Staff
Deanna Black
Administrative Assistant
I am the administrative assistant for missions and outreach. I assist Kathy and Ryan with any office needs.
At Vineyard since: 2020
On staffsince: 2022
Following Jesussince: 1970
Previous work: Administrative Assistant - Middlebury Community Schools
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Administrative Assistant - Middlebury Community Schools
Married to: David since 1990
Children: We have 6 children (4 by marriage, 2 biological) ages: 50, 48, 40, 38, 26, 23 - 4 grandchildren ages: 12, 10, 9, 5
Favorite Scripture: Colossians 2:6
Favorite movie: Anne of Green Gables
Kristy Camacho
Assistant Director of Children's Ministry
As an Assistant Director of children’s ministry, my main role is to shepherd children into having an authentic relationship with Jesus.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Elementary Teacher
Favorite verse: Ephesians 2:10
Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese
Favorite Activity: trying out Pinterest ideas
Ryan Cameron
Director of Spiritual Development
I am the Director of Spiritual Development. That means I help lead Vineyard FIT classes and help implement development in Vineyard Groups. Alongside that, I also assist with retreats and events.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Help Desk Grace College IT
Favorite Verse: Matthew 6:25-32
Favorite Book: Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Favorite Vacation Spot: OBX
Cameron Clark
Pastor of Student Ministries
As the Pastor of Student Ministries, I invest in the lives of students and their families by showing them that there is a love far greater than they could imagine. I inspire the next generation to put God first and to trust Him with everything in their lives because when they understand all they need is Him, everything they need will be given to them.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Pastor of Worship Arts at Vineyard Community Church in Lexington, Kentucky
Married to: Ileana Clark since 2019
Favorite verses: Matthew 28:19-20
Favorite Movie: Lord of The Rings
Favorite Activity: Playing music (Guitar, drums)
Ileana Clark
Assistant Director of Children's Ministry
As an Assistant Director of Children's Ministry, I come alongside families and volunteers to raise our children to be genuine followers of Christ.
At Vineyard since: 2016
On staff since: 2018
Following Jesus since: 2002
Previous work: Student at Bethel College
Married to: Cameron Clark since 2019
Favorite food: Thai Mango Sticky Rice
Favorite vacation spot: Disneyworld
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
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Director of Information Technologies with the City of South Bend
Married to: Lori Crain since 1990
Children:
Favorite verses: James 2:14-17
Favorite Vacation Spot: Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Favorite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption
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
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Bookkeeper for Fish Marketing, Inc.
Married to: Randy Fish since 1984
Children: Aaron and Alex
Favorite verses: Philippians 4:4-7
Favorite Vacation Spot: Pass-a-grille, Florida, and Maui, Hawaii
Favorite Activity: Spending time with family or cooking
Zechariah Good
Director of Worship Operations
I am the Assistant Director of Worship and Musician Development. I primarily serve under Leah Kurtz on the Jackson Road Campus worship team and lead The Wave Worship Team. I also meet with musicians to help them develop their musical giftings to the Lord.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Favorite Scripture: Ephesians 2
Previous work: I helped my dad run the family business as a Brick Mason for Pyramid Masonry.
Favorite food: Smoked Salmon with Asparagus
Favorite book: Finding God’s Life for My Will by Mike Donehey
Abi Hooton
Assistant Director of Students & Newcomers
I am the Assistant Director of Students & Newcomers. I oversee the middle school Core Classes and help out on Wednesdays at The Wave. On the weekends, you can find me in the Atrium, engaging with newcomers and getting them connected to the church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Unit Assistant in the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital
Favorite scripture: James 1:19-20
Favorite movie: Ooo that’s a hard one, ask me about my top ten favorite list sometime!
Favorite activity: I love to go hammocking, or just exploring new places/restaurants.
Steve Huffman
Executive Pastor
After 20 years working in management in the healthcare industry, my dream career, I made a radical shift to follow God’s call and a new dream to help where I could at The Vineyard Church. As the Executive Pastor I oversee a number of areas including leadership development, campus development, and prayer ministries.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Executive Leadership (interim President / Chief Information Officer) Memorial Hospital
Married to: Anne Huffman since 1997
Children: Ben, Jon, Jack
Favorite verses: Changes frequently
Favorite Vacation Spot: In the mountains in a cabin
Favorite Activity: Being a husband and dad
Corrinda Jordan
Coordinator of Outreach & Missions
The Coordinator of Outreach & Missions is responsible to assist the Pastor of Outreach & Missions with planning and executing local and regional outreach ministries, helping to plan and participate in Vineyard mission trips. Along with coaching and shepherding the volunteer outreach teams of the church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Married to: Seth Jordan since 2016
Children: Marley and Zallah Jordan
Favorite Scripture: Joshua 1:9
Favorite Activity: Cooking, fishing and camping
Favorite TV Show: Any cooking show and Fixer Upper
Seth Jordan
Assistant Director of Outreach
I am the Assistant Director of Outreach here at the Vineyard. I am responsible for implementing the ministry of the Vineyard Community Center in Mishawaka, including building solid relationships in the community, as well as coaching and shepherding the volunteer outreach teams at the community center.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: RV & Cabinet Manufacturer
Married to: Corrinda Jordan since 2016
Children: Marley and Zallah Jordan
Favorite Verse: Job 42:2
Favorite Sport: Rugby
Favorite Activity: Fishing, swimming or anything outdoors
Blake Kirkham
Coordinator of Video Production
As the Coordinator of Video Production, I help create videos for our Weekend Celebrations, including announcements, bumpers, and God Stories. I also provide assistance in managing the church website and Vineyard App.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Film Industry Accountant
Favorite Scripture: Sermon on the Mount
Favorite movie: Ikiru
Favorite sport: Basketball
Emmy Kirkham
Communications Intern
I am the communications intern for graphic design. I assist with different graphics, fliers, and posters around the church.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Substitute Teacher
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 46:10
Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls
Favorite activity: Reading and Painting
Sarah Kovach
Assistant Director of Spiritual Development
My role as Assistant Director of Spiritual Development is to help you strengthen your walk with Jesus and engage in community. I do this by helping develop and lead Vineyard Groups, FIT Classes, special events, and retreats.
