Lafayette Community Church is governed by a biblically motivated system of leadership. The focus of leadership is helping others grow spiritually within a context of mutual accountability.

Elders

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. — Titus 1:5

The Bible teaches clearly that every church should have a leadership team composed of men with the highest character. They are called by different names in the Bible depending on translations, but here are some English words that are used: elder, pastor, shepherd, apostle, bishop, overseer. We use the term Elder.

Jeff Mikels, Lead Pastor

Jeff and Jen have been married since May 17, 1997, and have two children, Charlie and Katie.

Born in Colorado, and raised in California as the son of a Pastor, Jeff came to the midwest for college and received a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Philosophy from Wheaton College. But don’t let the degree fool you. He’s not your typical anti-social math nerd!

Jeff has always had a passion for helping others get closer to God, so after graduating, he and Jen moved to Denver where he completed the Master of Divinity program at Denver Seminary and was recognized by professors and peers for his gift of communicating the relevance of God’s Word for today both through personal counseling and public preaching.

Jen was raised in a Catholic home near Valparaiso, Indiana and made a personal commitment to Jesus at an early age. She graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering. She has a deep love for her family, is a caring mother, and has a passion to see other people grow closer to Jesus.

For five years, Jeff and Jen lived in the city of Chicago where Jeff served Northwest Baptist Church as Senior Pastor. It was during that time that Jeff and Jen met Gary Rohrmayer, Director of Converge MidAmerica Church Planting and attended a TeAMerica Church Planter’s Assessment Center where they were given the highest recommendation for aspiring church planters.

Jeff’s Links:

• Jeff’s Blog
• Jeff’s Twitter Feed
• Jeff’s Facebook Page

Reggie Alderman, Operations Pastor

• Favorite Book: The Purpose Driven Life
• Favorite Movie: Lord of the Rings…Bucket List
• Favorite TV Show: 24
• Music I’m listening to: K-Love, 70’s, Beatles
• What I like about LCC: its casual, contemporary approach to worship
• Why I do what I do at the church: it fulfills how God has shaped my life—preacher, missionary, counselor

Dave Hynes

After being born at an early age, I accepted Christ at the age of 19. I’ve worked as a race car mechanic and an engineer, and now I’m in grad school at Purdue earning a Master’s Degree in Horticulture. I’m married to Kristin and have a son, Jonathan. My favorite book is anything to do with history, especially racing and Indy 500 history. I don’t really watch TV, but my favorite movies are the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series. I really love the people at LCC, and Jeff’s sermons are challenging and encouraging. I do what I do because I want to serve and see others grow in Christ.

Ministry Team Leaders

We also have a number of people serving in positions of ministry leadership.

Kim Baumgardt

Yellow and Purple Zone (Children’s Ministry)

I love children’s literature, my favorites are anything by Erick Carle, Jan Brett, or Gail Gibbons. My favorite movies are Grease and Pride and Prejudice. My favorite TV show is Brothers and Sisters. I love any music on KLove especially Mike’s Chair and Jeremy Camp.

What I love about Lafayette Community Church is the atmosphere and what we believe in, and I would be lost without Life Group.

Why do I lead the Purple and Yellow Zone’s in the children’s ministry? Because I love children and Jesus and I want to be part of the magic that takes place when children except Jesus into there heart. I also think the children’s ministry is where the party is each Sunday!! I don’t know who wouldn’t want to be there!

Kerrie Barnes

Green Zone (Children’s Ministry)

I am a child of God who’s known Him my whole life but grown closer to Him in the last several years. I am happily married to my husband, Chris, of 4 years. I’m a civil engineer but you probably wouldn’t know it when you first meet me. I enjoy being active outside, scrapbooking, and playing with my crazy dog.

Life Groups

Finally, we have a number of great people leading our Life Groups. For more information on them, click on the Life Groups link in the menu bar above.