Gretchen Giffin

rooted kids director

Chris Martin

412 student ministry director

Marc Giffin

lead pastor

Jim Walden

associate pastor

Marc has been in ministry for 17 years, leading worship with passion and anointing. Recently, he's felt a new call to church planting and is diving in with excitement.

He's been married to his wife, Tera for 19 years, and they're proud parents to two awesome teenagers, Lillee and Jett.

Marc's got a thing for keeping his lawn green, devouring anything chocolate, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, KU Basketball & 49ers football. He also loves a good spicy chicken sandwich and sweet tea from Chick-fil-A -- It's his pleasure!

He loves worshiping Jesus through music and is stoked to join Jesus in what he is doing in Topeka through Rooted Community Church.

When he's not at church, you'll find him coaching youth baseball or cracking a good dad joke.

Gretchen is a spirited elementary teacher with 24 years of experience in the classroom. She is married to her best friend Matt of 16 years and is the proud mom of 2 sweet boys and a loyal dog. Gretchen loves water slides, music, nature- especially sunrises and sunsets, and baking yummy things. In her free time she loves to cheer on her boys at their baseball games. Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:8.

Gretchen believes the world could use more kindness, laughter, and hugs. She's always up for a good joke, but can never remember them! When you see Gretchen be sure to ask her about her hidden talent (not so hidden anymore). She can juggle!

Chris is an all-around awesome guy who loves golf, journaling, and cheering for the Chiefs and Jayhawks. He’s married to his best friend, Jill, of 15 years and is a butler and short-order cook to his 16, 10, and 9-year-old kids. He also has two adult children that have begun expanding their family! Chris loves vacationing on the beach & cracking good dad jokes. He loves a good project and is pretty handy. He's the guy you want in your corner who always shows up no matter the time.

Chris is passionate about building relationships, and has a big heart for Topeka. Chris also loves connecting teenagers with Jesus and making a positive impact in their lives.

Jim has been in full-time ministry for 38 years, serving in various roles such as lead pastor, connections pastor, and even a church planter. It's safe to say this isn't his first rodeo!

Jim is passionate about basketball, golf, and detailing cars, with a special fondness for crazy thunderstorms. A true chocolate aficionado, he enjoys it in cookies, cakes, candy bars, or just on a plate. Jim's love for basketball is only surpassed by his love for his wife, kids, and grandbabies. If he could find a way to eat chocolate while shooting hoops, he'd be in heaven. Above all, Jim cherishes the Word of God.