Staff
Josie Bell
Coordinator of Student Worship
I am the Coordinator of Student Worship. I am responsible for planning and leading worship at The Wave every Wednesday as well as developing student vocalists.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Moringa Tree Cafe
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite movie: Father of the Bride Part 2
Favorite vacation spot: Montana
Deanna Black
Administrative Assistant
I am the administrative assistant for missions and outreach. I assist Kathy and Ryan with any office needs.
At Vineyard since: 2020
On staffsince: 2022
Following Jesussince: 1970
Previous work: Administrative Assistant - Middlebury Community Schools
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Administrative Assistant - Middlebury Community Schools
Married to: David since 1990
Children: We have 6 children (4 by marriage, 2 biological) ages: 50, 48, 40, 38, 26, 23 - 4 grandchildren ages: 12, 10, 9, 5
Favorite Scripture: Colossians 2:6
Favorite movie: Anne of Green Gables
Kristy Camacho
Director of Children’s Ministry
As the Director of Children’s Ministry, my main role is to shepherd children into having an authentic relationship with Jesus.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Elementary Teacher
Favorite verse: Ephesians 2:10
Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese
Favorite Activity: trying out Pinterest ideas
Cameron Clark
Pastor of Student Ministries
As the Pastor of Student Ministries, I invest in the lives of students and their families by showing them that there is a love far greater than they could imagine. I inspire the next generation to put God first and to trust Him with everything in their lives because when they understand all they need is Him, everything they need will be given to them.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Pastor of Worship Arts at Vineyard Community Church in Lexington, Kentucky
Married to: Ileana Clark since 2019
Favorite verses: Matthew 28:19-20
Favorite Movie: Lord of The Rings
Favorite Activity: Playing music (Guitar, drums)
Ileana Clark
Assistant Director of Children's Ministry
As an Assistant Director of Children's Ministry, I come alongside families and volunteers to raise our children to be genuine followers of Christ.
At Vineyard since: 2016
On staff since: 2018
Following Jesus since: 2002
Previous work: Student at Bethel College
Married to: Cameron Clark since 2019
Favorite food: Thai Mango Sticky Rice
Favorite vacation spot: Disneyworld
Mari Clark
Assistant Director of the Vineyard Community Center
I am the Assistant Director of the Vineyard Community Center. I will be concentrating on the education time and expanding the adult ministries at the center.
At Vineyard since: We would visit whenever we could when they were in the Kroger building, but officially came over full-time in 2009.
On staffsince: 2023
Following Jesussince: 1985
Previous work: I have done everything from retail management to teacher and coach. My last job though was a trainer at Home Instead.
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: I have done everything from retail management to teacher and coach. My last job though was a trainer at Home Instead.
Married to: Johnny Clark since 1989... 33 years!
Children: I have 3 children – John, Michael and Cari and 2 grandbabies - Josie and Evelyn
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13
Favorite book: Voyage of the Dawn Treader and The Silver Chair
Nolan Cox
Director of Technical Arts and Production
I am the Director of Technical Arts and Production. I oversee the technical production side of worship and volunteer teams in the booth.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Audio Engineer
Favorite Scripture: John 1:5
Married to: Charity Cox since 2021
Children: Nora Cox
Favorite Activity: Skiing/Snowboarding
Favorite Movie: Interstellar
Keith Crain
Pastor of Newcomers & New Believers
I am the Pastor of Newcomers & New Believers. My job is to make contact with individuals who are new to Vineyard and not only make them feel loved and welcomed, but to get them connected and ultimately help them grow closer to Jesus & people.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Director of Information Technologies with the City of South Bend
Married to: Lori Crain since 1990
Children:
Favorite verses: James 2:14-17
Favorite Vacation Spot: Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
Nancy Fish
Office Manager
As the Office Manager (Director) as well as Administrative Assistant to Pastor Mark Pope & Pastor Steve Huffman, I do a lot of different tasks! You can find me organizing, answering questions, emailing, and much more.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Bookkeeper for Fish Marketing, Inc.
Married to: Randy Fish since 1984
Children: Aaron and Alex
Favorite verses: Philippians 4:4-7
Favorite Vacation Spot: Pass-a-grille, Florida, and Maui, Hawaii
Favorite Activity: Spending time with family or cooking
Melinda Good
Administrative Assistant
As an Administrative Assistant, I do a lot of different tasks behind the scenes. You can find me organizing, answering questions, emailing, and much more.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Warehouse Manager Assistant at Habitat for Humanity
Favorite verses: Luke 5:16
Favorite Movie: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Favorite Vacation Spot: Disney World
Zechariah Good
Director of Worship Operations
I am the Director of Worship Operations. I primarily serve with Leah Kurtz on the weekend worship team and lead The Wave Worship Team. I also meet with musicians to help them develop their musical giftings to the Lord.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 2
Previous work: I helped my dad run the family business as a Brick Mason for Pyramid Masonry.
