Jerry and his wife Mary have been a pillar family at SouthGate Church and 91st Psalm Ministries since the mid-1980s—faithfully serving the Lord for over 40 years. Together, they’ve raised three children who graduated from 91st Psalm Christian School and continue to serve the Lord. Now, the legacy continues as three of their twelve grandchildren also attend the school.

Mary served as a dedicated teacher at the school for 26 years before retiring. Throughout the decades, Jerry and Mary have led and hosted numerous Connect and Life Groups and currently co-lead SouthGate’s weekly prayer meetings. On Sunday mornings, Jerry can be found welcoming guests with warmth and intentionality.

His ministry résumé is extensive:

• Children's Ministry (alongside Pastor John)
• Nursery
• Bus Ministry
• Hospital visitation and chaplaincy
• Memorial service leadership
• Discovering SouthGate teacher
• Gatekeepers Men’s Prayer
• School substitute teacher
• Welcome Table on Sundays
• Community outreach and elections volunteer
• And yes—even led a men’s hike through the Grand Canyon!

Jerry’s heart for the Lord, his church family, and his community is unwavering. His life’s motto says it all: “To glorify God in all that we think, do, say, and pray.”

With a joyful spirit, an encouraging word, and a deep knowledge of Scripture (along with some great SouthGate history), Jerry is always ready with a hug, a smile, or a prayer. His daughter Anna and her husband Robbie have carried on the legacy by teaching in our Children's Ministry for over 17 years, and now their two oldest children serve as well—three generations of the Waehner/Sheehan family serving faithfully!

Jerry and Mary are enjoying retired life. Not allowing age to slow them down, they take daily walks—not just around the block, but along miles-long trails at South Mountain and throughout the Phoenix area. For his 70th birthday, Jerry celebrated with a family hiking trip through the Grand Canyon. They’re living proof that the golden years don’t have to be boring.

When they’re not exploring the great outdoors, they embrace their role as proud grandparents. They can often be found cheering on their three oldest grandchildren at various sporting events or spending quality time with the younger ones while their parents are at work.

Jerry and Mary are true prayer warriors, always eager to share God's goodness and faithfulness with others. They have a passion for offering practical, biblical approaches to everyday life—whether it’s parenting with purpose, navigating tough seasons, or facing life’s biggest challenges with faith. There isn’t a soul they aren’t willing to love and encourage. Their wisdom is grounded in Scripture, their lives are rooted in prayer, and their desire is simple: to point people to the hope and healing found in Jesus.

Jerry makes himself available after each service and can usually be found at our welcoming center ready to greet you with a handshake or a hug and answer any questions you may have about SouthGate.