Pastor Ryan and Laurissa met and fell in love during their undergraduate studies at Indiana Wesleyan University. They were married in 2006 and are the proud parents of 6 children. They live an active family life including homeschool, sports, and family time. They love the crazy, and often noisy, life God has blessed them with.
Pastor Ryan has always been passionate about worshipping the LORD as he expresses with the phrase: “WE GET TO DO THIS”! Ryan is focused upon the daily opportunity to live for Jesus Christ. He holds his Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Seminary. He has served as lead pastor as well as Pastor of discipleship and family ministries for the past 15 years. Laurissa is serving alongside him as the administrative assistant.
Get to know Pastor Ryan:
What is your favorite bible verse? 2 Corinthians 1:20 – “All the promises of God are a YES in Christ Jesus our Lord”
What is one thing that can instantly make your day better? Coffee. Good coffee - black and lots of it.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off? Coffee and a good book at a lake. But my days off are usually with my family and working on my “honey to do list.”
What’s your claim to fame? I once won the reginal free throw shooting contest hitting 97 out of 100 free throws. I also won the 3-point hot shot shooting contest that same day.
What is your favorite book? Too many “favorites” to list. But one of my favorites is C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce.
If you could only eat one food the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza! There is a good variety. Speaking of which, are you hungry? I could go for some pizza right now….
What is the best joke you have ever heard? Knock. Knock. Who’s there? Hug. Hug Who? Hug YOU! (I know…sappy; but when my son told me that one there has been no compare).
Would you rather cook or order in? I’d rather cook…then go out for ice cream!
How do you define your family now? LOUD!
What is your favorite family memory? The moment I held each of my kids for the first time.
Who is one of your hero’s in faith? Living Heroes of Faith are my past Senior Pastor as well as my Prayer Partner. My reading hero of faith would be Eugene Peterson and Dallas Willard. My Biblical Heroes of faith would be Nehemiah and Timothy.
What do you like to do for fun? Training for sports and hiking. Running races and triathlons. I like to cook and try new recipes. Nap.