Staff & Leadership

Larry Bledsoe

Custodian

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

I learned guitar at 45 years old.

WHAT’S THE OLDEST PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU OWN AND STILL WEAR?

Army Jacket from 1971

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE BEVERAGE?

Carmel Frappe

Dana Bowling

Counselor

Dana has served as a Counselor at Community Downtown since 2009. She provides individual counseling to women and children as well as supervision for the counseling program. One of her favorite things is to watch people change and grow as they learn to see themselves and their circumstances through God's truth rather than the Satan's lies. Her previous work experience includes working with youth in the justice system, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and victims/survivors of domestic violence and trauma. Dana is married to Shane and has three adult step-children: Scott (and his wife Dania), Sarah, and Derek.

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP:

I wanted to be a professor at Gallaudet University (premier college for individuals who were deaf or hard of hearing).

BIGGEST PET PEEVE:

When pillows are not arranged in a neat and organized fashion.

SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO:

I love to grow flowers and make floral arrangement to give others. I always wanted to work in a floral shop.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF BY MASHING UP TWO FICTIONAL CHARACTERS:

Mr. Miyagi meets Mrs. Doubtfire

Lewis Childress

Custodian

Lewis has been serving as a Custodian since July of 2018. He helps oversee the maintenance of the building to make sure everything is running in tip-top shape. He is a handyman and can take on just about any project. He is a tremendous add to our team and we love seeing him working hard.

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

I love working on home projects and making people happy.

FAVORITE ROAD TRIP SNACK:

PB&J Sandwich

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

Restore Vintage Cars

SOMETHING UNUSUAL YOU KEEP IN YOUR CAR?

Napkins

Emily Clark

Administrative Assistant

Emily has served as one an Administrative Assistant since August of 2022. She works closely with Wendy Foster & Melissa Teo in our Communications and Connections area. She is a graduate Ball State University where her focus was on Family Studies. She and her husband Michael have 3 children: Makenzie, Jace, and Allie. 

WHAT'S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITIONS?

Spending Summers at Lake Cumberland

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE BEVERAGE:

White Mocha

WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

The Beach

PODCASTS YOU LOVE:

Knowing Faith, Risen Motherhood, and Thirty Minutes with the Perrys

Keri Combs

Little Seeds Coordinator

Keri has been on staff since 2013 and currently serves as our Little Seeds Coordinator. She loves being a small part of what God is doing in the lives of kids and families at the CCC. When a child accepts Christ, or when a child hears a story from the Bible for the first time, she is ecstatic! When she is not here at the church, you can usually find her spending time with her husband, Steve, and her four children: Matthew, Anna, Ellie, and Megan.

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP:

I always wanted to be a mom and a teacher.

TELL US ONE OF YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES:

I remember as a child spending time with my grandparents. A highlight was when my grandparents came to know the Lord.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

Someone once told me that when people are the hardest to love is when they need to be loved the most.

BIGGEST PET PEEVE:

When people chew with their mouth open and I can hear them chewing.

Everett Dolphin

Custodian

Daniel Douglas

Associate Director of Student Community

WHERE'S YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

Camp Barakel, where I grew up!

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS STILL ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:

Go to Hawaii

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE BEVERAGE?

V60 Pour over

IF YOU COULD ONLY WATCH ONE MOVIE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Luke Erb

Associate Pastor

Luke serves as CCC's Associate Pastor. He is responsible for all things Discipleship and Groups at the church. Luke is originally from Brazil... Not the country, but the town in Indiana. He loves to spend time with his wife, Billie, and his four children, Lachlan, Cyrus, Neorah and Galina. He is also an avid reader and active outdoorsman.  

TELL US ONE OF YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES:

Playing soccer. 

WORST VACATION MEMORY:

Breaking my leg on Sabbatical.

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE BEVERAGE?

