Our Leadership
Shepherding Team
EldersLaRue Bennett
John Brehm
Tom Cooke
Steve Evans
David Litzkow
John Wilkins
Deacons
Dwight Beaty
Ed Johnson
Russ Palmer
Howard Polk
Tony Sherard
Don Thornton
Don West
Mark Winter
LaRue Bennett
My spiritual journey
I was raised in an ultra-conservative Church of Christ. Even as a
young child, I can remember being upset with the continual debating and
bickering at church. I was baptized at 17, then attended Lipscomb
University. Probably the most profound change in my spiritual life came
with my introduction to the concept of Grace by one of the Bible
professors, Harvey Floyd. Later, my work in the Army as a Chaplain’s
Assistant, led to the opportunity to blend my spiritual life with my
work. This continued when we opened our Christian Bookstore in 1977.
In 1979, we came to North Central and found a “breath of fresh air” in
our lives and service to the Lord.
My work and interests
After two years of Army service, I was employed at a bank for 12 years.
In the year 1977, Marcy and I were married and started Agape Bookstore,
which we have maintained for 31 years. (Both marriage and bookstore!)
We have found great joy in the fellowship with Christians of many
different backgrounds, as well as the times to counsel and pray with
those in need. My interest include: reading (!), studying, running,
photography, and music. I also work serve on the board of a
counselling ministry.
Home, family, pets
We have three children: Chris, Bonnie, Brandon (son-in-love),
and two grandchildren, Bethany, and Bennett! Chris is headed to Yale to work on his PhD in physical chemistry. Marcy’s
mother lives with us. We have no pets at present, but have had an
abundance of dogs, cats, birds, and many animals that became pets on the
farm where I was raised.
What do you look forward to on Sunday mornings at North
Central?
The celebration of relationship and bonding with the Lord and one
another. Thinking of my earlier unpleasant memories at church, our
assembly is a joyful, positive, Spirit-filled event.
Favorite North Central memory
Raising our children in the church and baptizing them into Christ.
Experiencing Bonnie and Brandon’s wedding.The opportunity to visit Bro.
Kasalika in Malawi twice, and the outpouring of love and gifts from
North Central to deliver there.
Favorite book of the Bible
Romans – most vivid explanation of grace, and Leviticus – prophetic
“types and shadows”, which present pictures of the gospel of Christ.
John Brehm
Tom Cooke
My spiritual journey
I was raised in a Christian home and learned valuable lessons going to
church all of my young life. However, it wasn’t until I witnessed God’s
grace and love lived out in the lives of my wife, Jill, and others,
that I began to examine my faith. Their examples helped me to see how
God works in the lives of those who love Him, and helped me understand
that submitting to His will would shape me into the husband and father
He wanted me to be. My connections to family, the church and personal
study and prayer continue to shape me along the journey toward
Christlikeness for my life.
My work and interests
I work in sales for Owens Corning. I am responsible for 4 states in the Midwest. I enjoy
golf, working out at Lifetime Fitness, and every possible activity with
my family, especially Disney World with my grandchildren.
Home, family, pets
I have been so richly blessed with my loving wife Jill, 3 grown
children, and their families. I can’t imagine a greater blessing than
our 3 grandchildren, Brooke, Paige and Rylie.
What do you look forward to on Sunday mornings at North
Central?
The tremendous unity and fellowship with which we have been blessed. I
love to work with the kids programs and see the smiles and cherish the
hugs as they learn about the love of Jesus.
Favorite North Central memory
The baptisms of my 3 children followed closely by their weddings. I
think the greatest ongoing memory is the We Care We Share community
outreach events and the way the love of Christ touches our community.
Favorite book of the Bible
Ephesians
Steve Evans
My spiritual journey
Converted in college and impacted by my college minister. Learned that
there are things more important than book-smarts. Lived long enough to
have an opportunity to listen to my parents. Had the genius idea to
become a researcher so I wouldn’t have to deal with people, but got
schooled on the importance of relationships. Learned a lot of stuff in
marriage. Impacted by elders in MS, LA, CA (twice), IL, IN. Learned the
importance of getting involved early and often. Still learning the
wisdom of Ecclesiastes 5:1-2. Learned a lot with my wife’s cancer
(twice). Learned a lot since becoming an elder. Not done learning yet.
