Chris Osmer

Blankenbaker
Family:
Married to Amber for 15 years; one son (Sawyer) & one daughter (Lucy)
Professional Life:
President of a commercial fence contractor
Ministry Focus:
My family, Men’s Ministry, Prayer
Faith Journey:
I grew up with a familiarity of Jesus, but the aftermath of health challenges in our family left us at the foot of the cross, ready to truly follow Jesus.
Favorite Bible Verse:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 NIV
Outside The Church:
Exploring creation, traveling, sports, family movie nights, and serving with my family. I also enjoy building & completing home improvement projects.
Jeff Sangalli

Blankenbaker
Family: Married to Jenny going on 30 years; 2 children: Jacob and Joshua
Professional Life: CEO of an agricultural company specializing in soil health and precision plant nutrients
Ministry Focus: Connections Ministry focused on new members: Starting Point and Membership Classes
Faith Journey: I was raised in a devout, Italian Catholic family. I knew God but didn't understand the grace offered by Jesus; therefore, I always felt like I was on God's scale of favor and anger. A Christian supervisor challenged me to read the Bible and asked me one day about my relationship with Jesus. I didn't know. So, I began a life-long journey to know Jesus, to obey Jesus, and to make Him known.
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:4-7 NIV: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord us near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the God of peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Outside the Church: Running, cycling, gardening (flowers and herbs), taking walks with Jenny, going to my youngest son's college basketball games, cooking
Gabe Smith

Blankenbaker
Family: Married to Katie for 24 years; 4 children: Gabriel, Kallie, Charlotte, and Elijah
Professional Life: Vice President, Global Energy and Sustainability Business at Schneider Electric
Ministry Focus: Workplace Ministry, Middle School Ministry, shepherding, discipleship, meeting people one at a time where they are
Faith Journey: I surrendered my life to Christ during sophomore year of college where, as a student-athlete, I began practicing the value of Christian fellowship and community (Proverbs 27:17). I've spent the past 24 years learning to integrate my faith and church life with where I'm called to serve in the secular workplace.
Favorite Bible Verse: One of my favorite passages in this season is Luke 5:1-11; I resonate with Simon Peter's experience and action.
Outside the Church: Loving my family well, traveling, reading, growth mindset
Samuel Reader

Blankenbaker
Family: Married to Jessica for 12 years; 2 sons
Professional Life: Pharmacist
Ministry Focus: Men's Ministry, teaching and equipping
Faith Journey: I grew up in the faith, but started to seriously lean in about a decade ago. I was called to church leadership after serving and leading for several years in men's ministry environments.
Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:1 ESV: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Outside the Church: Fishing, camping, and spending time with my family
Don Harris

Blankenbaker
Family: Married to Tina for 35 years; 3 children: Ryan, Rachel, and Rebekah
Professional Life: Rates and Regulatory Analyst for a public utility company
Faith Journey: I attended Catholic schools through high school. My grandfather was a Baptist minister, and I attended his church during high school. After college graduation, my wife, Tina, and I got married and began searching for a church home. We mutually agreed that Southeast was to be our church home. I was baptized in July 1993. I was called to church leadership after leading a small group, volunteering in several ministries, and, most recently, serving in the Next Step Room and Connections ministries and occasionally teaching in the Word by Word Weekend Group.
Favorite Bible Verse: Colossians 3:17 ESV: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Outside the Church: Family vacation time, officiating track and field meets, hiking, camping, and attending UL sporting events
Brian Cheek

Blankenbaker
Family: Married to Janie for 31 years; 3 children: Jonathan, Sophie, and Gentry
Professional Life: Pharmacist for 35 years
Ministry Focus: Involved with our Church Plant Ministry and Pre-Marital Counseling
Faith Journey: I grew up attending church, but it was more about rules for me than a relationship with Jesus. My relationship with Jesus developed while attending Southeast and having our first child. It grew as we became more involved with volunteering and joining small groups.
Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:11 NIV: "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."
Outside the Church: Sports, traveling, and working in the yard
Cameron Ford