Americano

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE IN HISTORY, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Moses

Frank Escoto

Pastor of Hispanic Community

Frank is CCC's Pastor of Hispanic Ministry. In 1985, he became a member of Iglesia Biblica del Señor Jesucristo (IBSJ), where he attended the Spurgeon Seminary, after completing his master’s degree in youth health and becoming a Doctor of Medicine. Frank served as a deacon at his church in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and directed the Emergency Medical and Disasters Ministry, until he moved to the United States in 2006. He is married to Mirna and has three kids: Francell (married to Timothy), Claudia and Josue (married to Paola). They also have 3 grandkids, Timothy, Adelle, and Mia. 

Jamie Evans

Office Assistant at Community Downtown

Jamie joined Community Downtown (CDT) as an Office Assistant back in 2020. She welcomes and connects individuals and families to the hope and healing that they need. She is married to her husband, Karl, and has four amazing kids: Addison, Jocylon, Landon, & Colton. 

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

I am a Special Deputy and have a key to the jail.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

Never stop dating your spouse!

WHAT’S THE OLDEST PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU OWN AND STILL WEAR?

IUPUI Swimming and Diving T-Shirt. 

WHAT'S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITIONS?

Vacations to North Carolina, Christmas Tree decorating, and matching pajamas

Jacob Foster

Director of Worship and Production

As the Director of Worship and Production, Jacob directs our worship and production teams for Sunday morning and Holiday services. He loves seeing people gather to worship our creator together. He is a master at systems and logistics, having graduated from Ball State with a degree in Business Information Systems. When he isn't working at Konica Minolta or here at the church, you can find him golfing, playing boardgames with friends, or spending time with his wife, Jessica, and his daughter, Emma.

REALITY TV SHOW YOU’D WANT TO BE ON:

Big Brother

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP:

Worship Leader, Professional Musician / Sound Engineer

BIGGEST PET PEEVE:

People using "a couple" to refer to a quantity of more than two.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS STILL ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:

Play a round of golf at Pebble Beach

Jordan Foster

Student Community Worship Coordinator

While Jordan has grown up in CCC, he currently serves as our Student Community Worship Coordinator. He oversees our Middle School & High School students that are interested in being involved in the worship and production teams. When he isn't working at Cummins or working out at Crossfit Ripcord, you can find him taking care of his Golden Retriever, Winston, playing music, or wishing he was out on a boat on a lake somewhere. 

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

I first started in worship ministry at CCC in kids church playing bass at 8 years old.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE OR BIBLE PASSAGE:

Isaiah 40:28-31

ANY PET PEEVES?

People who don't use their turn signals.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS STILL ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:

Visit all the natural wonders of the world.

Wendy Foster

Director of Connections & Communication

Wendy serves as our Director of Connections and Communications. She ensures connections and streamlines communication through the CCC body. Wendy served as Director of Children’s Ministries from 2006-2011. She returned to staff in 2021 to serve in her current role. Wendy holds a Masters in Education, Supervision, and Administration from Ball State University.  Outside of the office, Wendy loves to spend time with her husband, Mark, and her five children: Jacob, Jordan, Jonathan, Dyana, and Yana. 

TELL US ONE OF YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES:

Weekend trips to the lake where we would camp, ski, fish, and sit by the all-day campfire.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE OR BIBLE PASSAGE:

James 1:2-3

SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO:

Coffee with Friends

WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

Quiet woods in early Fall near creek bed or stream.

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE IN HISTORY, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Anne Graham Lotz

Amy Franklin

Elementary Coordinator

Amy has been serving as our Elementary Coordinator since 2018, but has been a member of CCC since August of 1996. She loves being apart of our Community Kids Team and loves to see when children grow in the relationship with Jesus. She is married to her husband, Matt, and has two children, Hannah & Kate.  

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

I've lived in Japan on three occasions, most recently in Tokyo for three years.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I love to read and usually have my kindle propped up as I'm making dinner or getting ready or am listening to an audio book while cleaning the house or doing yard work.

WHEN PEOPLE LOOK AT YOU, THEY WOULD NEVER GUESS:

Most people are surprised to learn that I graduated from West Point, served in the Army for 12 years, and was a military police captain.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS?

