Staff

Sierra Adams

Coordinator of Communications

As the Communications Coordinator, I help with managing the church website and Vineyard app. I also provide assistance in various other communications areas around the church. 

At Vineyard since: 2022
On staff since: 2024
Following Jesus since: 2006
Previous work: Admission Counselor at Bethel University 
Favorite Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds 
Favorite sport: Football (Go Lions!) 

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Kristy Burnett

Director of Children’s Ministry

As the Director of Children’s Ministry, my main role is to shepherd children into having an authentic relationship with Jesus. I get to do this by overseeing Vineyard Kids programming.

At Vineyard since: 2013
On staff since:  2017
Following Jesus since: 1998
Previous work: Elementary Teacher
Married to: Josh Burnett
Favorite scripture: Psalm 121
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite activity: Gardening 

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Davenna Clark

Coordinator of the Vineyard Community Center

I assist in extending the love of Jesus beyond the walls of the church, primarily to the kids and teens at the Vineyard Community Center. 

At Vineyard since: 2021
On staff since: 2024
Following Jesus since: 2021
Previous work: Mean Bean Bistro and Brew
Favorite scripture: Romans 8:38-39
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite movie: Mulan (the 1998 version) 

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Keith Crain

Pastor of Newcomers & New Believers

I am the Pastor of Newcomers & New Believers. My job is to make contact with individuals who are new to Vineyard and not only make them feel loved and welcomed, but to get them connected and ultimately help them grow closer to Jesus & people.

At Vineyard since: 2010
On staff since: 2014
Following Jesus since: 2010
Previous work: Director of Information Technologies with the City of South Bend
Married to: Lori Crain since 1990
Children: Zacary and Tyler
Favorite Scripture: James 2:14-17
Favorite Vacation Spot: Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

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Nancy Fish

Office Manager

As the Office Manager (Director) as well as Administrative Assistant to Pastor Mark Pope & Pastor Steve Huffman, I do a lot of different tasks! You can find me organizing, answering questions, emailing, and much more. 

At Vineyard since: 2015
On staff since:  2016
Following Jesus since: 1981
Previous work: Bookkeeper for Fish Marketing, Inc.
Married to: Randy Fish since 1984
Children: Aaron and Alex
Favorite scripture: Philippians 4:4-7
Favorite vacation spot: Pass-a-grille, Florida & Maui, Hawaii
Favorite activity: Spending time with family or cooking

(574) 257-1924

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Melinda Good

Administrative Assistant

As an Administrative Assistant, I do a lot of different tasks behind the scenes. You can find me organizing, answering questions, emailing, and much more. 

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Zechariah Good

Assistant Director of Worship

As the Assistant Director of Worship. I primarily serve with Leah Kurtz on the weekend worship team and lead The Vineyard Students Worship Team. I also meet with musicians to help them develop their musical giftings to the Lord. 

At Vineyard since: 2019
On staff since: 2020
Following Jesus since: 1998
Previous work: I helped my dad run the family business as a Brick Mason for Pyramid Masonry.  
Married to: Melinda Good since 2023 
Favorite scripture: Ephesians 2
Favorite food: Smoked Salmon with Asparagus 
Favorite book: Finding God’s Life for My Will by Mike Donehey

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Abi Hooton

Assistant Director of Students & Newcomers

I oversee the Middle School Core Classes and help out on Wednesdays at Vineyard Student Night.  On the weekends, you can find me in the Atrium, connecting with newcomers and welcoming them to the church. 

At Vineyard since: 2015
On staff since: 2021
Following Jesus since: I accepted Jesus when I was 7, but I didn’t seriously start following him until 2019.
Previous work: Unit Assistant in the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital
Favorite scripture: James 1:19-20
Favorite movie: I have a top ten list you should ask me about!
Favorite activity: I love to hammocking , trying new restaurants, Costco runs, Sonic drinks, going to the movies , shopping at Old Navy, walking around Target, sitting at Panera and reading a book. 

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Drew Hooton

Technical Arts Intern

As the Technical Arts Intern, I help out with the production and run of show for weekend celebrations and Vineyard Students on Wednesdays.

At Vineyard since: March 2024
On staff since: June 25th 2025
Following Jesus since: July 2024
Previous work: Mojo Events
Favorite verses: Jeremiah 20:9
Favorite TV show: Survivor
Favorite vacation spot: UP (Upper Peninsula Of Michigan)

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Steve Huffman

Executive Pastor

As the executive pastor I help lead the financial and human resources aspects of the church as well as help implement the vision for the church. I also oversee the school of ministry.