My work and interests
Figuring things out and inventing stuff for Dow Chemical. Reading almost
anything related to biochemistry, microbiology and learning about
synthetic biology. Cooking. Shooting. Pyrotechnics. Photography.
Computers (love-hate relationship.) Learning something new about the
Bible every month.
Home, family, pets
Moved here in 2000, my back yard is my retreat. I am kept in line by the
women in my life, in order: my wife, my two daughters and a poodle. I’m
pretty sure my fish are girls, too.
What do you look forward to on Sunday mornings at North
Central?
Talking in between class and service. Meeting new people.
Favorite North Central memory
Baptizing folks high on a mountain in Honduras as part of a mission
team.
Favorite book of the Bible
Luke/Acts
David Litzkow
My spiritual journey
Since I was two weeks old I have been attending churches of Christ. I
was baptized in 1965 and ever since have committed my life to service in
the Lord. As I continue my walk with the Lord, He has led me to many
interesting and influencing people. Through these experiences my faith
continues to grow and mature.
My work and interests
I worked for the St. Paul Insurance for 28 years and retired in 1998. I
have a number of interests; golfing, handyman work, RVing and educating
my grandsons, but my true enjoyment is serving others.
Home, family, pets
Kathy and I have been married for 40 years. We have two married
daughters who attend NCCOC, and five grandsons.
What do you look forward to on Sunday mornings at North
Central?
I look forward to seeing my friends and the quiet peace of worship
during first service.
Favorite North Central memory
During the construction of the new addition, I remember the ‘oil
derricks’ that supported the second level and how the addition changed
the way we use our building.
I don’t have a favorite book, but do have two favorite scriptures. Jesus’ sermon on the mount ‘…do not be anxious for your life, as what you shall eat, or what you shall drink…’. And my other favorite is the story of Esther, when Mordecai tells Esther ‘……who knows whether you have obtained royalty for such a time as this…’
John Wilkins
My spiritual journey
The Lord blessed me with loving Christian parents and many gifted
mentors at every stage of my life. Three congregations in Indiana have
molded me; the Mitchell COC, where I was baptized at age 14, the Elmwood
COC where I served as a deacon and elder and North Central.
My work and interests
I am a management consultant specializing in European chemical
regulations. My principle client is Halliburton Energy Services. I am an
avid cyclist and golfer.
Home, family, pets
I have been loved and nurtured for 34 years by Janice, blessed by my son Mark, daughter-in-law, Lana and daughter, Laura, and son-in-law Ryan. Made proud by
granddaughters Reese, Elle and Evie.
What do you look forward to on Sunday mornings at North
Central?
I am encouraged by enjoying the fellowship of my brothers and sisters in
Christ.
Favorite North Central memory
Spending time talking to Weyburn Sheeks, one of the most selfless
servants of God I have ever met.
Dwight Beaty
My spiritual journey
I was raised in the Church of Christ. My parents and grandparents were all members of the church. We attended church Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night nearly every week. Studied and was baptized at the age of 13 years in La Porte, IN. Was appointed deacon at North Central in 1989.
My work and interests
I work at Standard Locknut, LLC as a Manager of Quality and Sales Engineering. I have been there for over 23 years mostly in an Engineering position. My interests include golfing, fishing, and hunting. I enjoy being outside during any time that I have available. I enjoy golfing with many of my church friends.
Home, family, pets
I live in Westfield with my wife, Dawn, the Church’s
office
manager. We have two daughters, Trisha and Tracy. We are now empty
nesters. We
have two dogs, Molly a Boxer, and Holly a Chow/Pomeranian mix.
What do you look forward to on Sunday mornings at North
Central?
I look forward to our entire worship service. Our singing
is
fantastic. I also look forward to seeing and sharing conversation with
our many
friends.
Favorite North Central memory
With as many years as we have been attending North
Central,
there are number of great memories. I suppose two of my favorite, were
when our
daughters were baptized.
Ed Johnson
My spiritual journey
I attended a number of different denominations as a child and young man,
Catholic, Methodist, fundamental Christian churches. I knew a couple
of faithful Christian examples as I grew up and they impacted my life. I
knew there was something bigger than me that created everything around
us and that God had a plan for me.
