...A Caring Community
Meet the Team
James Gillentine
Pastor
Jesus got a hold of Jamie’s life as a teenager and shortly after he felt a call to Missions. He has traveled and served in many countries over the years. Jamie pastored at Anaheim Vineyard for 21 years before moving to Dillon in 2022. He has been married to his best friend Debbie since 2000 and they have three children. Two are currently in college and one attends Beaverhead High School. Jamie loves helping people come to know and be transformed by Jesus, and be enfolded into the Church. He believes the local church is the most important organism on the planet and God’s primary way of bringing hope to the world. Jamie is passionate about raising up and
empowering leaders to impact the world for Christ. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible and a master’s degree in Ministry. Jamie loves motorcycles, swimming, off-road adventures, Baja
Mexico, being with friends and family, and exploring the beautiful state of Montana.
Karl Knoop
Assistant Pastor
Karl has been involved with Vineyard Churches in diverse capacities; assistant pastor, lead pastor, church planter, and consultant for many years. In 2017, God called Karl and his wife Dawn to the ministry of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Dillon Montana, as the Assistant Pastor. His passion is to make disciples of Christ and equip them in all areas of kingdom
ministry. Karl uses his strong teaching gifts to call people into their true identity as children of God, and as such to seek the power, presence, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Karl enjoys fly fishing,hunting, hiking, and making his wife Dawn laugh!
Stephen & Nikki Knight
Youth Directors
Stephen and Nikki met while attending Chi Alpha Campus Ministry here at the University of Montana Western. They both have a heart for ministry, and the Youth setting has been a perfect fit! The heart of their ministry is to lay a solid foundation of faith for students to build on as they move to college and beyond. Stephen and Nikki are both avid outdoorsmen. You’ll often find them fishing the various rivers, working their bird dogs, or hitting a mountain trail with their horses...anything as long as it’s outside!
Nikki also serves as the Ministry Coodinator.
Sharaya Payne
Worship Director
Sharaya is married to Jared and is mother to six. She has a passion to lead others in worshipping God, and loves the local church. She also enjoys baking, making sourdough bread, and getting fresh milk from her cows on the family ranch.
Melissa Bell
Children's Director
Melissa is wife to Josh, and mom of a little Lucy. She grew up in Stevensville, MT, where her faith was fostered from a young age, and her mom handed down her love for telling little ones about Jesus. Teaching/working with kids is her passion and is, in part, due to growing up always being around her 11 nieces and nephews. If she had her dream, she would start her own local homeschool program once she finishes her elementary education degree. She loves reading, writing poetry, acting, and spending time with her dogs (Gizmo pictured) and guinea pigs.
John Novitski
Missions & Outreach Director
John lived in Wisconsin his whole life before moving to Nicaragua with his wife Sharon for almost 4 years where God captured their hearts for the people and culture there. God called them back to the states to Wisconsin for 3 1/2 years. John always wanted to move out west, but God never answered that prayer until an invite from church family brought them to Dillon, MT in October 2022 and they were welcomed into the Dillon Vineyard family! Right after moving here, they participated in a mission trip to Mexico. John and Sharon have a heart for the mission field of younger folks in church and host a Young Adult /College Age group during the school year. They are excited to partner with other local churches and groups in the future to support the local communities! And to partner with the greater Vineyard community around the world! God is setting roots here and they have purchased a home with a gorgeous view of the Lima Peaks! Which brings up other passions - hunting some big game animals, or catching some fighting fish! Also, John has had a few opportunities to ride horses again, which he loves! They also love riding iron horses (motorcycles) but haven't had much time for that. John also loves digging in and helping his local community and has joined the local volunteer fire department every where they live and now in Lima! Missions run deep through their hearts. "Every one of us is a Missionary and we all have a mission field and sphere of influence every day around us!"
Kim Finch
Bookkeeper
Kim was born and raised in Hardin, MT. She has a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from MSU. Kim & Nate have been married for many years and have two grown sons. Kim has lived and ranched in Beaverhead County since marrying Nate and they have been a part of Dillon Vineyard for more than 25 years. She enjoys fly fishing, quilting, and spending time with family and friends.
DUSTIN NEVRIVY
Building Maintenance
Dustin attended Montana State Western where he met Jesus and decided that Dillon is home. He has a deep passion for Jesus that flows from thankfulness for all God has done in his life. Dustin can often be found serving others and doing whatever is needed around the church. He enjoys fishing, hiking, wrestling, working, time with his dog, and having fun with friends.