At Vineyard since: 2013
On staff since: 2015
Following Jesus since: 1997
Previous work: Executive Leadership (interim President / Chief Information Officer) Memorial Hospital
Married to: Anne Huffman since 1997
Children: Ben, Jon, Jack
Favorite Scripture: Changes frequently
Favorite Vacation Spot: In the mountains in a cabin
Favorite Activity: Being a husband and dad

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Sarah Kovach

Assistant Director of Spiritual Development

My role is to help you strengthen your walk with Jesus through spiritual growth opportunities and help you connect with faith building community. I do this by helping develop and lead Vineyard Groups, Classes, and Events. 

At Vineyard since: 2014
On staff since: 2020
Following Jesus since: 2015
Previous work: Mortgage Payoff Specialist for 1st Source Bank
Married to: Scott Kovach since 2004
Children:  Noah Kovach
Favorite scripture: Luke 18:27
Favorite food: Mexican
Favorite activity: Hiking and kayaking

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CarolAnn Krempec

Director of Worship & Prayer

As the Director of Worship & Prayer, I am committed to developing teams and individuals who use their musical talents and spiritual gifts to honor the Lord. My focus is on creating meaningful and passionate worship experiences, while also encouraging our congregation and volunteers to grow in the ways we connect with God through prayer—becoming the house of prayer God desires us to be.

At Vineyard since: 2016
On staff since: 2021
Following Jesus since: 2010
Previous work: Phlebotomist at SBMF
Married to: Chris Krempec since 2024
Favorite scripture: Psalm 116:7
Favorite food: Chinese food
Favorite TV show: The Office

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Chris Krempec

Assistant Director of Technical Arts & Maintenance

I am the Assistant Director of Technical Arts and Maintenance. My primary goal is to help produce the best atmosphere for people to encounter Jesus through technical production, so our congregation can worship, praise, and listen to our message without distraction. As well as to help maintain a clean and welcoming environment.

At Vineyard since: 2020
On staff since: 2022
Following Jesus since: 2020
Previous work: Truck Centers Inc
Married to: CarolAnn Krempec since 2024
Favorite scripture: Psalm 23
Favorite TV show: Scrubs 
Favorite sport: Baseball (Go Red Sox!) 

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Andrew Kurtz

Pastor of Young Adults & Children's Ministry

My role in leading Vineyard’s Young Adult community is to empower, equip, and send out disciple-makers who are passionately pursuing Jesus. Similarly, within children’s ministry, I oversee teams and environments that engage the hearts and minds of the children of The Vineyard and help them recognize their identity in Christ and realize their potential in the Kingdom.

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Leah Kurtz

Director of Worship Arts

As the Director of Worship Arts, I am responsible for the overall vision and culture of worship at The Vineyard. I aim to create a worship culture that facilitates environments for the church to love the Lord well and regularly encounter Him.

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Brayden Mackey

Coordinator of the Vineyard Community Center

I help assist at the Community Center; you can find me at the 702 house every Thursday. My main goal is to lead Teen Connect and connect with teens in the Barbee Creek Community.

At Vineyard since: 2022
On staff since: 2025
Following Jesus since: 2022
Previous work: Michael Angelo's Events
Favorite scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-7
Favorite food: Chicken tacos
Favorite sport: Football

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Phil Mark

Director of Maintenance

I maintain and oversee the general maintenance of the facilities and grounds at The Vineyard Church. My hope is to steward a welcoming and distraction-free environment for every individual to connect with God even before they enter the building. I also oversee the Cleaning, Facility Maintenance, Outdoor Maintenance, Mowing, and Auto Repair Teams.

At Vineyard since: 2015
On staff since: 2025 
Following Jesus since: 1996
Previous work: Maintenance Manager
Married to: Mary Mark since 2008
Children: Kristopher (Kris) & Kourtney 
Favorite scripture: Philippians 4:6
Favorite movie: National Treasure 
Favorite sport: Bowling

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Sam Murray

Pastor of Student Ministries & Spiritual Development

I oversee spiritual development, which includes all our classes, groups, and events with the ultimate goal of creating spiritually healthy followers of Jesus here at The Vineyard Church.

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Joel Patterson

Director of Communications

I work with each ministry of our church to plan and implement effective communications through our website, social media, print, and word of mouth. My goal is that each person will hear exactly what they need to hear.

At Vineyard since: 2004
On staff since: 2010
Following Jesus since: Age 5
Previous work: Adjunct Math Teacher
Married to: Sara Patterson since 2010
Children: Harper, Eleanor, and Davis
Favorite scripture: Luke 18:13-14
Favorite Food: Candy
Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride

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Madi Perry

Student Ministries Intern

As the Students Intern I get to help out on with Middle School Core Class Sundays as well as Vineyard Students on Wednesdays! 

