Pastoral Staff

Rev. Gary Armour
Senior Pastor

Gary's faith has not stopped growing since his seminary training at St. Paul School of Theology. His recent sabbatical gave him an opportunity to sharpen some of his counseling skills as a marriage and family therapist. He loves seeing the healing hand of Christ as work in families and individuals. Gary shares a delight in ministry with his wife, Sarah. They have three grown children and two granddaughters. He has a passion for teaching the Bible and equiping followers of Jesus to discover how they can serve as fully devoted disciples of Christ.  

 

Rev. Suzi Goldt
Minister of Worship and Discipleship

Preaching is a passion for Suzi. She enjoys digging into the Bible and making it relevant to the challenges of life in the 21st century. She received her Masters of Divinity from Central Theological Seminary in 2003. She served as Minister of Youth in Raymore before being called to Countryside in 2006. Directing and counseling camps for youth and children is her other passion and she does this every summer at Tall Oaks Camp and Conference Center.

  

Rev. Kassie Smith
Minister of Children, Youth and Young Adults

Kassie is a graduate of Drury University with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Spanish and Global Studies. She is currently a seminary student at Central Theological Seminary. She serves as the Ministry Intern for Children, Youth and Young Adults. She believes that all ages should be included in all aspects of the life of the church. Spending time with her family and friends, playing Scrabble, watching The Office and Glee, and drinking good coffee are things she enjoys when not working at the church or studying.

 

Nancy Stainbrook
Office Manager

Nancy has been with Countryside for 3 years and came to us with 17 years of experience in church work. Her responsibilities include assisting the staff and congregation of Countryside in pursuing and accomplishing their ministry goals. Nancy manages the facility scheduling, desktop publishing, advertising, website content, membership database and inventory. She also enjoys being wedding coordinator for the many weddings at Countryside. Nancy has been married to Dave for 35 years and has two children and one granddaughter.  

 

Rhonda Frisbie
People in Progress Director

Rhonda leads the People in Progress band for our Sunday morning ACCESS service. She has over 18 years of years in traditional, blended and praise/contemporary style worship-the latter being her passion. For the ACCESS service she strives to bring devotions and music that meet people wherever they may be in their spiritual journey. 

 

 

Gabe Combs
Director of Choirs

Gabe has served Disciples congregations as a music director for over 25 years.
In addition to singing with Kansas City Chorale, Wm. Baker Festival Singers and Fine Arts Chorale, Gabe performs as a drummer/singer with local bands. He has played in the orchestra for several community theater groups and is currently performing with KC Cabaret. 

 

Janette Heater
Organist

Janette has been a church organist/pianist for over 40 years. She started during her high school years as organist for the First Presbyterian Church in Belle Plaine, Kasas. Since moving to the Kansas City area she has served as pianist for several churches. In 2010, Janette has returned to her roots and has enjoyed playing organ at Countryside.  

 

Jenifer Hall
Child Development Center Director

Jenifer has over 12 years experience working directly with young children in ministry. She received her Kindermusik certification in 1999 and has both taught in the preschool classroom and developed curriculum for early education including art appreciation, music, and gross motor classes. She has worked as both preschool teacher and Assistant Director at Colonial Child Development Center. Prior to that, she spent time working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as both Board Member and Director of Programs for the Kansas City Branch. She homeschools two of her three boys and works closely with her husband at the American Opera Studio as both volunteer and performer.   

Donna Kirkwood
Nursery and Parents Night Out Director

Donna is a dedicated teacher of over 25 years. She enjoys working with all types of children. As a teacher, she has touched the lives of many children and families. She has been part of Countryside Christian Church for 4 years now and has enjoyed every minute of it.