Favorite food: Smoked Salmon with Asparagus
Favorite book: Finding God’s Life for My Will by Mike Donehey
Abi Hooton
Assistant Director of Students & Newcomers
I am the Assistant Director of Students & Newcomers. I oversee the middle school Core Classes and help out on Wednesdays at The Wave. On the weekends, you can find me in the Atrium, engaging with newcomers and getting them connected to the church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Unit Assistant in the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital
Favorite scripture: James 1:19-20
Favorite movie: Ooo that’s a hard one, ask me about my top ten favorite list sometime!
Favorite activity: I love to go hammocking, or just exploring new places/restaurants.
Emmy Huffman
Communications Coordinator
As the Communications Coordinator, I help with managing the church website and Vineyard app. I also provide assistance in various other communications areas around the church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: College Student
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 46:10
Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls
Favorite sport: Tennis
Steve Huffman
Executive Pastor
After 20 years working in management in the healthcare industry, my dream career, I made a radical shift to follow God’s call and a new dream to help where I could at The Vineyard Church. As the Executive Pastor I oversee a number of areas including leadership development, campus development, and prayer ministries.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Executive Leadership (interim President / Chief Information Officer) Memorial Hospital
Married to: Anne Huffman since 1997
Children: Ben, Jon, Jack
Favorite verses: Changes frequently
Favorite Vacation Spot: In the mountains in a cabin
Favorite Activity: Being a husband and dad
Sarah Kovach
Assistant Director of Spiritual Development
My role as Assistant Director of Spiritual Development is to help you strengthen your walk with Jesus and engage in community. I do this by helping develop and lead Vineyard Groups, FIT Classes, special events, and retreats.
At Vineyard since: 2014
On staff since: 2020
Following Jesus since: 2015
Previous Work: Mortgage Payoff Specialist for 1st Source Bank
Married to: Scott Kovach since 2004
Children: We have one son Noah Kovach, 11 years old
Favorite verse: Hebrews 10:24-25
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Activity: Hiking
Chris Krempec
Assistant Director of Technical Arts & Maintenance
I am the Assistant Director of Technical Arts and Maintenance. My primary goal is to produce the best atmosphere for worship through sound production. So our congregation can worship, praise, and listen to our message without distraction. As well as to help maintain a clean and welcoming environment.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Truck Centers Inc
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23
Favorite vacation spot: Boston, Massachusetts
Favorite activity: Long distance running
Andrew Kurtz
Pastor of Young Adults & Children's Ministry
My role is to lead our children’s ministry teams in creating an environment that engages the hearts and minds of the children of The Vineyard to help them recognize their identity in Christ and realize their potential in the Kingdom. Similarly, with Young Adults, my role is to empower, equip, and send out disciple-makers who are passionately pursuing Jesus.
At Vineyard since: 2015
On staff since: 2015
Following Jesus since: 2002
Married to: Leah Kurtz since 2018
Previous work: Skills Training Specialist at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
Favorite verses: Matthew 14:22-36
Favorite food: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Favorite sport: Ultimate Frisbee
Leah Kurtz
Director of Worship Arts & Prayer
I direct worship at The Vineyard Church. This includes our Weekend Celebrations, Prayer and Worship Gatherings, as well as our Young Adult and Student Ministries worship. My goal is to facilitate environments where we can love the Lord first and encounter the personal, yet powerful God.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Married to: Andrew Kurtz since 2018
Favorite verses: Psalms
Favorite Food: Manicotti from Papa Vino's
Favorite activity: Anything in the water! Swimming, tubing, boating, snorkeling, you name it!
Elyse Massey
Coordinator of the Vineyard Community Center
As the Coordinator of the Vineyard Community Center, I assist in the planning of outreach and mission events. I also regularly serve and lead at the Community Center.
At Vineyard since: 2019
On staff since: 2022
Following Jesus since: Earliest memory is 2001 (age 5), but took responsibility for my faith in 2010
Previous work: Civil Engineer
Favorite Scripture: Romans 15:13
Favorite book: The Call of the Wild
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere with mountains
CarolAnn Master
Assistant Director of Young Adults & Leadership Development
I help lead our Young Adult ministry on Tuesday nights; coordinating our worship and prayer teams and doing everything I can to see that group grow and thrive. I also have a hand in Leadership Development, working especially close with our Vineyard School of Ministry to develop leaders who serve within their God-given callings.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Phlebotomist
Favorite verses: Psalm 116:7
Favorite food: Waffles
Favorite TV show: The Office
Sam Murray
Director of Spiritual Development
I oversee spiritual development, which includes all our classes, groups, and events with the ultimate goal of creating spiritually healthy followers of Jesus here at The Vineyard Church.
At Vineyard since: 2022
On staffsince: 2023
Following Jesussince: 2002
Previous work: Profit Center Manager - All Phase Electric Supply
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Profit Center Manager - All Phase Electric Supply
Married to: Eden Murray
Children: Evelyn Murray
Favorite Scripture: John 15
Favorite TV show: Home Town
Isaiah Owen
Assistant Director of Maintenance
I am the Assistant Director of Maintenance. It is my goal to help maintain the building and grounds to create welcoming, clean, and distraction less environments. As well as overseeing the maintenance, cleaning, and auto repair teams!
