Eric Vance - Lead Minister

I am a West Virginia native, born and raised in Jackson County, WV. I am well-traveled around the United States in my former career as a professional wrestler, but I have always called West Virginia home. I moved to Bluefield in the summer of 2024 and have fallen in love with the area. Prior to that, I lived in Charleston, WV, for the seven years before moving to Bluefield.

I am a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a bachelor's degree in Sports Management and an MBA in Project Management. While working in the insurance industry as a sales manager, I felt the Lord calling me to vocational ministry and returned to school. In May 2025, I graduated from Liberty University with an MA in Applied Ministry with a focus on Discipleship and Counseling.

I feel the Lord truly led me to Maple View; it has been a journey that could only have been planned and directed by Him. I joined the staff in July 2024 as the Associate Minister of Youth and was honored and privileged to be elected Lead Minister in May 2026.

I married my beautiful and loving wife, Heather, in June 2012. We welcomed our daughter, Logan, in August 2013, and our son, Gideon, in November 2018. My children have taken to the area, with my daughter finding her niche in the local community theater and my son being the life of the party wherever he goes.

We love spending time together, hiking, and visiting state parks to enjoy the amazing beauty of the Mountain State and the surrounding region. I personally enjoy practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and lifting weights.

As a family and as followers of Christ, our desire is to live out the mission Jesus gave His Church in The Gospel of Matthew 28:19–20: to make disciples who make disciples. At Maple View, we are committed to helping people know Jesus, grow in their faith, obey His commands, and share His love with others. We strive to be a church that reflects the light of Christ in our community and beyond, faithfully carrying out the Great Commission and pointing people to the hope found in Him.

Rebecca Sawyers - Children’s Minister

I was born and raised in Bluefield, VA and am very fortunate to be raising my own children in the house that I grew up in. I graduated from Graham High School in 2010 and wandered down several different career paths before finally becoming a certified medial coder in October 2019. I spent 7 years coding for a local medical clinic before deciding that I wanted to do something more with my life. In God’s perfect timing he opened every door and made it possible for me to accept the position of Children’s Minister here at Maple View.

I married my wonderful husband, Josh, on June 25, 2016. We were blessed with our beautiful boys Elijah and Corbin on August 1, 2017 and November 19, 2021, respectively. We had family ties to Maple View and began attending regularly sometime in 2021. I started volunteering with the Kids Ministry in 2023 and fell in love with it. I’m so grateful to be in a position now where I can fully devote myself to helping kids grow in their faith and discover how much Jesus loves them!

When I’m not in church you can find me spending time with my family or out and about at local antique shops looking for vintage trinkets and other neat, old things. I love to read, cook, paint and attend hockey games with my loved ones.

Linda Ferguson - AdministraTive Assistant

I grew up in Oakvale, WV.  I have been the Administrative Assistant at Maple View since June 2007.  I enjoy interacting with people of all ages and am glad to be a part of God's family here at Maple View.

Mike & I have been married since November 9, 2006.  We have a blended family with 10 children between us.  

I enjoy reading. Some of my favorite authors are A.W. Tozer, C.S. Lewis, Elisabeth Elliott, Ruth Chou Simons, Dietrich Bonhoeffer & Frances Chan.