
Blackhawk Ministries and Blackhawk Christian School Staff
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Arlan & Linda Friesen
Deacon
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Bill & Patty Culp
Deacon
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Cami Wharton
Reception
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Cheryl Pulver
Youth (5th-8th) Director
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Chip Clark
Worship Pastor
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Christian Whitmer
Communications Pastor
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Curtis Smith
Elder
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Daniel Stewart
Band Lead & Communications Assistant
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Dave & Gail Rosner
Deacon
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Dave Rottmeyer
Facilities
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David & Lori Miller
Deacon
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Don & Jane Seely
Deacon
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Doug Crane
Elder Chairman
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Dr. Kevin Rivers
Lead Pastor
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Drew Mosier
Technical Assistant
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Ed & Carrie Ferrier
Deacon
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Eric & Heidi Emley
Deacon
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Ethan Shaull
Facilities
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Jamie Mosier
Assistant Controller
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Jessica Clayton
Wedding Coordinator
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Jim & Barb Williams
Deacon
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Jim & Marie Doty
Deacon
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Josh Raber
Youth (5th-8th) Assistant Director
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Judy Study
Business Office
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Karen Maley
Facilities
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Katie Dwyer
Gather Team Project Coordinator
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Kevin Newbry
Head of Schools
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Koontz
Blackhawk Ministries Service Dog
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Leah Hilton
Children's Ministry Assistant Director
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Linda Pearson
Executive Director
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Mark “Weaz” Hammond
Students (9th-12th) and Young Adult Pastor
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Mark & Michelle Ahrens
Deacon
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Matt Kuntz
Technical Director
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Matt Maurizi
Facilities
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Micah & Sarah Quick
Deacon
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Mike & Kathy Rowland
Care Pastor
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Milt & Monica Lengacher
Deacon
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Neil & Von Clay
Deacon
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Phil Ferguson
Elder
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Rhys Barnhart
Assistant Facilities Director
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Rich Tavierne
Stewardship Pastor
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Rick & Diane Raber
Deacon
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Rick Huls
Elder
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Robert Munoz
Facilities
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Samantha Maurizi
Assistant Children's Ministry Director
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Scott Berry
Elder
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Steve Connelly
Elder
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Steve Webster
Adult and Care Pastor
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Tate Study
Facilities Director
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Tonya Hammond
Communications Assistant
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Tyler Study
Facilities

Arlan & Linda Friesen
Deacon
We?ve been married for nearly 33 years and have 4 adult children. Linda has been at Blackhawk since age 8. We were married in the Chapel (now the Youth Room) in 1984 and have served here ever since, aside from a 10-year stint serving at the Love Church. We currently participate in the Double Exposure LIFE Group and Marriage Matters, and teach Children?s Sunday School in the summer. We are thrilled to be experiencing the life-changing power of Jesus Christ in community with others, being loved and loving others, learning and applying God?s living Word, worshipping together, and being with others who desire to reach out to those around us.

Bill & Patty Culp
Deacon
We have been married 45 years this December. We have 3 adult children: Andrew, David, and Sarah, all living out-of-state (Madison, Wisconsin, Denver, Colorado, and San Diego, California), and 8 near-perfect grandchildren. We have been at Blackhawk since 1979, and are currently serving as Shepherds over 3 LIFE Groups. We’re excited to be a part of this new season at Blackhawk. We know that God has a great plan to mature us, and bring Him glory, and we don’t want to miss it.

Cami Wharton
Reception

Cheryl Pulver
Youth (5th-8th) Director

Chip Clark
Worship Pastor

Christian Whitmer
Communications Pastor

Curtis Smith
Elder
My wife, Jessie, and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary this year. We have 3 sons: Brooks, Jake, and Luke. All 3 attended Blackhawk Christian School since kindergarten. Luke will graduate in 2020, giving us 3 BCS alums. Later this year, Brooks will marry his fianc?, Stacie, and we will have a daughter-in-law. We have attended Blackhawk since December 1995, just 2 months after moving to Fort Wayne. Over those years, I have been involved in Blackhawk as a Sunday School Teacher, a Youth Basketball Coach, and a member of the Sunday Morning On-Stage Team. Jessie has been an Art Teacher at BCS for the past 10 years. We love Blackhawk because Jesus is at the center of everything the church does, and the people of Blackhawk are so warm and loving. This congregation helped make Fort Wayne our home, despite not being born and raised here. I work at Parkview Health, where I am the Corporate Director of Community Engagement.

