Evangelical Free Church

Curt Holzworth - Senior Pastor

Curt Holzworth came to the church as Senior Pastor in August of 1997.

He had served a number of churches in Nebraska prior to coming to Grand Island. He also pastored a church in Michigan in the early 70's and
helped start a new church in Wisconsin during this time. He also has
had experience serving with several Christian radio stations as well as
being an interim district superintendent for one year. He is a graduate
of Grace University with a degree in Pastoral Ministries and has done
additional graduate studies through Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

Curt oversees our ministry staff, serves with the elder board, and
creates vision for the church. He is passionate about his preaching and
loves nothing better than to see people come to faith in Christ. Pastor
Curt and his wife, Fay, have three grown and married sons, and they
have 3 granddaughters. Curt enjoys fishing and wood working as his
favorite hobbies.

Gary Schulte - Welcoming Ministries/Administration

As an Associate Pastor, Gary, looks over several areas of ministry including Welcoming Ministries, Communication, and Administration.

In the area of Welcoming Ministries, Gary desires to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere within this growing church family. Welcoming Ministries involves helping newcomers begin to feel as though this is truly their church home. Once people have decided this to be their church home, he enjoys connecting people in areas of service and ministry that match with their passions and spiritual skills. He also oversees print publications, the church website, video communications, and a variety of administrative areas.

Sports and travel are two of his greatest loves – next to his wife, Stephanie, of course!

E-mail Gary

Paul Hofrichter - Music Ministries

Paul Hofrichter is Minister of Music and Worship, and also serves as General Director of the annual Singing Christmas Tree. Paul blends contemporary and traditional music by groups, solos, and from the congregation to impact people with the gospel message. He longs to see the church worship God with their whole lives, not just with music and church attendance.

Paul is a Grand Island area native who grew up in our church, he studied music in Seattle, found his wife Diana in Portland, worked 17 years in missions in Europe, and then returned home to join our staff. He also has an M.A. with an emphasis in theology, and enjoys occasional teaching. He and Diana have four children.

Scott Moore - Middle School Ministries
Scott “Buffalo” Moore came as the Middle School Pastor in the summer of 2006. He and his wife Hannah are native to Nebraska, but moved back here from Nevada. Prior to that Scott was at Denver Seminary where he received his M.A. in Youth and Family Ministry.

Scott spent nine formative summers on staff at Timberlake Ranch Camps near Central City, where he cultivated a heart for student ministry. Hannah has also worked with students, both at camp and as a teacher, and they enjoy doing student ministry together.

Scott’s hobby’s include softball, baseball, music, the outdoors, and playing with his daughter Shalom, who was born in 2005.

Matt is generally a blur - he's always moving. His heart for those 18-25ish young adults is obvious in his leadership of The City (Tuesday night hangout/discussion/worship/Bible Study group). His blurriness is also due to his enjoying teaching History at Central Community College. He smiles alot (and is not as much of a blur) around his wife, Camilla, and their daughters, Helena and Monica. He's a hockey fan, plays disc golf, and loves to make people feel tall.

Aron Utecht - Adult Discipleship

Aron is pastor of Adult Discipleship. Some of the areas he oversees include the men’s and women’s ministries, the Sunday morning Adult Communities, & Celebrate Recovery.

Aron is passionate about truth. His driving desire is to elucidate biblical truth in a way that transforms the way people think, renovates people’s hearts, and revolutionizes the way people live.

Aron holds a Journalism degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, and a Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary. His interests include his wife and daughters, as well as reading history and following current events – especially college football.

Carolyn Knee - Children's Ministries

Carolyn Knee loves kids and wants to influence them for Jesus.Planning fun and interesting programs for the children with down-to-earth and practical Bible teaching is her goal.Carolyn is responsible for all the children’s programs including Sunday School, Children’s Church, the mid week “God is Rock Solid” Kid’s Club and Vacation Bible School.Carolyn knows that ultimately God will hold the parents responsible for the spiritual training of their children.The children’s ministries provide support and assistance to the parents of our children.Along with her three adult children and their spouses and eleven grandchildren, she considers all the children at Grand Island Evangelical Free Church “her kids”.

Saffron Buettner - Nursery Coordinator

Saffron Buettner brings a tremendous love for young children to her ministry as Nursery Coordinator. Saffron has many years of experience in child daycare. Her desire is to make little ones feel welcome and loved while in our spacious and well equipped nursery facility. She and her husband, Darren, have three daughters.

Dennis Knee - Pastoral Care

Dennis Knee is responsible for overseeing hospital and home visitations to those within the church family who are ill, recuperating, or have recently experienced significant loss. Dennis is in daily contact with Saint Francis Medical Center. Dennis is the husband of Carolyn Knee who serves as our Children’s Coordinator.

Support Staff

Sue Moran
Membership and Publications
Email Sue

Nina Strickland
Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Email Nina

Robyn Baker
Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Email Robyn

Lori Vaughn
Administrative Assistant/Financial
Email Lori