Bullitt County
Family:
Shawn and I were married in 2021, we are a blended family with 3 children: Tyler, Aubrey, and Addy.
Professional Life:
I have worked at Gordon Food Service for over 26 years, in various stages of management roles, and am now working as an Analyst/Router for the Transportation department.
Ministry Focus:
My passion to serve is with Shine Disabilities Ministry, Camp Freedom, and my wife Shawn serves in Elementary Kids and Kids Camp.
Faith Journey:
I came to faith later in life, after reaching a point where I was exhausted from trying to do everything my own way. When I finally surrendered it all to God, everything changed—and I’ve never looked back. One of the unexpected blessings of my years of struggle is the connection I now have with other men who have walked similar roads. Those shared experiences have opened doors for real growth, healing, and brotherhood. In 2023, God called me into the role of Deacon. Since then, I’ve had countless conversations with broken people just like me—people who need to be reminded that our past is forgiven and it does not define who we are. We are called to walk in the light of our Lord, not in the shame of what we used to be.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Outside the Church:
Enjoy spending time at my family's sporting events, fishing, and hunting.
Madison Ryle

Bullitt County
Family: Married to Christy since 2003; 3 children: Larkin, Darcy, and Teagan
Professional Life: I work for Norton Healthcare as a primary care physician for both adults and children in Shepherdsville.
Ministry Focus: Early Childhood Home Groups
Faith Journey: I cannot really remember a time where I did not know Jesus. As a child, my family went to a small Baptist church in Boone County, Kentucky called Belleview Baptist Church. I was given a firm foundation in the Bible there, was baptized there as a child, and grew in faith there along with some like-minded friends. I met Christy while attending college at the University of Louisville, and we started attending SECC at that time. Connection grew through serving in the Sports & Fitness Ministry and in Early Childhood Ministry. I was called to leadership during the early stages of the Bullitt County Campus.
Favorite Bible Verse: Mark 4:39 NIV: "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." Psalm 42:7 NIV: "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me."
Outside the Church: Watching my kids play sports and Star Wars!
Stacey Murphy

Bullitt County
Family: Married to Dana for 34 years; 3 children: Matthew, Michael, and Mark
Professional Life: Head of Financial Application Development at Farm Credit Mid-America
Ministry Focus: Production, Worship, and Small Groups
Faith Journey: I was raised in a Christian home and came to faith during middle school in a revival at my home church. I served in a variety of leadership roles through the church, as well as a season of vocational music ministry.
Favorite Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:8 NIV: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…"
Outside the Church: Golf, Southern Gospel music, and time with family
Jerry Rice

Chapel in the Woods
Family: Married to Marty for 63 years; 2 children: Leslie and Cary; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren
Professional Life: 50+ years in all aspects of media, including Moody Radio, Chicago; now retired
Ministry Focus: Small Group Leader for 31 years (still active), Chapel Missions Team Leader for three years
Faith Journey: I came to Christ when a married college-age father of two. God eventually led me to proclaim His Word through international radio production, also His gift of encouragement through local video projects. So blessed!
Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV: "…For the battle is not yours, but God's."
Outside the Church: Hobbies include local area history and memory retrieval, record/CD collecting, reading, and perfecting charcoal burgers on my grill
Chris Greeley

Crestwood
Family:
Married to Ellen for over 25 years; two children: Leyton and Lucy
Professional life.
VP, Human Resources at L&N Federal Credit Union
Ministry Focus.
Young Adult Ministry and Men’s Bible study
Faith journey:
My parents started attending church when I was in middle school and jumped right in to serving. When the doors were open we were there. I made a profession of faith in Christ as a teenager. My faith matured as I attended Asbury University, where I was continually challenged to live for Him. We have been a part of Southeast for over 20 years.
Bible verse:
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal 5:16 NIV
Outside the Church.
As a family we enjoy visiting the National Parks - hiking, kayaking and fishing. I enjoy classic vehicles.
Mark Milburn

Crestwood
Family:
Married to Sharon since 1985; 3 children; 4 grandchildren
Professional Life:
Pharmacist
Ministry Focus:
Men’s ministry, Sports and Fitness, Groups
Faith Journey:
I was raised in the Baptist church. In 1994, Sharon and I began searching for Biblical teaching and family programming, joining Southeast that year.
Favorite Bible Verse:
“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15
He died for me. I’ll live for Him.
Outside the Church:
Grandchildren, Travel with Sharon, Softball
Greg Robson

