oak hills baptist church staff

  • Jim rutherford

    senior pastor

    Jim is the primary teacher and leader of the church. He is passionate about teaching people the Scriptures, and helping the church reach out in love to our city. Jim was born in Solvang, California (near Santa Barbara). At 13, Jim heard the Gospel and responded for the first time at Hume Lake Christian Camp. However, he didn’t start following Jesus until he was 18. Jim graduated from Westmont College and then Phoenix Seminary. Jim and his wife, Mecca, have two children – a son Devan, and a daughter Elsah. Jim came to Oak Hills in June of 2013 from California. Email Pastor Jim

  • brandon johnson

    associate pastor of student ministries

    Brandon is from central & northern Texas, and joined the Oak Hills Team in June 2019. He brings 13 years of experience from a wide variety of contexts and cultures - most recently serving as a Youth/Associate Pastor in Nyon, Switzerland. He is passionate about students, families, and the local church. Brandon is a graduate of Howard Payne University (TX) with a B.A. in Family Ministry and Logsdon Seminary (TX) with an M.A. in Family Ministry. Brandon and his wife Jen have 2 boys - Graham and Gavin. Email Brandon

  • leanne kooima

    graphic artist & administrative assistant

    Leanne joined the Oak Hills staff in the summer of 2013 and serves as the Graphic Artist & Administrative Assistant. She grew up in LeMars, Iowa and graduated from Dordt College with a BA in Graphic Design. She has worked in a variety of industries, but finds that her true passion is assisting those in ministry, a passion that came about after serving for 4 years in YWAM Vancouver, British Columbia. Leanne and her husband Kory married in 2006 and they call Sioux Falls home. Email Leanne

  • shelly haan

    director of kids ministries

    As the Director of Kid’s Ministries, Shelly oversees Sunday School, Kids Night, Vacation Bible School, and various special events throughout the year. She loves to see kids get excited about their faith and, as they grow, to share it with others. Shelly grew up in Canton, SD, but calls Sioux Falls home. She graduated from Augustana College and the University of South Dakota graduate school. Shelly and her husband Dave have three children - Sofia, Dimitri, and Dietrich. Shelly started volunteering in Kid's Ministry at Oak Hills in 2003 which turned into a part-time job as the Kid’s Director in 2007. Email Shelly

  • John noem

    FACILITY COORDINATOR

    John serves as our Part-Time Facility Coordinator. With the addition of a gym and several classrooms in 2013, our facility has been a sought-after rental space. If you are in need of renting a space, Email John

  • amanda oines

    worship leader


    Amanda joined us in 2022 to fill the gap and lead Sunday morning worship. If you are interested in serving on the worship team (singing, playing an instrument, soundboard, visual media or livestream), Email Amanda