Daniel Stewart
Band Lead & Communications Assistant

Dave & Gail Rosner
Deacon
Gail and I have been married 36 years and have 3 grown children and 1 grandson. I currently work for the MEDPRO GROUP as an Account Executive Team Trainer. Before coming to Blackhawk, I served as an ordained Pastor of two Grace Brethren Churches. We have been attending Blackhawk Ministries for over 10 years now. I am currently serving as part of the Worship Team and play the guitar most Sundays; I also serve on the Worship Arts Team, helping with the planning and direction of our worship services. Both Gail and I have gone on short-term mission trips and have had our hearts challenged to see the need for the gospel here and around the world. We are excited to see what God is doing and will do as we reach Fort Wayne (the One Five) and the world with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.

Dave Rottmeyer
Facilities

David & Lori Miller
Deacon
Lori and I have been married for 46 years. We have 5 adult children and 14 grandchildren, one of whom is awaiting us in heaven. We are busy and active in our careers. Lori is a Nurse Practitioner. I am an Electrical Contractor and have rental properties. For 24 years, Blackhawk has been our church home. We have served in LIFE Groups for the past 15 years and are currently leading a LIFE Group. Lori and I are drawn to young adults. Presently, we are active in Grafted. Having been adoptive parents and grandparents, our hearts are touched by the Grafted focus which resonates with our heartbeat. We love our church’s mission purpose and feel blessed to support where opportunity has permitted. We especially love to support the missionary family in Poland. I am excited to serve our church as a Deacon and covet your prayers that God will use me to accomplish His will.

Don & Jane Seely
Deacon
We are the parents of Craig and Kyle Seely, and we have 4 grandchildren. In November, Jane and I will celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. We have been at Blackhawk since 1979 (about 38 years) and are currently serving on the Elder Board and with the Steward Team. We are members of the Dialogue Class and lead a smaller LIFE Group in our home that meets twice monthly on Tuesday evenings. We are currently studying Romans. We have always loved Blackhawk for the truth in God?s Word that is dutifully taught each week. It is most exciting to see what He is doing now in really growing our body both spiritually and in the new lives coming to Christ each week. Jane and I are both excited and feel privileged to be a part of this ministry.

Doug Crane
Elder Chairman
I have been married 32 years to Tammy, and we have 3 grown children: Amy (now Krebs, married to Nick), Alyssa, and Austin, and 2 grandchildren: Avery and Knox. We have been at Blackhawk for 27 years and lead a LIFE Group that meets each Tuesday. We are excited to see God continue to pour out His grace and mercy on this church. I’m most excited about our current momentum as seen in the new waves of people coming to faith in Christ!

Dr. Kevin Rivers
Lead Pastor
Jessica and I have been married since 2006, and we have three amazing kids: Caleb, Callie, and Kya. Our family came to Blackhawk in the fall of 2016, and it?s been a joy to become a part of this incredible church family. Serving as the Lead Pastor at Blackhawk Ministries is a privilege and a responsibility that we consider a family calling God has indeed orchestrated as only He can do. Seeing Jesus made famous in our community and around the world not only excites me, but it also drives and compels me every single day to live and lead with purpose. I absolutely love helping people find hope through Jesus and seeing them get connected and equipped in His church!

Drew Mosier
Technical Assistant

Ed & Carrie Ferrier
Deacon
Carrie and I have been married for 37 years, and Blackhawk has been our church home for over 20 years. We have two married sons, Daniel (& Katelyn) and David (& Meredith) and two grandsons, Deacon and Elliot. Over the years I have been actively involved in the school board, school musicals, choir, band, Our Future Together, the Steward Team and a very brief stint as a helper in the 2-1/2-year-old’s Sunday school class. I am excited to serve the Blackhawk family and look forward to growing together.

Eric & Heidi Emley
Deacon
We have been married since 2006 and have been blessed with 3 children, each unique in their own way. Eric has been attending Blackhawk since 2000 and has served in the past with the Drama Team, Friendship Class, and Greeter Ministry, and currently serves on the Security Team. After marriage, Heidi began attending Blackhawk and has served in Blackhawk Kids every year. In Eric?s daily life, he is an IT Administrator, while Heidi works from home. We are excited about the growth of our church as we continue to speak the truth and show love to those who enter through the doors. Matthew 22:37-40

Ethan Shaull
Facilities

Jamie Mosier
Assistant Controller

Jessica Clayton
Wedding Coordinator

Jim & Barb Williams
Deacon
Barb invited me to attend the Blackhawk Church Singles Group in 1974. In 1979 I became a Christian, and later that year, we were married. During our attendance, I served several years on the Collection Counting Team and also served as a Greeter. Barb?s time was spent raising our 3 girls. Our blended family has expanded to 8 grandchildren. I am now retired from corporate life, and we spend time among our family, LIFE Group, Sunday School Class and Bible Studies. It is good to see the continued weekly decisions made for Christ and frequent baptisms which show that God is alive at Blackhawk.