Crestwood
Family: Married to Becca for 27 years; 3 children: Luke, Eli, and Mollie
Professional Life: General pediatrician at Oldham County Pediatrics since 2004
Ministry Focus: Shine Disabilities Ministry and Young Adult Ministry
Faith Journey: I came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior as a young teen after recognizing the need for saving grace through the teaching of God's Word in my local church. Many years later, I was baptized as a young father. Eventually, I was appointed to church leadership after serving in various ministries.
Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV: "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Outside the Church: I enjoy fitness, travel, and time with family and friends.
Brian Beanblossom

Crestwood
Family Life: Married to Nancy Jayne since 1985; 5 children: Lyndsie North (Alan), Mollie Shutt (Travis), Annie Beanblossom, Emmanuelo, and Samuel; 4 grandchildren
Professional Life: I have been an adult cardiologist for the past 30 years in Louisville, Kentucky.
Ministry Life: I have been active in Men's Ministry, Home Groups, and have co-taught adult Bible study.
Faith Journey: My wife and I were blessed to have been raised in Christian homes, and we have been active in church all of our lives. We don't know where we would be or who we would be without that impact on our lives. We have been at Southeast 12 years.
Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 4:16 NIV: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." We need to be reminded of this daily, and it brings great comfort and peace.
Outside the Church: Cycling, deer hunting, flyfishing, and golf, spending time with family, and hiking
Karsten Clements

Elizabethtown
Family:
Married to Tiffany since 2009; 3 children: Bailey Rae (13), Drake (10), Brice (5)...and our firstborn Shih Tzu named Bogey (15)
Professional Life:
Serve as the President of a healthcare company focused on providing Physical & Occupational Therapy Services and Medical Billing for Physician Practices & Health Systems
Ministry Focus:
Serve in our Men’s Ministry, Safety & Security team, church planting team and Elementary-aged ministries.
Faith Journey:
I grew up in a Christian home and believed early, but for a long time my faith was more about performance and achievement than a real relationship with Jesus. Through setbacks, pressure, and moments of hitting the bottom, God showed me that identity and security only come from Him—not success, not people, not control. Today my faith is about dependence and trusting Jesus with my family, my work, and my future—the goal being to walk with Him, not to impress Him.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Colossians 3:23 - “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Outside the Church:
If we aren’t at a baseball game, basketball game, cheer competition or cross country race, we love spending time with our friends and family.
Steve Rice

Elizabethtown
Family: Married to JoDee for 36 years; 3 children: Christopher (Danielle), Leandra (JT), and Xander; 5 grandchildren
Professional Life: Professionally, I have dedicated the past 50 years to finance and banking. I own my own financial advisory practice in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, where I have the privilege of helping individuals and families navigate their financial futures with confidence. Beyond my career, I have been deeply involved in my community, serving as Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission for Elizabethtown for 24 years. Over the years, I have also had the honor of being President of the Rotary Club and was instrumental in starting the United Way in Elizabethtown. Giving back to my community has always been a priority in my life.
Faith Journey: I have been actively involved in ministry all my life, most recently serving on the Security Team for the past seven years and leading various groups throughout the years. Currently, I am very involved in Man Challenge and DDG, with a heart for mentoring and walking alongside men in their faith journeys, encouraging them to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ. My wife, JoDee, and I also lead a Small Group, where couples can connect, grow in faith, and support one another in their walk with God. It is a blessing to foster an environment where marriages can be strengthened and faith can deepen through meaningful relationships and shared experiences.
Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
Outside the Church: Outside of my professional and ministry life, I have a deep love for woodworking and spend time in my woodshop creating and building. I also enjoy playing golf, gardening, and simply being outdoors, finding joy and peace in God's creation. Whether through my family, career, ministry, or hobbies, my greatest desire is to live a life that honors God and serves others well.
Erik Wolle
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Franklin
Family: Married to Mysti for 35 years; 2 daughters: Samantha (Cameron) and LeighAnn
Professional Life: I’ve spent 30 years as an engineering systems architect for a large biometrics company.
Ministry Focus: Early Childhood, Engagement and Missions
Faith Journey: I accepted Christ and was Baptized in my early 20s. God was faithful to provide amazing Christian mentors along the way, none greater than my wife. We have been actively been involved in the Church since early in our marriage. I continue striving each day to learn more about who Jesus is and to draw closer to Him, and to share His love with those around me.
Favorite Bible Verse: Galatians 5:6b – the only thing that matters is Faith expressing itself through love.
Outside the Church: Spending time with family, playing and watching all kinds of sports
Neil Headden
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Franklin
Family: Married to Susan going on 43 years; 2 children Chris and Anna
Professional Life: Community President First Citizens National Bank
Ministry Focus: Small group connections, missions
Faith Journey: I was raised in the Church of Christ and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior as a child. As I grew older I rebelled and walked away from the Lord. After Susan and I married I knew I needed to be walking with the Lord. I renewed my walk and have grown closer year after year as I get older.
Favorite Bible Verses: Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Phillipians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Outside the Church: University of TN Sports, family, being outside, traveling with Susan. We also volunteer with a local non-profit, One Generation Away, that provides food to those in need.
Kory McLaughlin

