Dave grew up in Marion, Ohio, where he experienced his call to ministry while in middle school. He began part time ministry in 1999 while working on his Seminary education. Then in 2002, he began full time ministry.
Since July of 2008, Dave has served as Lead Pastor at Bethel where he provides leadership in the care and nurture of our congregation. He sees ministry as a fulfillment of God's call on his life and an opportunity to empower others to find and live out their calls.
Outside of ministry, Dave also enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, playing soccer, reading and being outside. "God is working all around us. Our challenge is to discern what God is doing and get on board with that."
Rick, a native of Worthington, OH, has served as our Youth Pastor since June 1, 2009. He felt God calling him to ministry while in high school. This led him to Bluffton University where he and his wife, Jessica, graduated in 2005. They then married and Rick began his pastoral ministry as Youth/Associate Pastor at West Clinton Mennonite Church. While there, Rick attended Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in Elkhart, IN. He received his M.A. in Missions and Evangelism in the summer of 2009.
Outside of ministry, Rick enjoys hanging out with friends and family, playing and watching soccer, hiking, camping, playing games, cheering for the OSU football team, and eating ice cream.
"We do not speak great things, but we live them." Minucius Felix
Marla Longenecker
Secretary -
Office Hours - Wed-Fri 9am-1pm
Marla Longenecker is our church secretary. She has been a member of Bethel since 1982 and is the mother of three grown children. Her hobbies include reading, writing, knitting, scrapbooking and traveling.
