MEET THE Staff
Kenneth Jones
Elder and lead Pastor
Melissa Jones
Deaconess of Discipleship
Stuart Saulters
Elder
Raphael Taylor
Worship Leader
Laura Mendez
Redeemer Kids Leader
Kenneth Jones
Pastor Kenneth grew up to the Northeast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father, Edward, was a World War 2 and Korean War veteran. Advanced in years when Kenneth was born, Edward passed away when Kenneth was eight years old. He is thankful to God for his mother, Yoshiko, who is a passionate woman from Okinawa who demonstrates unconditional love and sacrifice. He attended the University of Maryland at College Park for undergrad and received his Bachelor’s in English and later a Masters degree in Education. Kenneth received his theological training through the Bible Training Center for Pastors, and is ordained as a pastor through the Times 12 Network.
The Spirit of God used Isaiah 61:1-2 to call Pastor Kenneth into ministry. It reads, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to the bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.” Because of this, Kenneth’s hopes for Redeemer City Church are that she would make the name of Jesus famous in our city and neighborhoods. And, he is inspired by stories of redemption, and seeing the power of God manifested in the lives of people.
He is a big time sports fan and loves the Maryland Terrapins! Outside of this, he enjoys watching the Miami Dolphins, playing golf, sight seeing, and spending time with friends.
He currently lives in Washington D.C with his wife Melissa.
Kenneth Jones
Melissa Jones
Melissa was born and raised in South Dakota, where she grew up in a Christian family and came to faith in Christ as a child. She has found that through the highs and lows of life, Jesus is always faithful, always true, and always worthy. She has lived in various parts of the country pursuing degrees in English (University of South Dakota and University of Nevada, Reno) and Library Science (Indiana University Bloomington).
She currently serves as the Deacon of Discipleship at Redeemer. Her hope is that through discipleship we will see the people of Redeemer City Church fall more deeply in love with Christ and be transformed more and more into his image as they grow in their knowledge of him and his word. She is encouraged by the picture that Ephesians 2:1-10 paints both of the gospel and of the transformative work of God in the life of the believer.
Melissa loves reading good books, writing, traveling to encounter new cultures, and cooking. She currently lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, Kenneth.
Melissa Jones
Stuart Saulters
Stuart was born and raised in Mississippi. He attended Mississippi State University and received a degree in Civil Engineering. Stuart and his wife Kacie met and were married in 2010 while living on the Alabama Gulf Coast. After time in Charlottesville, VA and Pittsburgh PA, they moved to Washington, D.C. and settled in the Brookland neighborhood in 2016. Stuart and Kacie call Brookland home, and love raising their two kids, Birdie and Jack, amongst parks and great neighbors.
Despite the frustrations of being a Mississippi State sports fan, Stuart tries to keep up with all things related to the Bulldogs. He also enjoys playing golf and swimming with his kids at Turkey Thicket Rec Center. Kacie and Stuart participate in various community groups such as the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association, the Greater Brookland Garden Club, and the Washington Area Bicycle Association.
Stuart is privileged to serve Redeemer City Church as a lay elder. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Stuart tries to uphold that message through his work with RCC’s budget and in utilizing the website, social media, and other means to share about the awesome work of God through RCC.
As a child growing up, Stuart’s mom always taught God’s sovereignty by quoting various verses from Psalm 139. The constant refrain of God’s providence is now a daily reminder for Stuart. God is faithful to all Christians, even when we face challenges in this life. Stuart strives every day to remember the promise of eternal life we have as Christians and because of that, to live a life that honors God.
Stuart’s prayer is to progress Redeemer City Church’s mission to be a family that makes disciples of Jesus, starting in Brookland, and then, beyond.
Stuart Saulters
Raphael Taylor
Raphael was born in Maine on a decommissioned Air Force base called Loring AFB. He is married to his beautiful Devyn and has a son, Akeem. Raphael loves creating, playing and listening to music, watching football and movies, along with snowboarding.
Raphael studied music at McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College) in undergrad. He has a Masters in business with an emphasis in quality systems management and performance improvement. He has been involved with several music ministries since being in undergrad. He is most passionate about setting an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit through praise and worship.
His current role is to curate worship music for Redeemer City Church’s Sunday and special gatherings as necessary. Raphael is excited to slowly build the worship team over the next year, according to God’s will and plan.
