Staff

 

derek stemen

Pastor    

I am originally from Van Wert, Ohio and I am glad to be back serving God in this area.  I graduated from Van Wert High School in 2000.  Growing up my family was involved in a non-denominational church, where both of my parents served as Youth Pastors.  During that time I was an active member of our youth group and even had the chance to preach sermons on "Youth Sundays" at my church.  During High School I also was privileged to be involved in many great activities such as: FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), Choir, and was a Captain of my Soccer, Wrestling, and Tennis Teams. 

After high school I decided to attend Bluffton College located in Bluffton, Ohio.  While at Bluffton, I became heavily involved in Student ministries.  I was part of a ministry team called, "Shining Through" and was able to serve as a B.A.S.I.C (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) steering committee member and group facilitator.  Also during this time I was selected to be a Pastoral Intern at Trinity UMC.  It was during this internship that I began to sense the call of full-time ministry upon my life.  Upon graduation in 2004, I received a B.A. in Psychology.  Also that year, I married the love of my life, Abby (Merkle), on June 26, 2004. 

After college Abby and I moved out to Illinois where I served as the Director of Family Ministries for Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, Illinois.  My main responsibility there was developing spiritually based programs for people of all ages.  After serving there for 2 years the Lord led me back to Ohio to serve at Trinity UMC in Van Wert as an Associate Pastor.  God has now led me to Ohio City and I am so thanful to be the Pastor in such a great community.  I would love for you to visit our church.  We are located right in the heart of Ohio City at 110 N. Main Street.  We are a church that genuinely seeks to be a community church.  All are welcome!