Indiana
Family:
Married to Amanda since 2010, 1 daughter, Emmersyn (Emme)
Professional Life:
I am the Director of Operations at Express Funeral Funding.
Ministry Focus:
Family Advocacy Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Small group leader
Faith Journey:
I grew up in a household that knew of Jesus but were not practicing Christians. I began attending church in 2008 with my now-wife, yet I hadn’t fully given my life to Jesus. Through a powerful, and grace-filled moment in 2012, God transformed by heart, and I have been pursuing a relationship with Jesus ever since.
Favorite Bible Verse:
John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Outside the Church:
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, taking my daughter on trail rides through the woods, and cheering on the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Hoosiers.
Brian Growe

Indiana
Family: Married to Susan since 1997; 3 children: Molly, Luke, and Marshall
Professional Life: Currently, I am proud to serve and work as a Logistics Manager within the high-tech national defense industry. Prior, I developed a career as a Logistics Manager in the inland river transportation industry for 23 years.
Ministry Focus: Susan and I love serving in SE!KIDS Ministry and being Home Group Bible study hosts and leaders. I also serve on the Indiana Parking Lot Team, the Whatever It Takes (WIT) Team, and various widow ministries.
Faith Journey: After growing up in a devoted Catholic family and being married to Susan, who was raised in a traditional Southern Baptist home, we set out to find a new church home to merge our faith journeys. We joined a non-denominational church in St. Louis, Missouri called South Telegraph Christian Church. In 2002, I made the decision to be baptized in obedience to Jesus' teaching and started to deepen my faith journey. Susan and I served in ministry, joined Bible studies, and started to host and lead small groups. We joined Southeast as members in 2016 after moving to Indiana. We were drawn to Southeast by the strong Biblical teachings and the thriving Children's Ministry. We saw a big church, but Susan and I made it our mission to make it small by going all in through Bible studies, serving, and joining ministries. In 2022, I was honored to have the added opportunity to serve Jesus' church as a Deacon. In the fall of 2024, I was asked to serve as an Elder. In humble obedience, I accepted, and was elected as a Shepherding Elder to the Indiana Campus. So, my faith journey deepens, leaving my comfort zone, as I strive to serve Jesus' church in the Shepherding Elder role.
Favorite Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law."
Outside the Church: I enjoy cooking meals with Susan for our family and enjoying God's beautiful creation and abundance while fishing, hiking, and archery hunting with my family and friends.
Jeff Downs

Indiana
Family: Married to Amy for 28 years; 2 children: Lauren and Julia
Professional Life: Airline pilot for UPS
Ministry Focus: Mentoring men and Small Groups
Faith Journey: I grew up in the Christian church and found my home at Southeast in 2007.
Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:38-39 NIV: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus."
Outside the Church: Playing music, movies, spending time with family and friends
John Weires