Jim & Marie Doty
Deacon
Marie and I have been married 45 years and have 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I am currently a semi-retired CPA. I work during tax season, and garden and do yard work the rest of the year. Marie and I have attended Blackhawk for 37 years. Also, Marie and I help with the Student Ministry. The exciting thing for me is the ?new-ness? that I feel about what is happening. People are making new commitments (we witness the raising of hands after every message) and getting baptized. We are on the move again, and Satan must hate it, so we need to be aware.

Josh Raber
Youth (5th-8th) Assistant Director

Judy Study
Business Office

Karen Maley
Facilities

Katie Dwyer
Gather Team Project Coordinator

Kevin Newbry
Head of Schools

Koontz
Blackhawk Ministries Service Dog
Koontz has been trained through Indiana Canine Assistance Network, ICAN, and will be serving as a fulltime member of the Blackhawk Ministries and Blackhawk Christian Schools staff.
He is named after Deputy Officer Carl Koontz who unfortunately lost his life while serving with the Sheriff’s Office in Howard County, Indiana. Officer Koontz was a kind and loving Husband, Father, and Officer and is greatly missed. Koontz will continue Officer Koontz?s example of loving and serving here at Blackhawk.
Koontz will be of great assistance to all who work, attend, or are involved in Blackhawk Ministries and Blackhawk Christian School. Koontz will be used to provide support to students who are
struggling with various issues, such as anxiety, grief, conflict resolution, behavior, and help to develop greater empathy in our students for others, and also as a nonthreatening way to discuss difficult topics such as death, social differences, and hygiene.
We are excited to have Koontz join our staff, so please stop in and say ?Hi? to our new friend.

Leah Hilton
Children's Ministry Assistant Director

Linda Pearson
Executive Director

Mark “Weaz” Hammond
Students (9th-12th) and Young Adult Pastor

Mark & Michelle Ahrens
Deacon
Michelle and I will be celebrating 29 years of marriage this coming September. We have been blessed with 3 wonderful children. Our 2 oldest are now married, and the youngest is finishing up his sophomore year of college. I have attended Blackhawk for over 33 years. I am currently serving on the Steward Team, using over 32 years of experience in corporate accounting and finance. I also served for many years in the Music Ministry as a part of the Choir and Worship Team. Michelle is a graduate of Blackhawk Christian School, so she has been around this place for much longer. Michelle has, and continues to serve in Children?s Ministries. It has truly been exciting for both of us to see first-hand God?s faithfulness and provision over the years here at Blackhawk. ?HE? continues to use this ministry in a strong and mighty way for ?HIS? purposes.

Matt Kuntz
Technical Director

Matt Maurizi
Facilities

Micah & Sarah Quick
Deacon
Sarah and I have been married for 11 years and have 2 children: 4-year-old son Silas, and 3-year-old daughter Abigail. We have been members of Blackhawk for 2 years and serve in Blackhawk Kids, Young Adult, Women’s, and Simple Suppers ministries. We love being a part of a church where scripture and its authority is taught every week both to us and to our children, and opportunities to both serve and grow relationships with others are abundant.

Mike & Kathy Rowland
Care Pastor
We have been married for 55 years and have 5 adult children, 3 of whom are serving our Lord in full-time ministry. We also have 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 2 more arriving shortly. We have been attending Blackhawk since 1990, aside from a 9-year stint to help our son plant a church. Mike currently serves on the Care Team and is the teacher for the Excel Class. Kathy and I are excited about the direction of our church. Souls are being won, lives are being changed, and above all, God is glorified! Kathy and I look forward to being involved in the “equipping process.”

