TO FURTHER WORSHIP MUSIC GRAND RAPIDS CHURCH BIRTHS A WORLD-CLASS RECORDING STUDIO
by Steve Sattler
When you step into Studio33:3 at Grand Rapids First Church, you know immediately that you are in a space designed with both excellence and purpose. The control room glows with the presence of an SSL Duality console. The live room, with its elegant white aesthetic, feels equally inviting and inspiring. Yet what sets this world-class facility apart is not only its technical excellence, but also the heart and legacy behind it.
Studio33:3 was born out of the life and vision of worship leader Sarah Rijfkogel, daughter of lead pastors Sam and Brenda Rijfkogel. Before her passing in 2022, Sarah’ s desire was simple yet profound: that the next generation would know and worship Him. That calling, paired with Psalm 33:3, became the guiding scripture and namesake for a facility that now serves as both a creative hub and a ministry outpost.
I sat down with Pastor Drew McElhenny, Executive Pastor of Worship, Tech, and Communications at Grand Rapids First, to talk about Sarah’ s legacy, the creation of Studio33:3, and the vision for how it will influence worship both locally and beyond.
[ WM ] Studio33:3 is such a unique story. Tell us about its connection to Sarah Reifkogel and her legacy?
[ Drew McElhenny ] Sarah was the daughter of our pastors, Sam and Brenda. She and I led worship together here for many years. She was an incredible worship leader— passionate,
102 October 2025 Subscribe for Free...