equipped with a Bachelor's degree from CSUS and a love for Jesus and people, Kim has been serving as a children's pastor for over 15 years. She joined the staff at Sunrise in 2014 as the Kid's Ministry Pastor. Kim is devoted to planting the gospel of Jesus Christ in the heart of children and helping them grow a faith that lasts a lifetime. Whether it be a volunteer leader in Kid's ministry, one of the women she mentors, or the kids, Kim has a passion for seeing people flourish in their walk with God.

Kim lives in Citrus Heights with her husband Garth, their son Jared, Crosby the golden retriever and their nine clucking chickens. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, gathering with friends and family, traveling, and buying shoes!

KORD JACOBSEN - STUDENT MINISTRIES PASTOR

Kord came to Sunrise in late 2020 moving from the Modesto, CA area where he was born and raised. He has been working in student ministry since 2013 in that area as well. Kord received his Bachelor's Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University in 2018.

Kord is passionate about seeing students coming to saving grace in Jesus Christ, especially through apologetics and teaching God's word. Kord is a talker, a reader, a gamer, a football fan, and a combat sports fan, and is even a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner himself.

TRACY KOPSHY - BUSINESS MANAGER

Tracy joined Sunrise in 2017. Before coming to Sunrise, Tracy worked in Hotel Management for over 15 years. Tracy also sings in of our Sunrise Choir and has been part of a choir since she was in 2nd grade! Tracy and her husband Jason have been married for over 16 years and have three kids, having adopted their youngest in 2017. In her free time, Tracy enjoys camping with her family, spending time with her many pets and attending musicals and concerts.

RACHEL JACKSON - ASSOCIATE WORSHIP PASTOR

Joining the Sunrise team in 2013 Rachel Jackson partners with other pastors, media support and volunteers to facilitate praise & worship at our online campus and in-person campus. At the core, Rachel is all about relationships within the church community, the city and with Jesus Christ.

Rachel’s interests include singing jazz, directing musical theatre, teaching voice, camping and road biking. Rachel was an adjudicator for ACSI Musicale, conductor of the mass choir at the NAB International Triennial Convention and has produced, directed and sang in eight professional recordings. Rachel holds a BA in music from CSU, East Bay, an M.M. in vocal performance from CSU, Sacramento, and is pursuing an M.M. in choral conducting from Messiah University in PA.