Leadership
Sam Ellyson - Elder
Sam Ellyson has been an elder at Sovereign Grace Church since 2011. Sam is a South Dakota native who grew up in Watertown. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies at the University of Sioux Falls. He completed his Master of Divinity Degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Sam spends much of his time at SGC laboring in preaching, teaching, and biblical counseling. He and his wife Laura are blessed with four children. Sam enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and archery with family and friends. He is also an enthusiast of storms.
Scott Ristau - Elder
Scott Ristau has been an elder at Sovereign Grace since 2012. A native of southern and central Minnesota, he is the husband to Amy and father to three wonderful children. Scott attended South Dakota State University where he completed degrees in Communication Studies in 2009 and 2011. He attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he completed a Master of Divinity in 2019. Besides biblical and theological studies, Scott enjoys all varieties of music, South Dakota and Minnesota topography, and quality time with family and friends.
Sam Bjorkman - Lay Elder
Sam Bjorkman became a lay elder at Sovereign Grace Church in 2024. He attended Aberdeen Christian and served in the army. Originally from SD and after his time in the army, Sam and his wife moved back to Aberdeen in 2018. His duties include youth ministry and discipleship. Sam works as a construction recruiter and enjoys coaching track and field.
Pastors/Elders at Sovereign Grace Church all affirm our Elder Statement of Faith.
Staff
Brandon Heim - Church Administrator
Brandon Heim became the church administrator in 2023. He grew up mostly in SD and graduated from Northern State University with a BA in English Literature. He enjoys prestidigitation, swing dancing with his wife, and photography.