My work and interests
I am a General Manager of Corporate Sales for THK America. I like to
ride my road bicycle, play golf and tennis. I enjoy watching sports. I
am originally from the Northeast and would like to possibly retire
there.
Home, family, pets
My daughter, Mackenzie, and my son Matt, attend Lipscomb University. My wife, Sara, and I
met at church and have been married for over 20 years.
What do you look forward to on Sunday mornings at North
Central?
I look forward to singing and seeing my fellow Christians.
Favorite North Central memory
Getting married at the church and having a ball and chain attached to my
leg by my Christian friends.
There are too many really good choices to pick just one.
Russ Palmer
Howard Polk
My spiritual journey
I was baptized in Sept 1981 at Southside Church of Christ, Terre Haute.
I have been a member of the church in Terre Haute, Fort Wayne and
Indianapolis. I met and married my wife in the church in Terre Haute. I
have been a member or group leader of just about every small group you
can think of ever since the 1980’s. I love small groups. That is where
you will find the true Spirit of God at work.
My work and interests
I am a former state police officer. I am currently the senior
investigator for a large financial services corporation. So all of my
life, I have been involved in law enforcement, security or
investigations.
My interests are my family and kids, and their activities. I try to play a little golf and tennis when I finally have some free time.
Home, family, pets
I have been married for over 20 years, I have two kids, and no
pets.
What do you look forward to on Sunday mornings at North
Central?
Sunday mornings I look forward to seeing the other members of the church
especially the members of my small group. Because the work week is so
busy, it is very hard keeping up with my small group members. So
visiting with them on Sunday mornings is what I most look forward to.
The 2nd thing I look forward to on Sunday mornings is the Sunday school
classes.
Favorite North Central memory
My favorite memory might be a little too embarrassing, so I think I will
pass on this question.
Tony Sherard
My spiritual journey
I was baptized into Christ at Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ at the age of 19 in 1975. We (wife and family) worked with the youth group there and various community outreach ministries. We became members of North Central in November 1989. I have enjoyed teaching middle school bible classes and serving on committees. My journey continues as I seek new avenues to be of service.
My work and interests
My work involves the testing and development of hybrid military transmissions and transportation products. I enjoy performing with various bands, playing the saxophone and flute. I am also a woodworker, and visual artist.
Home, family, pets
My home is my place of solace. When I’m not fixing things that often break, I get to relax and enjoy time with my family. We enjoy fishing together, and riding bikes. We have a rabbit who is oblivious to the red tail hawk who often sits on the end of his pen watching him. We all should have such faith.
What I look forward to on Sunday mornings at North Central
I enjoy sharing conversation before service, and discussing life’s commonalities. It’s always comforting to share with people, who share the same aspirations in Christ and family. For me it makes the most positive ending and beginning of life’s week.
Favorite North Central Memory
Being at Turkey Run with the youth group and watching Venus, (my wife) and Jason (my oldest son) paddling in the same canoe, facing each other, in opposite directions, going nowhere. So much like life can be. But seriously, baptizing both of my younger sons in June 2006.
Favorite Book of the Bible
One of my favorite books in the Bible is Corinthians; specifically chapter 12.
Don Thornton
Don West
My spiritual journey
Though not raised in the Church of Christ, I was guided by the same
bible stories and similar sermons. Baptized at Central Church of Christ
in Vincennes. Have since been a member of the church in Portage,
Franklin Road in Indianapolis, and a member here at North Central since
1986.
My work and interests
I am a Registered Land Surveyor. Though also licensed in Illinois and
Kentucky, the sum of my work has been in Indiana. I work for a local
consulting firm as the Right-of-Way Engineering Manager. Enjoy working
in the yard (especially when it includes a chair and a cup of coffee).
Home, family, pets
I live in Westfield (though my address indicates Carmel), am married to
Luanne (I married up), and have two sons (Brandon and Jake) who live in
Indianapolis.
What do you look forward to on Sunday mornings at North
Central?
Discovering the communion prepared ahead of time, plenty of willing
recruits waiting to be drafted for service, and of course – the sermon,
singing, and fellowship.
Favorite North Central memory
Too many from which to choose! But the smiles on faces of children and
parents during “Mittens & Toys” is hard to beat.
Genesis … I enjoy history. However, I’m also partial to Deuteronomy 19:14 – remember … land surveyor.
Mark Winter