Our Team

Jason Kimberly is the Lead Coach at Church Alive in Albuquerque, NM—and the guy behind The Unpuzzled Journey. He’s all about helping people find clarity in their faith, cut through the noise, and walk confidently in who they are in Christ. His book The Unpuzzled Journey took two years to build and breaks down the gospel story in a way that just makes sense—even for folks who don’t have a seminary degree.

Jason’s heartbeat is for the New Creation message has taken him across the globe—from Thailand to Zambia to Amsterdam—teaching people how to live in the fullness of Christ.

He’s married to his best friend, Sarah, and they’ve got two amazing kids: Bailey and Bryce. Whether he’s preaching, writing, or restoring his old Mustang, Jason is all about helping people grow, go, and live on mission.

Sarah Kimberly is the heart of Church Alive and the queen of multitasking. She’s been married to Jason, since 2007—after a 10-year run-up filled with plenty of stories they’re still laughing about. Together, they’re raising two incredible kids, Bailey and Bryce, and doing life full of faith, fun, and family.

A proud Lobo, Sarah graduated from UNM’s Anderson School of Business with a degree in Marketing—but don’t let the diploma fool you, she’s also got a serious eye for design and a camera roll full of kid pics, food snaps, and Pinterest-worthy home inspo. Since helping her parents launch Church Alive back in 1995, she’s played just about every role you can think of (except during that one-year college adventure).

If you’re ever stuck on a room makeover, a social post, or just need a word of encouragement—Sarah’s your girl. She’s got a gift for making things beautiful, inside and out.

Pastor Mike Schaefer is the founding pastor of Church Alive—and one of the real ones. He and his wife Sheri gave their lives to Jesus in 1972, not long after tying the knot, and they’ve been running full-speed with the Holy Spirit ever since. Mike spent his early years in the construction world, while Sheri shaped young minds in the classroom—but God had a bigger blueprint in mind.

In 1982, they packed up and headed to Tulsa to attend Rhema Bible Training Center. Two years later, diplomas in hand and hearts on fire, they came back to Albuquerque ready to serve. After nearly a decade in full-time ministry support roles, God put a fresh assignment on Pastor Mike’s heart: plant a church—on the west side. In 1994, they stepped out in faith, and by 2003, Church Alive had a permanent home where it continues to thrive today.

Pastors Mike and Sheri have been pastoring for over three decades, hosting TV programs like Parenting with Purpose, leading marriage seminars, and taking the gospel to the nations—especially across Asia, with mission trips to Mexico, China, and Thailand. Pastor Mike’s heart burns for believers to grow strong in their relationship with Jesus and become fully conformed to His image—because that’s where the real transformation happens.

Pastor Sheri Schaefer has been loving, leading, and lifting up people at Church Alive for over 25 years alongside her husband and partner in ministry, Pastor Mike. A proud graduate of UNM and Rhema Bible Training Center, Sheri brings wisdom, warmth, and a whole lot of Holy Spirit fire to everything she does.

She’s a passionate teacher with a heart for helping others grow in faith, strengthen their families, and build marriages that last. Whether she’s on a platform preaching or sharing stories over coffee, Sheri knows how to speak truth with grace—and always with that momma-bear love.

Sheri is also an author, with two powerful books under her belt: 10 Minutes to Live and 10 Minute Tips for Parents. When she’s not teaching or pastoring, you can find her in her happy places—at the beach, under the water (snorkeling or scuba diving!), curled up with a good book, or soaking in time with her husband, kids, and grandkids.

Speaking of family—she and Mike have two amazing adult kids: Sarah (married to Jason Kimberly) and Shaun (married to Meghan). They’re also the proud grandparents of four world-changers: Bailey, Drew, Bryce, and Beau.

Pastor Sheri is the kind of person who makes you feel seen, heard, and deeply loved—and leaves you just a little more ready to walk by faith.

🎶 Mari Adewunmi is our Worship Coordinator, and when she sings, you’ll know it—her voice carries the kind of beauty that makes you stop and lean into God’s presence. She’s passionate about leading our church family straight into the heart of worship and loves pouring into the team that helps make it happen. With Mari at the helm, Sunday mornings don’t just sound good—they feel like heaven touching earth.

Sid and Lisa bring their love for the church and God’s Word into everything they do. If you’ve ever enjoyed a warm welcome, smooth service, or that perfect cup of coffee on Sunday morning, they’re the team behind it. As Green Team Coordinators, they help oversee nearly everything that makes Sunday flow (except the worship, the booth, and the kids!)—ensuring Church Alive feels like home the moment you walk in.

Issac is that guy—the one you count on when all eyes turn to the booth. Thankfully, he doesn’t make many mistakes (though he deserves way more “nice job” shoutouts when things go right!). His steady hands and sharp eye keep services running smoothly, making him an indispensable part of the team every single week.

Derrek is the kind of leader who’s always ready to pitch in, but his heart beats strongest for the CAU School of Ministry. As a graduate himself, he knows firsthand the value and life-changing fruit this training brings. That’s why he pours himself into helping others grow, making sure every student has the same chance to be equipped and launched into their calling.

Jessica brings the energy and joy to Faith Kids, our preschool and daycare ministry right here on campus. If there isn’t a holiday to celebrate, she’ll create one—because every day with the kids should feel special! Through the week she pours love into the little ones, and on Sundays she helps follow up with those making decisions for Christ. Simply put, Jess rocks!

From ward meetings and city council to connecting with civic leaders and first responders, Michael is passionate about engaging the community. As a CAU School of Ministry graduate, he understands the value of building bridges and keeping relationships strong. Michael helps Church Alive stay connected and aware, making sure we’re in tune with the heartbeat of the community around us.