Our Team

 

Pastor Dennis Goff

Senior Pastor

Pastor Dennis’ first pastoral call was to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hammond LA, followed by a call to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lakeland FL, and then Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Ham Lake MN. He then received a call from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) to serve as Vice President of Agency Services for the Capital Funding Services before accepting the position as Director of Ministry Programs for The Lutheran Foundation in Fort Wayne. Pastor Dennis and his wife Laura have two sons, Thad and Theo, and one granddaughter.  Dennis and Laura enjoy traveling with family and friends, spending time with their granddaughter, and are always open to sharing a good meal and wine with old friends and new.

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Pastor shawn Davis


Missional Pastor

Shawn is the son of a retired Air Force Chaplin. Shawn and his wife Anna met at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana, and were later engaged to be married there. They currently have three children named Adelaide, Elsie, and Daniel. Shawn enjoys being outdoors, cheering for the Seattle Sounders, and local sports teams.

Pastor Mark Neubacher
Visitation pastor

Pastor Mark spent the first 17 years of his professional career in administration of Lutheran Social Ministry Agencies and currently serves on the Board of Lutheran Senior Care Ministries which provides chaplaincy care for area health care facilities in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas. Pastor Mark and his wife Barb have three children along with five beautiful grandchildren. Pastor enjoys golf, being at the lake and spending time with his family. 

Stephanie Maxson
Worship Director

Stephanie was born in Natchez, Mississippi, but spent most of her time growing up in Lafayette, Indiana. Go Boilers! While working as a counselor at Camp Lutherhaven she met her husband Tim, and they have four children. Stephanie graduated from Concordia University Chicago and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan. Along with all types of music, she enjoys gardening, lake activities, and spending time with family.

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celine newman
Director of Belonging

Celine, from Gallup, New Mexico, joined us from Camp Lutherhaven, where she served for 14 years. Celine also serves St. Michael as the handbell director. She loves walking with people whether it’s on a downtown road, a wilderness trail, or through life. She enjoys both watching and playing music and sports and will happily join you at a concert, game, or jam session anytime. She is excited to share her heart for play and growth, her love of the beautiful tapestry of culture, and her belief in the redemptive power of Christ and that we all have a place and purpose in God’s family.   Celine’s favorites include cooking out, the book of Deuteronomy, and winter!

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Tammy Bruns
Executive Director

Tammy was born in Michigan; went to school in Leavenworth, Kansas; graduated from high school and attended college in Indianapolis. Her varied jobs have taken her to Chicago, Illinois; Orlando, Florida; Columbus, Ohio; Bloomfield, Nebraska; Yankton, South Dakota; and finally to Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is married to Rick and has two children and one grandchild. Tammy spends her time studying the Bible, loving on her family, and reading.

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Tina hoover
administrative assistant

Tina was born in Paulding, Ohio, and grew up in Paulding and New Haven. She is married to Randy and they have one daughter. Tina graduated with an Associate Degree in Business from Indian River Community College. She enjoys being outdoors, going to the beach, climbing mountains, water and snow skiing, reading and helping others.

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Rhonda patterson
Communication director

Rhonda has been a member of St. Michael since 1976. She attended Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School and Concordia Lutheran High School before obtaining a journalism degree from Indiana University. She has worked as a graphic designer, retail manager and piano accompanist while raising her two children. Rhonda is married to Craig and enjoys gardening, reading and music.

Emma deines


Director of Youth Ministry

Emma played field hockey at Lindenwood University before she felt God’s call to Concordia University Nebraska.  At Concordia, she took on a dual major of DCE and Elementary Education and will graduate following her internship. Emma loves to spend time with family and friends and traveling to National Parks to hike. She enjoys watching and playing all sports, but her favorite is ultimate frisbee and mountain biking. 

Jen clendenen
Family Ministry Coordinator

Jen Clendenen is a passionate and dedicated member of our St. Michael community. She is committed to serving others and her faith has led her to work and volunteer in various capacities within the church. She believes in the power of community. She is also currently employed by Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School and sees this new role as an exciting chance to further her reach and impact within the community she loves so much. Jen and her husband Jacob have four children ranging in age from high school to preschool. Their family is very active and can often be spotted at Concordia Lutheran High School and ESM events.

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marisa wren
Worship TEch Coordinator

Marisa received a Bachelor of Arts degree for Music Education Teacher from Clarke University. She has taught music education in several different schools, including the St. Michael Academy of Arts, directed choirs, and performed with a variety of musical groups. Marisa and her husband Fred have three children, We are blessed to have Marisa join our worship team as the sound technician with our praise teams!

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karen Manges
Organist

Karen Manges was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in Indianapolis. She has a Bachelor of Music Degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where she met her husband, Steve. They have three sons and seven grandchildren. She also enjoys giving piano lessons and playing the flute.