Milt & Monica Lengacher
Deacon
We have both been at Blackhawk and in the same LIFE Group for about 11 years. We began dating after Milt?s first wife, Deana, went home to heaven after a long illness. Milt has 2 daughters, both married, and 6 grandchildren. Milt serves as the Excel LIFE Group Leader, and Monica serves with the Communion Deaconess Team and is a Greeter at Door 3 on Sunday morning. Over the last 11 years, we have come to love the pure biblical, missional teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and the ongoing closeness of our small group family. We are always asking the Lord for His vision and plan for us regarding serving the King?s family here at Blackhawk and wait in eager anticipation of future serving opportunities He brings to us.

Neil & Von Clay
Deacon
We have been married 50 years and have 3 children who graduated from BCS, and 5 grandchildren who have attended BCS. We have been members of Blackhawk since 1974 (43 years). Neil has been a deacon every year and a LIFE Group leader, first for Young Marrieds, and then for the Discovery Class. What excites me is God bringing Pastor Kevin and his family to Blackhawk, and God using him to draw people to Himself literally every week!

Phil Ferguson
Elder
Sheryl and I have been married for 39 years and have 2 daughters: Rachel and Vanessa, one son-in-law James, one grandson James Phillip. We have been members of Blackhawk for 5 years and serve in Marriage Matters, Double Exposure, Cub Scouts, and Church Security Team. We are excited about the worship experience and serving in a church where lives are being changed each week, and the life community where we can connect with other believers.

Rhys Barnhart
Assistant Facilities Director

Rich Tavierne
Stewardship Pastor

Rick & Diane Raber
Deacon
Diane and I have been married for 27 years. God has given us 3 sons: Caleb, Josh, and Zach. I have been involved at various levels here at Blackhawk since 1986, and I currently serve in the roles of Elder, Shepherding Team Member, and Dialogue LIFE Group Teacher. I am so excited to be at a place where my family is encouraged and challenged to model the life of Jesus every week. I am so grateful to see the multi-generational body of Christ worshipping and serving side by side. We value a church family that has helped develop three sons, who prioritize their lives to participate and serve in ways that live out the gospel in their relationships outside the walls of Blackhawk.

Rick Huls
Elder
My wife, Sheri, and I will celebrate 52 years of marriage in August, 2020. We have two daughters, Pam and Peg, who both attended Blackhawk Christian School. We have a son-in-law, Brandon, married to Pam, and their 3 daughters, Analise, Maisie, and Sadie. They live in Kearney, Nebraska while Peg resides in Ft. Worth, Texas. I am a retired music educator having taught at Jefferson Middle School for 40 years. I also coached track and volleyball at the school, plus 22 years of club volleyball, and 15 years as a volleyball official. We began attending Blackhawk in 1976 where I served in the music ministry, being a part of the choir, Blackhawk Singers, and the Mensingers Quartet. In 1992, we felt called to be a part of a new church plant in Ft. Wayne. We were involved in that ministry until 2016 when we felt the Lord’s leading us to return to Blackhawk. Sheri and I are currently serving as co-leaders of the Godfrey/Huls Life group. We are also staff volunteers for Turning Point Ministries and Dr. Jeremiah. In addition, I direct our Brass, Woodwind, and String band and serve as a First Impressions greeter for the second service. I am looking forward to serving our church as we seek to Light the One Five.

Robert Munoz
Facilities

Samantha Maurizi
Assistant Children's Ministry Director

Scott Berry
Elder
I have been married to Laurie for 25 years, and we have two grown children: Nick and Miranda, who both graduated from Blackhawk Christian School. I am a CPA and have specialized in not-for-profit finance for the last 10 years. We have been at Blackhawk for almost 14 years, and during that time I have served as a greeter and more recently, on the stewardship team. We are excited to see God at work at Blackhawk and to have the opportunity to serve Him here. Blackhawk has great momentum, and we look forward to seeing His name raised high as we light the One Five together.

Steve Connelly
Elder
I have been married for 19 years to a beautiful woman who challenges me to become a better man of God. We have 5 boys: Donovan 18, Gabriel 16, Jadon born and deceased in 2005, Brennan 13, and Samuel 9. We have been members of Blackhawk for 10 years, serving in Blackhawk Kids, Blackhawk Ministries’ LIFE Groups, NeighborLink, Blackhawk Christian School Board Member, and BCS Cross Country and Track Coach. We are humbled to see God’s faithfulness, His provision, and the refining He has showered upon the church, and it’s ministries. We are very encouraged to see how unified the church and Blackhawk Christian School have become, and are excited to be a part of how God will use both to bless the community He wants us to reach.

Steve Webster
Adult and Care Pastor

Tate Study
Facilities Director

Tonya Hammond
Communications Assistant
