Chris is the Lead Pastor at Central Church. His primary role is administration and visioning, collaborating with all staff, and growing Central’s witness in the community. He has a passion for the church of Jesus Christ being externally focused, building bridges with the Gospel’s good news, and embodying an inclusive joy through all we do.… Read More »

Linda is the Associate Pastor at Central Church. Her primary role is worship, and she provides leadership in ministries of care, outreach, education, and communications. She has a passion for creating high-functioning systems and for imagining ministries that foster justice and inclusion. She spends her free time skiing in the woods or with a book… Read More »

In addition to his role at Central Church, Tom Bara is Instructor of Organ and Assistant Director of Music at the Interlochen Arts Academy and Arts Camp, Interlochen, Michigan. Tom came to Central from Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, New York City, where he worked as Assistant Organist under Gerre Hancock. A graduate of the… Read More »

Kim Burch is the Communications Director at Central Church.  Her primary role is to spread the love of Jesus in the church and community through a variety of media channels including producing worship, print and digital communications and managing the church website.  She has a passion for finding new ways to engage with people wherever… Read More »

Katie Butera is the Adult Education Director at Central Church. Her primary role is to oversee Central’s spiritual enrichment opportunities and fellowship offerings.  She has a passion for compassionate communication, meaningful connections, and intellectual curiosity in her ministry with Central Church.  She is grateful to live in town and use her bicycle for transportation. She… Read More »

Jeffrey Cobb is the Director of Music at Central Church. His primary role is overseeing the Music Ministry area, directing the Chancel Choir, and leading the Well Worship Team. He has a passion for transforming and connecting with people through the power of music in his ministry with Central Church. Jeffrey is also the Director… Read More »

Sue Cobb is the winter Office Assistant at Central Church. Her primary role is organizing volunteers for the “window” desk, maintaining accurate records in the church membership database, and other tasks as assigned.  As a “semi-retired” CPA, she has a passion for numbers, but also enjoys knitting and music, and is passionately involved at Central… Read More »

Dr. Michael Coonrod is the Chancel Choir accompanist at Central Church.  His primary roles included helping to prepare the choir for Sunday worship services and play piano for them when needed.  It is my pleasure to help people inside and outside of church. My profession is teaching classical piano to students at the Interlochen Center… Read More »

Lucy DeKorne is the Nursery Director at Central. She has a passion for helping children learn and grow using free and collaborative play, independent skill-building, arts and crafts, and games. She also sees collaboration with and support of parents, guardians, and staff at Central as a vital part of her ministry. Lucy’s favorite memories are… Read More »

Darcy is the Business Administrator/Treasurer at Central Church. Her primary role is all things business related and overseeing the finances of the church.  She has a passion for leading the congregation into a fuller understanding of the discipleship of stewardship in her ministry with Central Church.  Darcy loves all things Doctor Who, The Amazing Race… Read More »

Sarah Drews is the Health and Wellness Advocate at Central Church. Her primary role is to advocate for the link between Christian discipleship and health and wholeness.  She will work to connect people to health and wellness resources in our community, coordinate with the parish visitor program, and help to plan and even lead classes… Read More »

Amber Hassler is the Social Media Coordintor at Central Church. Her primary role is spreading the gospel of Christ and expressing Central’s mission beyond our doors. She has a passion for social connection in her ministry with Central Church.  Amber uses social media as a part of her parenting “village” to raise her four children… Read More »

Beth Hines is the Finance Secretary and Treasurer’s Assistant. Her primary role is to manage and track contributions and handle accounts payable. She has a passion for creating clarity and accuracy with numbers in her ministry at Central Church. She has been attending Central Church since she was a baby and loves how it has… Read More »

Erica has a passion for working with children! She is married to Kevin and a mother to two beautiful daughters, Isabelle and Aria. She enjoys spending time with my family, disc golfing, kayaking, or just hanging out. Her faith journey started with a book, ”A Purpose Driven Life.” It didn’t take her long to realize she was important and also important to God. It changed her life around, and she is so very grateful! She is excited to have the chance to work together as a team to make things work together for God’s good!

Jane Lippert is the Community Outreach Coordinator at Central Church. Her primary role is feeding and resourcing people experiencing homelessness and financial insecurity. She has a passion for treating each and every person with respect in her ministry with Central Church.  Her favorite time of day is coming home to the zealously wagging tails of Boris and Floyd, her family’s dogs.

Bob McCutcheon is the Assistant Custodian at Central Church. His primary roles are cleaning the church, setting up for groups and events and patrolling the building on Sunday mornings and during the weekday evening hours.  He has a passion for welcoming and helping people feel comfortable at Central Church.  Bob is an avid baseball fan… Read More »

Linda Peters is the summer Office Assistant at Central Church. Her primary role is keeping all aspects of the membership process up to date,  assisting callers with every imaginable church related circumstance and coordinating the wonderful office volunteers.  She has a passion for helping people and Creation Stewardship in her ministry with Central Church.  She… Read More »

Lisa Thomas is the Youth Director at Central Church. Her primary role is leading our youth ministry for middle and high school students. She has a passion for helping students grow in their faith in her ministry at Central Church. Lisa and her husband Dave have been involved in youth ministry for many years, with… Read More »