Dave Jones became our preacher in 2006 following a career in business. His main focus is preaching, teaching and church administration. Dave and his wife Andrea have five children and two grandchildren. He is originally from Akron, OH where he was raised the youngest of seven children. He serves as a trustee with the Christian Restoration Association.

Zach Rayburn became our Ministry Associate in 2020. He oversees our youth programs. He attended Summit Theological Seminary. Zach grew up in the country outside of Mount Vernon. He and his wife Emily were married in 2022. Zach enjoys being in the outdoors and helping others. ​

Patty Thatcher works as our church administrator. She is active in personal discipleship studies and outreach. Patty and her husband Tom have 7 children, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. For nearly 20 years, Patty owned and operated a scrapbook and crafting store. She remains active in a variety of ways, including pickleball and connecting with friends.

​Randy Buckingham became an elder in 1994. As one of our "pastors," he shepherds and oversees the ministry of the church. He teaches an adult Sunday School class. He and his wife JoAnn have two adult children, six grand- children and two great-grandchildren. Randy worked in manufacturing until starting his own residential construction company, from which he retired. He enjoys time with his family, the outdoors and the Buckeyes.

Jeff McDonald became one of our elders in 2021. Besides pastoral work, Jeff teaches and oversees our jOURney Groups. He and his wife Amy own a business which offers guided deer and turkey hunts. Prior to that, Jeff was in the timber business. They have two daughters and 7 grandchildren. Besides being an avid outdoorsman, Jeff enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Gary began serving as an elder in 2021. He teaches, preaches occasionally and oversees our Welcome Team ministry. He and his wife Rachel have three children and seven grandchildren. They spend most of their days working around their home and assisting others with needs they may have. Gary worked in the sand and mining industry for a number of years. He is a United States Army veteran.

Mike has served as an elder since 1994. Along with all of our elders, he shepherds and oversees the work of the church. Besides teaching an adult class, he is also known as the "Candy Man" to all the kids. He and his wife Brenda have two adult sons and five grandchildren. Mike retired from the phone industry after a long career in engineering. He and Brenda enjoy the outdoors together. He is a sports fan, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Dusty Buckingham became a deacon in 2011. He teaches adult and youth classes. He oversaw the design and construction of our new building. Dusty and his wife Amy have three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Besides owning an electrical business, he has served on a number of corporate and community boards. He enjoys time with family, travel, hunting and sports.

Kyle Pelc serves as one of our deacons. He teaches, preaches occasionally and is actively involved in our discipleship ministry. He oversees the video production of our worship services. Kyle is married to Olivia and they have two children. Olivia is our education director. Kyle is a Nurse Anesthetist for a local hospital. He is a sports fan and enjoys hunting.

Doug Severns serves as one of our deacons. He teaches in our Sunday School program and for a number of years served as the treasurer. He remains active in the Wakatomika Christian Service Camp, helping with various work projects and serving as a counselor. He and his wife Betty have four adult daughters. He is retired from a local natural gas cooperative after more than 30 years. Doug remains active with remodeling projects and serving others.

Dave Yeager has served as a deacon since 2004. Besides teaching on a regular basis, he preaches occasionally at Millwood and other local churches. Dave and his wife Bonnie have two adult children and six grandchildren. Dave has worked for a leading manufacturer of natural gas compressors for nearly 40 years. He is an avid golfer, enjoys fishing and traveling.