Team

Eric & Nicole have served as our lead pastors since they started Cedar Hills Church in their home in 2001. Eric grew up in the mountains of northern California and met Nicole while studying at Northwest University (Seattle, WA). Nicole grew up in Sandpoint where they married in the summer of 1994. Eric received his master’s degree from AGTS in 2008. Serving Cedar Hills—leading, teaching, and loving this community is one of their greatest passions. The Rusts are an outdoor family, loving time on the lake or camping in the mountains of North Idaho. Eric & Nicole have three kids, Courtney, Mitchell and Madelyn.

Weston joined the team in late 2012 after growing up in Central California near Yosemite. He and his wife Kim, who is from central Canada, married in 2006 and have four children: Lucca, Olivia, Seth, and Giovanni. They met while serving with Youth with a Mission in Denver, where they participated in various roles with leadership and training. Prior to Cedar Hills, Weston was a music director at a church plant in Central California for six years, focusing on developing music, media, and production teams. The Grillos enjoy the outdoors, food, photography, videography, building, music, and movies.

Alyssa and her husband Casey have been a part of Cedar Hills since 2005. Together they have three children, Libby, Chase, and Izzy. Alyssa now serves as our discipleship ministries leader, overseeing spiritual growth from birth through adult discipleship, as well as our guest services teams and connection ministries. She is passionate that everyone finds a place to belong at Cedar Hills. She was born and raised in Sandpoint, and graduated from Northwest University with her Masters in Leadership. Alyssa is now pursuing her DMin in Semiotics, Church, and Culture.

Doug and Kaycee Lutz have been part of Cedar Hills since 2003 (with mission work in Canada, 2013–2020). Doug has served as pastoral staff and lead pastor, is a former board member, and serves on our teaching team. He’s joining Adult Ministries to walk with people toward spiritual growth and multiply disciples—“teach others to teach others.”

Originally from Southern California, Doug married Kaycee in Blue Earth, MN, during his pastoral internship. They have three adult kids (Wade, Judah, Juliana), two grandsons (Zlaja, Ilija), and a dog named Coconut. They love staying active, walking Syringa Heights, and time with family; Doug’s into pickleball, golf, skiing, and fly fishing.

Doug’s eager to see how Jesus shapes lives through Adult Ministries and to help our community take clear next steps with Christ.

Kimberly was born and raised in North Idaho, and has a profound bond with the area and a unique understanding of what it means to live, serve, and thrive in Idaho. One of her greatest passions is to share Jesus with the next generation, and encourage them to grow in their relationship with Him. Kimberly has earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology from Multnomah University and a Master’s in Teaching from Concordia University. With over 18 years serving as a mentor, teacher, and coach, Kimberly thrives on building meaningful connections and establishing lasting relationships.

Nick and his wife, Whitney, moved their family (Auguste, Vesta and Leif) from San Diego to Sagle, Idaho, in fall 2021 after engaging with Cedar Hills online. They love the outdoors and all North Idaho has to offer. He joined the staff in 2024, bringing a B.A. Degree in Broadcast Television and experience producing on shows like Conan and The Tonight Show. Nick also produced digital content for Fortune 500 companies as well as nonprofits and startups. He’s grateful to use his creative gifts to serve and inspire the Cedar Hills community.

OUR STAFF