La Grange
Family:
I have been married to Lorie for 40 years and we have 3 married children Danielle (Jesse Vaughn), Alexandra (Landon Scott), and CJ (Devan), along with 8 grandchildren.
Professional Life:
Retired Navy Pilot and a Retired Financial Services Executive
Ministry Focus:
Marriage Ministry at LA campus, Decision guide and Baptism Host
Faith Journey:
I was raised in the church and a loving home, but did not have a deep relationship with the Lord until later in life when a fellow military pilot showed me that you can be a “cool” jet pilot and still be a strong Christian! That was a game changer but I still did not get baptized by immersion until 2011 when we joined Southeast at the Crestwood campus. That truly launched our next level journey and a deeper relationship with Christ.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vail conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
Outside the Church:
I enjoy sports and fitness, as well as traveling with my wife. We also stay busy with our non-profit Marriage Ministry called Growing Your Marriage and as a board member for Barren Heights (non-profit ministry serving families with special needs children).
PJ Hardin

La Grange
Family
I’ve been married to my wife, Rebekah, since 1997, and we are blessed with three adult children: Colin, Kaylee, and Abigail (Brayden).
Professional Life
I’ve worked in the plumbing trade for over 30 years and now own and operate my own company, TrueLine Plumbing.
Ministry Focus
I serve with Southeast Kids, lead an 8th-grade boys small group, and help men pursue sexual integrity through a weekly support group.
Faith Journey
I grew up in a strong church family and gave my life to Christ at 11, though much of my early faith was rooted in fear and performance. As a teenager, God used Southeast’s student ministry—and the influence of my future wife, Rebekah—to draw me into a deeper walk with Him. After we married, we spent several years in full-time ministry. Following a season of burnout and personal struggles, God led me into healing and restoration. Through community, accountability, and His steady grace, He rebuilt my faith and renewed my calling. Today, I’m grateful for God’s faithfulness in every chapter and passionate about helping others find the same hope and freedom in Christ.
Favorite Bible Verse
Romans 5:8 — “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Outside the Church
I love spending time with Rebekah—traveling, exploring, sharing good meals, and making memories with our kids. I also enjoy being out in nature, whether fishing, spending time in the mountains, or simply taking in God’s handiwork. I’m a Louisville Cardinals basketball and football fan, a Green Bay Packers fan, and I still enjoy playing the occasional video game when I get the chance.
Jason Chambers

Family:
Married to Angie since 1999. 2 Children, Cole & Paige
Professional Life:
West Regional President, Select Medical Outpatient Physical Therapy Division
Ministry Focus:
Men’s ministry, Young couples
Faith Journey:
Since accepting the Lord as my Savior & baptized at 10, I have journeyed with the Lord for the last 45 years & have learned to better understand what it looks like to live with both Truth & Grace since joining Southeast Christian Church in 1995.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Outside the Church:
I enjoy watching University of Kentucky Basketball/Football, grilling on my Big Green Egg, Skiing, & Lake Living.
John Sparrow

Family: Married to Julie for 36 years; 3 children: Rider (Stephanie), Cade, and Cali; 3 grandchildren: Jackson, Lillian and Rosalee
Professional Life: Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance
Ministry Focus: Missions
Faith Journey: I accepted Christ at the age of 9 and have continued to grow in faith since then.
Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 NIV: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Outside the Church: Family, farming, and hunting
Tony Young

Family: Married to Patty for 30+ years; 3 children: Brianna, Logan (Kenzie), Luke; 1 grandson: Walker
Professional Life: Business owner and entrepreneur practicing a business as missions mindset across all business interests.
Ministry Focus: Blessed with the opportunity to focus on areas of church growth initiatives and missional focus in my role as an Elder.
Faith Journey: Pondering my professional future led me to seek the answers to deeper questions about my purpose in life, which ultimately led me to Jesus.
Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 6:33 NIV: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Outside the Church: Traveling to new places with my wife, Patty, and watching UK football or basketball with my family!
Tony Semak