The Hiding Place, Jane Eyre, Little Women, Love Comes Softly, Anne of Green Gables

Emily Gloeckner

Director of Early Childhood Ministry

Emily has been serving as CCC's Director of Early Childhood Ministry since 2008. She helps run and oversee the nursery and preschoolers programs at the church. Emily proudly graduated from THE Purdue University with a degree in Interior Design. Emily and her husband, Paul, have two adult children, Sarah and Rachel. 

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

I'm photosensitive which means I generally sneeze going from a dark space to light space.

FAVORITE ROAD TRIP SNACK:

Monster cookies which are loaded with chocolate chips, M&M's, peanut butter!

WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

Playing board games with my family.

FIRST ALBUM I EVER PURCHASED:

Shawn Cassidy

Scott Hundley

Director of Community Downtown

Scott is our Director of Community Downtown. From day to day he provides leadership for a team of mental health therapists, counselors, volunteers and coaches who serve the community. His passion is helping couples and individuals find restoration while equipping others to do the same. Scott and his wife, Penny, have three daughters: Paige, Chloe, and Grace.

REALITY TV SHOW YOU’D WANT TO BE ON:

Amazing Race

BIGGEST PET PEEVE:

I lose my mind when people scrape their teeth on a fork

WHEN PEOPLE LOOK AT YOU, THEY WOULD NEVER GUESS:

I sang lead in college for a band called “Painful Itch”

PODCASTS YOU LOVE:

Matthias Barker Podcast (I’m required to say that)

Alison Kennedy

Office Manager at Community Downtown

Alison serves as the Office Manager of Community Downtown (CDT). She graduated with an Indiana University bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. She taught in the Bartholomew County School Corporation before transitioning to her current position. Alison is passionate about advocating for others, and studying psychology. She is a middle child that comes from a blended family and has two daughters, Adelaide and Elise.  

FIRST ALBUM I EVER PURCHASED:

Bad Hair Day - Weird Al

DESCRIBE YOURSELF BY MASHING UP THREE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS:

Marie (Aristocats), Miss Frizzle (Magic School Bus), Jess (New Girl)

SOMETHING UNUSUAL IN YOUR PURSE/WALLET/DESK/CAR?

Insulin

THE BEST THING YOU BAKE:

Banana Bread

Brenda King

Administrative Assistant

FAVORITE ROAD TRIP SNACK:

Trail Mix

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP:

A Nurse

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS STILL ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:

Visiting all of the National Parks

Rodney Lucas

Director of Operations

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

I served in the U.S. Marines for 7 years

TELL US ONE OF YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES:

I was on a Little League Baseball team that qualified for the Little League World Series

WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

Cancun

Mike Mantooth

Lead Pastor

As CCC's Lead Pastor, Mike considers it an incredible opportunity to serve both the staff and the growing gathering of people who call CCC home. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Alyssa, and their four children, Fisher, Olive, Sophia, and Everly.  Mike’s desire is for people to know and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Mike is a proud Texan and holds a Masters of Divinity from Baylor University.    

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

Alyssa and I have lived in Guatemala and Peru 

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP:

Professional Baseball Player

TELL US ONE OF YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES:

I loved going fishing with my dad on the pier in Galveston and on vacation with my family.

BIGGEST PET PEEVE:

Rain on my glasses

Tim Nading

Custodian

Tim is one of CCC's Custodians. He joined our team back in May of 2013. In the late 2000's, his brother helped lead him back to Christ after growing up in the church. CCC is his favorite place to be. For him, he feels the presence of God and the love of others right here in our church.

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP:

Airline Pilot

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

Don't give advice unless you're ask for it.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE OR BIBLE PASSAGE:

Philippians 4:6

WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

The Church

Aimee Nguyen

Early Childhood Coordinator

Aimee has been serving as CCC's Preschool Coordinator since 2016. She loves working with the sweet kiddos and alongside the other ladies in children's ministry. Family is super important to her! She loves with her husband, Toan, and kids: Austin, Allan Joshua, Alie, and Ashton. 

FAVORITE ROAD TRIP SNACK:

Combos

WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP:

Dolphin Trainer

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

Pick your battles 

WHAT IS A SILLY THING THAT CREEPS YOU OUT?

