JUSTIN BROWN
Lead Pastor

Justin and his wife Sara, along with their three children, joined us in southern Indiana in 2020 (yes, that 2020). A youth pastor for more than a decade, he now follows the vision God has given him to teach and lead multiple generations. He has a passion for communicating that the Church is much more than the local body meeting in a building, but it is intended to cross all boundaries to join the work Jesus is doing in His Kingdom here on earth. He believes that if your dreams aren’t God’s dreams, then they aren’t big enough.
 

CARRIE WILSON
Children’s Ministry Director

Carrie Wilson started here as our Children’s Ministry Director in August of 2019. She has worked with children most of her life and served in ministry for several years now. Carrie lives with her husband Jeremiah and their two boys Trenton and Caleb outside of Wheatland Indiana. Carrie loves to spread the love of Jesus and His word to the children.

 

DARAH MARTIN
Youth Director

Darah is the Student Pastor here at MC Church. Passionate for students to experience the depth and breadth of God’s love and character, her vision for student ministry is that students would feel seen, heard, understood, and empowered in order to step into their God-given identity. Darah is a huge Bible nerd, and loves to invite others into the great and complex artwork that the Word of God is. She sees the student ministry as a vital part of the body of Christ, capable of continuing to bring the Kingdom of God on earth. Part of her joy in serving students and their families is getting to learn and grow from their questions, creativity, and unique perspectives.
 
This is not her first ministry job, but it is her first time being an official student pastor! She moved here in September of 2021 and is loving the community! She’s a big fan of all the nerdy things… Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter… All that! She loves story and finds that understanding the stories of others is key to loving them. Being able to step into a story and see someone — even if fictional — gives us greater grace and compassion for people. This is part of why the Bible is so meaningful to her and essential to her ministry approach. She is excited to get to know the stories of every student that she meets!

 

COURTNEY RUSCH
Worship Director

Courtney began her position as worship leader in September of 2021 but has been a member of the MC Church of God since she was born. Courtney has had a heart for leading worship since a child and has enjoyed opportunities throughout her life to do just that.  She has a desire for bringing people closer to God through music and worship both inside and outside the church building. 
Courtney has been married to her college sweetheart, Nick, since 2007 and they have 3 amazing children, EmmaLou, Jonah, and Isaiah. In her free time, she is busy with sporting events, being outside with her family, cuddling with her dog Nash and cat Callie, playing with her chickens, enjoying coffee with friends, and reading if she can find the opportunity to sit in the quiet.

 

DEANNA KOONTZ
Church Administrator

Deanna is the Church Administrator at the Monroe City First Church of God. Her duties include many clerical functions, Payroll and Accounting, Graphic Design needs , IT needs, and many other things needed to keep the church running smoothly.  She began her staff position in the Spring of 2003 and has been attending the First Church of God in Monroe City since October 2001.She has been a member of the Church of God since she was 7 years old and asked Jesus into her heart at the altar with her Dad while attending a week long creative event at the Shorewood Church of God in Shorewood IL.

Deanna is married to Darrel Koontz and they have been married for 35 years.   Deanna is also active in church by teaching, helping with VBS each year, serving on the audio visual team, Kids Hope, and serving on the Worship Team and as Worship Leader on Sunday mornings.

Some of Deanna’s favorite things are date nights with her husband, all things pink, crocheting, scrapbooking and all things creative. She is also an avid reader enjoying especially Amish Christian Fiction, Charles Martin books and Annie’s Attic Mysteries. Deanna lives in Petersburg with her husband Darrel and their beloved cat Miss Sophie.