Family: Married to Debbie for 30 years; 2 children: Ashley (Jared) and Kaitlyn
Professional Life: Financial Advisor; previously served as Senior Portfolio Manager, Head of Investor Relations, Senior Client Portfolio Manager, Senior Credit Analyst, Manager of Investment Analysis and Financial Forecasting, and Associate Investment Banker; also CFA Charterholder
Ministry Focus: SE Online Ministry Small Group Leader, SE Section Community Leader, 12 years as Small Group Leader in Middle School Ministry previously
Faith Journey: I was dedicated as a baby and raised in the church. I was baptized at 10 years old following a Summer church camp. Parents and extended family have had enormous influence on my spiritual development as devout followers of Jesus. I fell in love with Jesus at a very young age, though my faith really blossomed when I became a much more active servant and volunteer in the church as a young adult. Life-changing short-term mission trips to Ethiopia and the family of believers at Southeast Christian Church catapulted my faith.
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 2:3-4 NIV: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others."
Outside the Church: Spectator sports of all varieties (especially football), strength training, traveling with family, reading, mentoring youth and young adults
Mike Parker

Family: Married to Jamie for 17 years; 2 children: Kamila and Kenneth
Professional Life: IT, Director of Digital & Marketing Technology
Ministry Focus: Men's Ministry, SE!KIDS, Missions
Faith Journey: I was baptized at age 11 and began to take my faith more personally in my 20s when I was called to lead small-group Bible studies for youth. That passion for discipleship later expanded into a heart for global missions primarily through mission trips to Poland.
Favorite Bible Verse: Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Outside the Church: I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring new technology, and playing or watching games with our kids. I also love connecting with others over shared interests and meaningful conversation.
Tim Hester

Family: I've been married to my wife Margie for over 40 years! We have 7 sons and 5 daughters. Currently, we have three Grandsons.
Professional Life: Started my career at a small Electronic parts distributor in Metro Atlanta before joining our family staffing business. After over 30 years in the corporate world, God allowed me to join the staff at Southeast as an Executive Pastor and Staff Elder.
Ministry Focus: My main focus has been teaching in a variety of settings.
Faith Journey: I came to a Saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ during High School. I felt the Lord calling me to true discipleship when I was in College. From there, I fell in love with the Bible, joined several discipleship courses over the years, starting leading Bible studies and volunteering every chance I got. Through those opportunities, God deepened me and gave me experience in watching His ways transform, not only my life but the lives of others. I continue to learn and grow and work on my Spiritual practices on a daily basis.
Favorite Bible Verse: This is a really tough one, but the one that keeps me focused is Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Outside the Church: I love just hanging out at home with my wife. We love having our kids and grandkids around too. My main hobbies are watching College and Pro Football and I LOVE to read books. As often as possible, Margie and I like to go hiking as well!
Michael Holland

Family: Married to Tembre for 15 years; 5 children: Judah, Zephaniah, Reuben, Eden, and Shepherd
Professional Life: Private wealth management
Ministry Focus: Worship Ministry
Faith Journey: I was born the son of a Baptist music minister, I was saved at 7 (Easter Sunday), and the Lord in His kindness has pursued me continually. Here are some of the things He is teaching me: I am learning daily to "walk by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16) and to truly abide with Jesus. He is teaching me that proximity to the things of God does not equal closeness to God. Let that one sink in. He is teaching me that I can't have my kingdom and His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33). We all have to make a choice, and full surrender to the Lord is the only option. He is teaching me that all manners of grit and discipline and determination and willpower can't produce in me the kind of fruit that the Holy Spirit can, when I walk in obedience and ask desperately for His help to live the life He is calling me to. It is His kindness that leads me to repentance (Romans 2:4), and I love Him because He first loved me (1 John 4:19). And lastly, I am learning we have not because we ask not (James 4:2). Prayer in many of us is an atrophied muscle, a discipline we relegate to dinnertimes and desperate times. He is teaching me He is able and willing to do more than we can ask or imagine, if we would go to Him in prayer (for our family, city, church, friends, family, country, etc.), desperate for His presence and for revival in our hearts.
Outside the Church: I love playing basketball, coaching the kids' sports teams, sitting down at the piano, and, most of all, loving on and spending time with my amazing (and at times pretty wild) family.
Kyle Idleman

Family: Married to DesiRae for 30 years; 4 children; 3 grandchildren
Professional Life: A graduate of Ozark Christian College, my full-time ministry began as a church planter near Los Angeles. After an impactful season in southern California, I moved with my family to Louisville to serve as Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in 2002, becoming Senior Pastor in 2019.
Ministry Focus: Preaching and leading Southeast
Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 8:1 NIV: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…"
Outside the Church: I live on a farm where I do no farming.
Doug Cobb