Clowns

Brittany Perez

Counselor

Brittany joined our staff as Licensed Mental Health Counselor in April 2020. She provides counseling through Community Downtown (CDT) that allows people to heal and grow into who God created them to be. Her and her husband, Michael, stay busy parenting their three children, Samuel, Gabriel, and Olivia, as well as being foster parents.

TELL US SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT YOU:

I like to sneeze.

SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO:

Take naps all snuggled up in my bed

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS?

Brene Brown - Atlas of the Heart
John Townsend - Boundaries
Sharon Brown - Sensible Shoes series

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE BEVERAGE?

Cold brew with sweet cream foam

Hannah Poore

Elementary Coordinator

Hannah currently serves as our Elementary Coordinator. She plans and organize activities for elementary students both on Sunday mornings and at our preteen events. When she is not busy here at CCC, she can be found spending time with her husband, Tom, her two kids, Abby & Joel, and taking care of foster children. Fun fact, she graduated from THE Cedarville University in 2012, with a BA in Elementary Education and Special Education.

TELL US SOMETHING FUNNY/QUIRKY ABOUT YOU:

I like to sort my candy by color before eating it.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE OR BIBLE PASSAGE:

John 16:33

WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

Linwood Park in Vermilion Ohio

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS STILL ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:

Visit all 50 states

Jennifer Poueriet

Early Childhood Coordinator

Sherie Reed

Office & Discipleship Coordinator

Sherie serves our Discipleship Coordinator. Sherie assists Pastor Luke with Groups and Discipleship. When she is not in the office, she loves to spend time in her quilting studio and with her husband, Al. She's quite the quilter and seamstress! She has two adult kids: Mallory and Coleman.

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

I learned to sew starting about age four, and have had a needle in my hand ever since!

TELL US ONE OF YOUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES:

I grew up in the country, and there was a huge oak tree that I spent a lot of time in. It was cooler than my un-air-conditioned house, and it was a great place to read or think.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS?

Jane Eyre, the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Silmarillion, Dallas Willard's books

SOMETHING UNUSUAL IN YOUR PURSE/WALLET/DESK/CAR?

I have a small kit with 1/4" hexagons to piece into blocks while I'm waiting for appointments etc.

Karen Shelton

Director of Elementary Ministry

As our Director of Elementary Ministry, Karen is the visionary behind all the ministry that happens in Community Kids. She is passionate about sharing Jesus with kids and witnessing kids coming to know Christ in a real and personal way while learning how to follow Him. Karen and her husband, Jeff, have three children: Bethany, Caroline, and Rachel.

YOUR FAVORITE APP:

Pinterest

IF YOU COULD ONLY WATCH ONE MOVIE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Pride & Prejudice

WHAT'S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITIONS?

We love to go camping as a family and have many wonderful memories (and some really bad ones too!)

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS STILL ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:

I would love to travel to Alaska and see the glaciers and wildlife.

Adam Smith

Pastor of College & Student Community

Adam serves as our Pastor of College & Student Community. He loves to teach and walk alongside students during the best and worst parts of their teenage years. He has been on staff at since May of 2018, after graduating from Indiana Wesleyan University. He loves spending time with his wife, Hannah, reading books, and going for walks.

REALITY TV SHOW YOU’D WANT TO BE ON:

Survivor

WHAT’S SOMETHING FUNNY YOU DID WHEN YOU WERE A KID?

I called 911 as a kid to see how they were doing, got scared, and hung up. They showed up at my house a few minutes later.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

"Be a man of integrity" - My Dad

SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO:

Drink Coffee & Read Books

Melissa Teo

Office Administrator

Melissa serves as CCC's Office Administrator. She basically keeps this place running! She is a jack-of-all-trades in the administration world. Outside of the office, Melissa and her husband Boon love to travel. Together, they have 4 kids: Rachel, Vivien, Andrew, and Natalie.

AS A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP:

A Nurse or Teacher

SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO:

I love to hike and swim

WHERE’S YOUR HAPPY PLACE?

The mountains

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS STILL ON YOUR BUCKET LIST:

Hang Gliding

Edna Tuttle

Custodian

Edna is one of CCC's Custodians. She joined our team in October of 2020 and helps keep the building looking in pristine condition! She and her husband, Randy, have been happily married since 1990 and have three kids: Cristy, Megan, and Bryan. Fun fact about Edna is that she loves to go Bird Watching.