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Carpenters Apprentice at First Response
Married to: Elora Owen since 2021
Favorite Verse: Hebrews 11:1
Favorite Food: Biscuits and Gravy
Favorite Book: Authority in Prayer by Dutch Sheets
Joel Patterson
Director of Communications
I work with each ministry of our church to plan and implement effective communications through our website, social media, print, and word of mouth. My goal is that each person will hear exactly what they need to hear.
At Vineyard since: 2004
On staff since: 2010
Following Jesus since: Age 5
Previous work: Adjunct Math Teacher
Married to: Sara Patterson since 2010
Children: Harper, Eleanor, and Davis
Favorite verses: Luke 18:13-14
Favorite Food: Candy
Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride
Hannah Phillips
Assistant Director of Children's Ministry
I help run programming for Vineyard Kids. I also help coordinate and organize opportunities to build connection points between Vineyard Kids.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Favorite verse: Proverbs 19:21
Previous work: Physical Therapy Technician
Married to: Michael Phillips since 2022
Favorite vacation spot: Denver, Colorado
Favorite activity: Anything outside!
Mark Pope
Lead Pastor
Mark Pope is the founder and Lead Pastor of The Vineyard Church. Mark became a follower of Jesus in June of 1983 as a young adult. He graduated from Purdue University with a B.A. in Psychology, and later earned a Master's Degree in Ministry from Bethel College. Mark and his wife, Denise, started The Vineyard Church in the basement of his home in November of 1995. He is the primary weekend teacher here at The Vineyard and is passionate about sharing the life-changing story of Jesus in a way that makes it accessible to as many as possible.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Pastor
Married to: Denise Pope since 1990
Children: Leah, Isaac, and Anna Pope
Favorite Food: Burrito Supreme
Favorite Movie: Nacho Libre
Diane Shoemaker
Accountant
I am the Accountant for The Vineyard Church. My overall responsibilities include the accounting, recordkeeping and financial reporting for the church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: CPA
Married to: Larry since 1985
Children: Kaitlyn and Ben
Favorite verses: Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere we can go as a family
Favorite Book: The Circlemaker by Mark Batterson
Kathy Smarrella
Pastor of Missions & Outreach
I direct our community outreach—which includes the Vineyard Community Center—and our missions efforts, helping the church become the hands and feet of Jesus in our community and across the world. I also oversee spiritual development, which includes all our classes, groups, and events with the ultimate goal of creating spiritually healthy followers of Jesus here at The Vineyard Church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Events and program manager for the Institute for Peace Studies at Notre Dame
Favorite verses: Isaiah 43: 1-4
Favorite TV show: House Hunters International and Great British Bake Off
Favorite vacation spot: I loved visiting Northern Ireland a couple years ago!
Ally Steensma
Children's Ministries Intern
I am the Vineyard Kids Intern, so I do a lot of behind the scenes stuff like helping plan and edit lessons, setting up rooms, and coming up with games and activities for Sundays. I also will be helping out with church events that happen during my internship.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: I am still currently working at Walmart doing apparel and attending IUSB for English Education.
Favorite scripture: Philippians 4:6-7
Favorite vacation spot: My favorite vacation spot is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. My family and I have been going there every year since I was 3.
Favorite food: My favorite food is definitely burgers, I love a classic cookout with burgers, potato salad, watermelon, etc.
Justin Stevenson
Assistant Director of Communications
As the Assistant Director of Communications, my job is to help create appealing graphics and printed material with the Creative Design and Publication teams.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: PNC Bank
Married to: Lindsey Stevenson since 2014
Children: Everly
Favorite verses: Isaiah 61:1-4
Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation
Favorite Activity: Playing board games with my wife, daughter, and two cats, Taylor Swift and Samson
Landon Story
Leadership Development and Young Adults Intern
I came on staff as a Leadership Development and Young Adults Intern to gain experience in many different areas of Ministry at the Church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: High School Student
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite activity: Quality time with friends
Favorite sport: Football
Amanda Winkleblack
Coordinator of Outreach & Missions
I assist with planning and executing outreach initiatives and special events in hopes that people feel the love of Jesus.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: College Student
Children: Blake, Aiden, and Callie
Favorite Scripture: I love John 8…“let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone”.
Favorite Food: I’m a foodie so all of it - Mexican, Thai, Indian, Italian, Turkish…
Favorite Activity: Visiting small towns, beach towns, enjoying local sites, eateries & shops.
Dan Yoder
Assistant Director of Digital Media
I am responsible for photography and social media at The Vineyard Church. This is done through gathering content for our social platforms and leading our volunteer Social Media & Photography Team.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Aldi
Favorite scripture: Galatians 2:20
Favorite TV show: Survivor
Favorite activity: Traveling and going to coffee shops