Family: Married to Gena for 45 years. Three adult children, all married, and six grandchildren.
Professional Life: Retired entrepreneur and angel investor
Ministry Focus: Preaching and Worship
Faith Journey: I came to faith in 1979 after college when I met Gena, who is now my wife. She gave me a copy of Mere Christianity, which opened the door of salvation for me.
Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 24:14 NIV: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Outside the Church: I stay busy leading a ministry called The Finishing Fund and enjoying my grandchildren.
Brad DeVries

Family: Married to Jennifer since 1984; 8 children; 18 grandchildren
Professional Life: Small business owner
Ministry Focus: Vulnerable women and children
Faith Journey: I was raised in the church, strayed during teenage and young adult years. I slowly walked back into a relationship with Jesus after joining Southeast in the early 1990s. Lay leadership in the church since 2003.
Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Outside the Church: ANYTHING with my grandchildren, hiking, motorcycles
Ryan Fitzgerald

Family: Married to Christine for 15 years; 2 children: Emberlyn and Eloise
Professional Life: I own and operate the Chick-fil-A on Dixie Highway.
Ministry Focus: Young Adults, Prayer, Country Lake Christian Retreat Board, Ordination Committee
Faith Journey: I came to faith when I was 15 years old at a youth conference in Baltimore, Maryland. The Lord is continuing to invite me into prayer, greater humility, and dependence on Him.
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 1:1-3: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
Outside the Church: Working on our hobby farm, playing guitar and singing, golf, tennis, and snowboarding
James Murdock

Prospect
Family: Married to Amanda for 21 years; 5 children: Maizie, Jackson, Colton, Weston, and Clementine
Professional Life: Professionally, I have spent 25 years at Ford Motor Company launching new programs, plants, and vehicles.
Ministry Focus: Students, Men, and Groups
Faith Journey: I was raised in a small Baptist church in northern Ohio, attended Cedarville College to further spiritual training, and began serving at Southeast in 2019 after a work-related move to the Louisville area.
Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 6:34 NIV: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Outside the Church: Other interests include traveling with family and outdoor activities.
Bill Clark

Family: Married to Holly for 37 years; 4 adult children; 2 daughters-in-law; 2 sons-in-law; 5 grandchildren
Professional Life: 25-year career at Louisville Slugger; full-time staff member at Southeast Christian Church; currently full-time employee at Physicians Rehab Solution
Ministry Focus: Partner with SE Recovery Ministry Team as well as Bob Russell's Mentoring Ministry
Faith Journey: Fully devoted follower during college while attending a small church in the south end of Louisville. The church was primarily made up of beautiful seniors who reflected Jesus consistently in their words and actions. They all had a significant influence on my spiritual journey.
Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:4-5 NIV: "Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…"
Outside the Church: Attend sporting events with family and friends, babysit and spoil grandchildren, invest in young men during and post-college, ongoing family gatherings
Tom Crawford

