Our Staff
Pastor Kevin Schutte
The Schuttes are originally from Grand Rapids, MI. The move to Kansas offered an exciting challenge. Kevin reflects, "When we moved to Kansas in July of 2003, we had nobody, nothing, zilch - except our faith in God's promises, which is not a bad thing to depend on!" The Schutte’s passion is to see a community develop where people can be real and authentic, while searching for the purpose or call on their lives. Reflecting on the move to Kansas and the unknowns of planting a church, Kelli states "through prayer we felt God’s leading. We wanted to be obedient to God’s call even if all the details weren’t figured out." The Schuttes are excited about the journey and watching the community develop. Kevin says, “I have met and spoken with many here in Olathe, and they are so busy with work and family that it has been difficult for them to establish relationships with people that go beyond the surface. Many express a desire to be part of a community were everyone is real and dealing with similar issues of life.” It is Pathway’s goal to help establish, and facilitate, a community where real relationships can develop. Kurt Rietema
Kurt serves as Pastor of Missional Life and has begun a second venue called the Mustard Seed. Kurt’s wife Emily began teaching ESL students in Olathe last fall. Both Kurt and Emily served with YouthFront in Croc, Mexico for over five years. Kurt continues to be on staff with YouthFront, facilitating work teams and local ministry in Croc. During frequent trips to Mexico, Kurt engages American mission team groups in experiences and discussions about mission, social justice, and the kingdom of God that challenge some of our cultural assumptions. Pastor Ildefonso Puentes
Pastor Ildefonso Puentes and his wife, Dora, have been living and serving Christ in Croc, Mexico since 1993. They are the pastors of Templo Agua Viva (Living Water Temple), a body of believers living out a life of passionate grace in Croc. Ildefonso and Dora had been living a hard life of gangs, drugs, and alcohol until Christ transformed their lives and their life stories took on a new path. Their own experience of transformation has given them a special passion and gifting for those who also have lost hope. Templo Agua Viva is a sister church to Pathway through financial support, and more importantly through ongoing relationships. Members from Pathway travel to Croc several times a year to work on construction projects, vacation Bible school, and mentoring Pastor Ildefonso. In return, Pathway receives the blessing of participating in God’s work beyond our borders and as we learn from the congregation in Croc. |