At Vineyard since: 2024
On staff since: May 2025
Following Jesus since: since 2016
Favorite scripture: Job 38:4-7
Favorite TV show: Psych 
Favorite sport: F1 racing 

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Hannah Phillips

Assistant Director of Children's Ministry

As the assistant director of children’s ministry I help run programming within Vineyard Kids and assist in shepherding kids into a relationship with Jesus.

At Vineyard since: 2019
On staff since: 2020
Following Jesus since: 2019
Previous work: Physical Therapy Technician
Married to: Michael Phillips since 2022 
Favorite scripture: Proverbs 19:21
Favorite vacation spot: Florida
Favorite activity: Hiking with my dog and husband

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Mark Pope

Lead Pastor

I’m the founding and Lead Pastor at the church. I often speak on weekends and help develop the overall direction of the church.

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Diane Shoemaker

Accountant

I am the Accountant for The Vineyard Church.  My overall responsibilities include the accounting, recordkeeping and financial reporting for the church.

At Vineyard since: 2011
On staff since: 2017
Following Jesus since: 1977
Previous work: CPA
Married to: Larry since 1985
Children: Kaitlyn and Ben
Favorite scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere we can go as a family
Favorite book: The Circlemaker by Mark Batterson

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Kathy Smarrella

Pastor of Missions & Outreach

I serve as the Pastor of Outreach & Missions, overseeing much of what we as a church do outside the walls of the church building. This include missions trips across the world, as well as our local Vineyard Community Center.

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Ally Steensma

Assistant Director of Children's Ministry

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Justin Stevenson

Assistant Director of Communications

As the Assistant Director of Communications, my job is to help create appealing graphics and printed material with the Creative Design and Publication teams.

At Vineyard since: 2009
On staff since: 2015
Following Jesus since: 2011
Previous work: PNC Bank
Married to: Lindsey Stevenson since 2014
Children: Everly 
Favorite scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4
Favorite TV show: Parks and Recreation
Favorite activity: Playing board games with my wife, daughter, and two cats, Taylor Swift and Samson

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Landon Story

Coordinator of Student Worship and Leadership Development

As the Coordinator of Student Worship and Leadership Development I plan worship sets, lead team, and lead the students in worship each week. I also help to develop and support upcoming and current leaders , as well as helping with our Vineyard School of Ministry program. 

At Vineyard since: 2023
On staff since: 2024
Following Jesus since: I accepted Jesus into my life at a young age and gave my life to Christ at VBS as a young child.
Married to: Ana Story since February 2025 
Favorite Scripture: Romans 12:1–3
Favorite activity: Quality time with friends
Favorite sport: Football

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Elyse Stutzman

Coordinator of the Vineyard Community Center

As the Coordinator of the Vineyard Community Center, I get to share the love of Jesus with children and families in our community through the planning and execution of activities and events at our community center. 

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Nyssa Sutherlin

Coordinator of Technical Arts

As the Coordinator of Technical Arts, I help create a warm, welcoming environment and space for people to come to worship God.

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Karly Unruh

Administrative Assistant

As the Administrative Assistant, I do many different tasks for Spiritual Development and Missions & Outreach.

At Vineyard since: 2023
On staff since: 2024
Following Jesus since: 2023
Previous work: Student worker at IUSB
Favorite scripture: Proverbs 3:5 
Favorite TV show: One Tree Hill 
Favorite sport: Volleyball and Softball

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Amanda Winkleblack

Coordinator of Outreach & Missions

I assist with planning and executing outreach initiatives such as the Community Center, mission trips, and other special events in hopes to help people grow closer to Jesus.  

At Vineyard since: 2017
On staff since: 2023
Following Jesus since: 2021
Previous work: Environmental Safety & Health 
Children: Blake, Aiden, and Callie
Favorite scripture: Matthew 10:7–8
Favorite food: My grandmother's cinnamon rolls 
Favorite activity: Visiting small towns, beach towns, enjoying local sites, eateries & shops.

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Dan Yoder

Assistant Director of Digital Media

I am responsible for photography and social media at The Vineyard Church. This is done through gathering content for our social platforms and leading our volunteer Social Media & Photography Team.

At Vineyard since: 2020
On staff since: 2021
Following Jesus since: 2019
Previous work: Aldi
Favorite scripture: Galatians 2:20
Favorite TV show: Survivor
Favorite activity: Traveling and going to coffee shops

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