Mark Leist,
        Young Adult/
        Worship Pastor

I’m Mark Leist, young adult pastor for LifeSpring. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Karey since 2001. We have one treasured daughter, Dara. I grew up in Olmsted Falls and graduated from high school there, too. I hold a double major bachelor’s degree in Bible and Youth Ministries from Columbia International University (Columbia Bible College). Previous to coming to LifeSpring, I was the worship pastor at a local church plant for 3 1⁄2 years. I’ve also been involved in a variety of ministry positions/opportunities over the years.

All of that ministry experience/education sounds great, but we can learn all of that and forget about a world dying and going to hell right outside of our doors. Leonard Ravenhill stated, “In the past we have had men with much passion and few degrees, today we have men with many degrees and little passion”. My desire is to grow relationships with those God has called me to, and to see them become passionate followers of Jesus, so that they can take Jesus as He is to people as they are to be the permanent solution for their lives.

Doug Bryant,
        Frontline Youth Pastor &
        Worship Pastor

My name is Doug Bryant, and I am the youth pastor at LifeSpring Community Church. I also wear other "hats," and here at Lifespring I have found purpose and calling. In addition to serving the youth, I am one of the worship leaders.

When I joined Lifespring, in 2004, I was someone who had just finished college with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education from Kent State University. I was continually seeking God's call on my life. When I finally checked out Lifespring, I listened for God's voice and He told me to stay here. Shortly after, I was offered the worship leader position, and I worked into that role.

After some years, I visited the youth program as a mentor and helper. I felt impassioned for the teens' spiritual lives. After working with them for several months, the opportunity presented itself to be the youth leader, and I worked into that position much the same way that I had worked into the worship leader position. Frontline is an awesome group of teens, who are just beginning to learn about life. Part of what I do is help guide them to incorporate God in their daily decisions, and encourage them to make smart choices that will have a positive impact on their lives.

Here at Lifespring, I feel God has been able to use my unique gifts and personality to reach worshippers and teens alike for His glory. I am so honored and blessed to be a part of His work in my life and in the church's life. I am continuing to learn the nuances and needs of both positions through hard work, dedication, prayer, and ministerial education. The church provides for me to be at seminars (which have been a huge blessing and challenge), and the means to continue my ministerial education through biblical and ministerial courses through the Wesleyan denomination. I AM ON THE ROAD WITH GOD AND HIS CALLING IN MY LIFE! I have found God's purpose for me and I am thrilled to be a part of it!

Tom & Debbie Kalin,
        Children's Pastors

Hello! I'm Tom Kalin, and this is my wife Debbie. We’ve been at Lifespring since the beginning, and have been coordinating Children’s Ministries for almost as long. We share a real passion for reaching children that has translated into our team approach to this ministry.

Reaching kids for Christ is top priority. We also want to give their families the tools and opportunities to travel together in this walk with Christ. Sunday morning children’s classes, Vacation Bible School, Community Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest Festival, and camping trips are just some of the ways we hope to bring families closer together and closer to Jesus.

We hope you and your children will visit LifeSpring, and find a home with us.

Brian Seeley,
        Ministerial Student &
        Pastoral Team Member

I’m Brian Seeley, and I am a ministerial student here at LifeSpring Community Church. I am also a student at Indiana Wesleyan University, where I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. This degree will assist in fulfilling my first calling, to become an ordained minister.

Most of my life, I have felt the presence of the Lord, our God, but was unsure that I was called to the ministry. With the encouragement of Pastor Chris, I signed up to go to Indiana Wesleyan University. When I first started pursuing my degree, I was seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible and Christ; but like most people, I was unsure where God was leading me. Though I feel like I am walking in the dark without a light, I feel drawn to go wherever He leads me. My hope is that, through Christ and my hardships that God has given to me as lessons, that I might be able to comfort those in need. Psalms 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." Most of all I want to bring the words of Jesus to the world so I might be a light to the lost.

Licensed Local Lay Ministers serve a unique role at LifeSpring Community Church. Although they may not have a formal education in pastoral studies, lay ministers must meet specific requirements before they are granted licensure.

Applied to, and chosen and licensed by the lead pastor and Local Board of Administration, lay ministers must demonstrate mature Christian character, passionate service to God, modeling of biblical principles, and commitment to prayer. They must exhibit discretion, maturity, good judgment, and Christian love as representatives of LifeSpring Community Church.

Privileges of licensure include special access to local hospitals, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and other sites where an ordained minister may visit to counsel, support, and pray with individuals. Because lay ministers act as an alternate for the lead pastor in sometimes sensitive environments, individuals are carefully screened before licensure is granted.

Current LifeSpring lay ministers include:
Don Gosselin
Sue Humphrey
Ray Krieger
Martin Naumilket
Toni Smith

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