Shelby County
Family: Married to Mindy for 36 years; 3 children: Aly (Josh), Logan (Sophie), Bryce (Emily); 1 granddaughter: Shiloh
Professional Life: I primarily manage customer-facing operations (sales, marketing, and service) with a focus in the pulp and paper industry and large industrial complexes.
Ministry Focus: Men's Ministry, Discipleship, Marriage
Faith Journey: I grew up in the church and was baptized at age 9, but truly didn't understand my faith and the subsequent journey it would put me on until I was in my early 30s. Today, I find growth never stops, change is continual, and faith is my constant.
Favorite Bible Verse: Ephesians 2:10 NIV: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Outside the Church: Backpacking, woodworking, gardening, and family time
Matt Reagan
Family:
My wife, Sarah, and I just celebrated 27 years of marriage, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the life God’s built around us. The Reagan home is an open doors kind of place, where there are always people in our kitchen and at our table. Together, we’ve raised five amazing kids, and much of our life revolves around their schools, sports, and the friends they and we have met along the way. We love being deeply rooted in our community and church, and loving the ones God plants in our lives is our joy.
Professional Life:
I serve as an Associate Pastor at Southeast, where I’ve been on staff since 2006. Over the years, I’ve served in student ministry, preaching, and leadership development, and now help shepherd leaders and connect ministries across our campuses and beyond. I’m passionate about next generation ministries, encouraging pastors and leaders all over the world, & helping them strengthen the churches and movements God has entrusted to them. My calling has always been to activate and inspire a pursuit of Jesus and His Kingdom.
Ministry Focus:
My heart beats for activating emerging leaders to make disciples the way Jesus did: anchored in His life, empowered by His Spirit, and released in their giftings. Whether I’m teaching, mentoring, or sitting in a living room sharing stories and prayer, I want people to leave with a greater sense of who the Father is and who they are in Him.
Faith Journey:
I met Jesus early in life, but my walk with Him has been one of ongoing transformation—learning again and again that ministry isn’t about striving; it’s about abiding. God has used both fruitful seasons and refining ones to teach me dependence, humility, and joy in His presence. Over time, I’ve come to realize that my highest calling isn’t to build something impressive—it’s to stay close to Jesus and help others do the same. Is amazing what He builds when we do that.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Romans 8:19 — “For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”
This verse has been tattooed on my soul. It reminds me that the whole world is longing for us to simply be the sons and daughters we were made to be. Life is complicated, following Jesus is simple.
Outside the Church:
When I’m not teaching, traveling, or meeting with leaders, I love being home- working with my hands, being outside, back deck…torches lit…good food & people. Some of my favorite moments are the simple ones: a slow morning with Sarah, a full house around the dinner table, or a quiet evening when God whispers something fresh and true. Those are the places where I find vision, rest, and renewal.
Mark Braun

South Louisville
Family: Married to Kathy for 49 years; 3 children: Brandon (Beth), Brent, and Nicholas (Abby); 8 grandchildren
Professional Life: I retired from AT&T in 2019 with 42 years of service.
Ministry Focus: Youth Ministry, Small Groups, and Men's
Faith Journey: I was baptized in 1995. I served as an Elder at South Louisville Christian Church from 2015-2020.
Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11 NIV: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Outside the Church: Going places with my wife, grandkids, gardening, golf, and sports (especially UL football and basketball)
Jeff Kempster

Southwest
Family:
Married to Keri since 2010; Father to two sons and a daughter-in-law
Professional Life:
VP Mortgage Lending at L&N Federal Credit Union
Ministry Focus:
MSM, HSM, and Production
Faith Journey:
I was baptized as a child and raised in the Catholic Church. However, it wasn't until I met my wife and we decided we wanted to raise our children to know God and then introduced to the Christian faith. Baptized at Southeast in 2014 at Southwest but my relationship with Jesus grew after volunteering in HSM.
Favorite Bible Verse:
Matthew 18:5 "Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."
Outside the Church:
Spending time with my beautiful wife, kids, nephews and family. Being outside and trying to DIY everything...
Matt Robbins

Southwest
Family: Married to Shannon since 2017; 2 children: Lexi and Cole
Professional Life: High school teacher, plumbing, personal finance
Ministry Focus: Men's Ministry, including DDG, Proven Men, Man Challenge, HSM, and Various Men's Small Groups
Faith Journey: I attended Catholic schools growing up, but it wasn't until I started dating my now-wife that I came to really know the Lord. I became involved with Men's Ministry both as a participant and a facilitator, eventually stepping into leadership.
Favorite Bible Verse: Colossians 3:23 NIV: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…"
Outside the Church: Spending time with my family, playing and coaching sports, working out, and reading
Pete Thieneman

Southwest
Family: Married to Donna for 47 years; 5 children: Lindsey, Josh, Chase, Lacey, and Lauren; 11 grandchildren
Professional Life: I am the owner of Clifford Thieneman Co., LLC, building custom new homes and remodeling for 65+ years.
Ministry Focus: Serving in Men's Groups, Benevolence Committee, and Pastoral.
Faith Journey: I was born and raised a Catholic. In 2006, we became members of Southeast Christian Church, where we started a relationship with Jesus Christ. I became a Deacon in January 2013, served for four years, and became an Elder, serving my eighth year.
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 139:23-24 NIV: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Outside the Church: Spending time with my wife and family, golfing, delivering meals for the last 20+ years for Louisville Metro Meals on Wheels Program