FAVORITE ROAD TRIP SNACK:

Popcorn

SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO DO:

Sit in the living room and over look the lake.

WHAT'S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITIONS?

New Years Eve - Having a table top grill with friends and family

Tim Walton

Bi-Vocational Teaching Pastor

Tim has served as our Bi-Vocational Teaching Pastor, since 2019. Teaching God’s word is a great calling the God has equipped Tim with. He also currently works at Cummins for 28 years and is currently the Director of Manufacturing Quality for the company, hence Bi-Vocational. Tim has a BSBA and a MSMA from Indiana Wesleyan university. He loves the Word of God, his wife, Sherry, and his son, Phillip. 

TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU:

I participation in a MLB tryout.

WHAT’S SOMETHING FUNNY YOU DID WHEN YOU WERE A KID?

Ran away for 1 hour, got scared, went home, and nobody noticed.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

You may not be the smartest person in the room, but you can be the hardest working.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE OR BIBLE PASSAGE:

2 Timothy 3:16

John Hurless

Elder - Secretary

John began his first term as an elder in September 2020.  John and his wife Diane were married in June, 1975.  They have three children and two grandchildren.  They became members of CCC in 2016.  John is involved with teaching in their small group and has served as a greeter.  He is a graduate of the University of Iowa and Indiana University.  John retired from Cummins in 2017 after 40 years of service.  He enjoys visiting National Parks and reading.

Paul Johnson

Elder

Paul and his wife Melinda are from Rochester, Indiana where they were high school sweethearts.  They were married in 1975 and have been blessed with three adult children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild!

They joined CCC in 2015 and have served in the prayer room, participated in small groups, helped with children’s Sunday School, and been part of Vacation Bible School.  Paul was also on the Mercy Team, served as a South Door greeter, and is a backdoor gatekeeper for the children’s wing.

Paul earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Purdue University while researching high temperature thermophysical properties of some advanced materials.  He worked in product development at Cummins for 24.5 years and then served on staff at his previous church for 6.5 years.  He is now enjoying life as a domestic engineer!

He values time with family, taking friends to their doctor appointments, watching sporting events, working on home projects, hunting, fishing, going on walks, and travel.

Richard Mauer

Elder

Matt Meek

Elder

Matt is a Bartholomew county native and life-long church attender, having joined CCC in 2009. He and his wife Christy were married in 1993 and have one daughter Ella, who is attending the University of Indianapolis. Matt has been involved in various forms of church service for most of his adult life, and feels honored to support CCC as an elder. Matt enjoys bicycling, archery, and all manner of DIY home and car projects.

Jim Rupp

Elder

Jim has been a member of CCC since 2019 and joined the elder board in 2021. Jim and his wife Stacey and have two children, Owen and Mallory. Jim moved to Columbus in 1994 after graduating from Purdue with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and leads a team of engineers at Cummins. Jim and Stacey are involved with the Oasis youth group on Sunday nights as Life Group Leaders.  Jim enjoys anything that has to do with car maintenance and repair.

Daniel Smith

Elder

Dan has been a member of CCC since 2007 when he moved to Columbus to work at Cummins.  He married Lindie in 2011.  He joined the elder board in September 2020. They now have four children and are currently foster and adoptive parents.  Dan has served as a small group leader and member of the missions planning committee for several years.  he loves to teach and is passionate about discipleship and missions.  Dan enjoys hunting and building things.

Brett Westbrook

Elder Chair

Brett is originally from Columbus, and after having lived various places moved back to the Columbus area in 2009.  Brett and his wife Maria have four children, two living on their own and two still in college.  Brett and his family joined CCC in 2010 and he and Maria have been leading a small group for many years.  Brett also led an adult education class at CCC for a number of years.  Brett and Maria have a love for internationals and a heart to see the good news of Jesus go to people around the world who have never heard it before.  Brett enjoys reading, biking, hiking, board games, various sporting events and hanging out with family and friends.