Staff
Jeff Olive - Pastor
Jeff is a native Texan who has served United Methodist Churches throughout the Texas Annual Conference for more than ten years. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University (Bachelor of Arts), Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University (Master of Divinity), and Houston Graduate School of Theology (Doctor of Ministry).
Prior to joining the ministry Jeff considered vocations as either an attorney or stand-up comic. To the dismay of many, that unfulfilled comic frequently finds an outlet in his preaching. He and his wife of 12 years, Sharla, live in Tyler with their two children, Avery and Anson.
When not serving Dayspring, Jeff likes to run so that he can enjoy his true hobbies of eating and sleeping. If you want too much information about him, you can check out his blog at jeffolive.wordpress.com.
Aaron Laird - Worship Leader
Psalm 40:3 says: "And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord."
As our worship leader, it is my goal that we see our portion of the body of Christ (Dayspring) empowered to worship God in spirit and in truth, with freedom, and in awe of who He is, and what He has done and can do in our lives. Through this, Dayspring UMC will fulfill Psalm 40:3 in Tyler Texas.
This is much more than what we do on Sunday morning at the Carmike theatre. Our lives should reflect God's truth throughout the week, as well. Dayspring has been blessed with a gifted worship team, and I ask each of them to consider their part in the service a 'gift' rather than a talent. The word 'talent' suggests that the music is something of us, rather than something given by God. Throughout scripture, God asks us to use our gifts for his glory. When this is our vision, it is then truly God's work.
Aaron has been married for seven short years. He and his wife Tara have a son, Avery, and one on the way. Tara is a chemical dependency counselor and full time wife and mother. Aaron loves to fish and is constantly in search of a new place to hunt. He earned his B.S. degree from East Texas Baptist University.
Aaron has a blog for worship leaders: whatatrend.wordpress.com
Sharon Troxell - Children's Ministry
"I've known my calling was teaching since I was nine years old," Sharon confesses. What she couldn't know then was the broad spectrum that spiritual gift would encompass.
Sharon grew up in southern California and attended UCLA earning a B.A. in Sociology, and a Master's degree in Education. She taught elementary school in California, Okinawa, and Arizona. Following a 15-year stint as full-time mom to her three children, Sharon re-entered teaching via Dayspring where she committed to give this next generation of children great memories of Sunday worship.
Determined to make Dayspring an awesome experience for kids, she explains, "Our program offers a kid-sized worship experience for our youngest members. Its interactive, dynamic programming leaves children begging for more... literally.
"I am very excited about this new path where God has led me. I can't wait to see what wonders lie ahead!"