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: We have one son Noah Kovach, 11 years old
Favorite verse: Hebrews 10:24-25
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Activity: Hiking
Chris Krempec
Assistant Director of Technical Arts & Maintenance
I am the Assistant Director of Technical Arts and Maintenance. My primary goal is to produce the best atmosphere for worship through sound 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
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Truck Centers Inc
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23
Favorite vacation spot: Boston, Massachusetts
Favorite activity: Long distance running
Andrew Kurtz
Pastor of Children's Ministry & Young Adults
My role is to lead our children’s ministry teams in creating an environment that engages the hearts and minds of the children of The Vineyard to help them recognize their identity in Christ and realize their potential in the Kingdom. Similarly, with Young Adults, my role is to empower, equip, and send out disciple-makers who are passionately pursuing Jesus.
At Vineyard since: 2015
On staff since: 2015
Following Jesus since: 2002
Married to: Leah Kurtz since 2018
Previous work: Skills Training Specialist at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
Favorite verses: Matthew 14:22-36
Favorite food: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Favorite sport: Ultimate Frisbee
Leah Kurtz
Director of Worship
I direct worship at The Vineyard Church. This includes our Weekend Celebrations, Prayer and Worship Gatherings, as well as our Young Adult and Student Ministries worship. My goal is to facilitate environments where we can love the Lord first and encounter the personal, yet powerful God.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Married to: Andrew Kurtz since 2018
Favorite verses: Psalms
Favorite Food: Manicotti from Papa Vino's
Favorite activity: Anything in the water! Swimming, tubing, boating, snorkeling, you name it!
Phillip Lake
Assistant Director of Weekend Celebrations & Technology
I’m in charge of maintaining all the production technology used in a weekend. My primary goal is that the Gospel is being presented to you in the most clear and distraction free environment as possible, no matter where you are participating from.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Favorite Scripture: Numbers 6:24–26
Previous work: Independent Contractor for Streamline Productions
Favorite book: The Inheritance Cycle
Favorite activity: Any adventurous activity outside
Melinda Lindenlaub
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.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Warehouse Manager Assistant at Habitat for Humanity
Favorite verses: Luke 5:16
Favorite Movie: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Favorite Vacation Spot: Disney World
Mary Mark
Administrative Assistant
I am the administrative assistant to Pastor Keith Crain and the accounting coordinator. I also serve as the coordinator for weddings, the office support team, and the counting team.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Beacon Medical Group
Married to: Phil Mark since 2008
Children: Kristopher (Kris) & Kourtney
Favorite verses: Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite TV show: Golden Girls
Favorite Sport: Bowling
CarolAnn Master
Assistant Director of Young Adults & Leadership Development
I help lead our Young Adult ministry on Tuesday nights; coordinating our worship and prayer teams and doing everything I can to see that group grow and thrive. I also have a hand in Leadership Development, working especially close with our Vineyard School of Ministry to develop leaders who serve within their God-given callings.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Phlebotomist
Favorite verses: Psalm 116:7
Favorite food: Waffles
Favorite TV show: The Office
Isaiah Owen
Assistant Director of Maintenance
I am the Assistant Director of Maintenance. It is my goal to help maintain the building and grounds to create welcoming, clean, and distraction less environments. As well as overseeing the maintenance, cleaning, and auto repair teams!
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Carpenters Apprentice at First Response
Married to: Elora Owen since 2021
Favorite Verse: Hebrews 11:1
Favorite Food: Biscuits and Gravy
Favorite Book: Authority in Prayer by Dutch Sheets
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 verses: Luke 18:13-14
Favorite Food: Candy
Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride
Hannah Phillips
Coordinator of Children’s Ministry & Outreach
I help run programming for both Vineyard Kids and Outreach Ministries. I also help coordinate and organize outreach opportunities to build connection points between Vineyard Kids and The Vineyard Community Center.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Favorite verse: Proverbs 19:21
Previous work: Physical Therapy Technician
Married to: Michael Phillips since 2022
Favorite vacation spot: Denver, Colorado
Favorite activity: Anything outside!
Mark Pope
Lead Pastor
Mark Pope is the founder and Lead Pastor of The Vineyard Church in Mishawaka, Indiana, and also currently serves as the Regional Leader of the Great Lakes North Region of VineyardUSA. Mark became a follower of Jesus in June 1983 as a young adult. He graduated from Purdue University with a B.A. in
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Pastor
Married to: Denise Pope since 1990
Children: Leah, Isaac, and Anna Pope
Favorite Food: Burrito Supreme
Favorite Movie: Nacho Libre
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
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: CPA
Married to: Larry since 1985
Children: Kaitlyn and Ben
Favorite verses: Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere we can go as a family
Favorite Book: The Circlemaker by Mark Batterson
Kathy Smarrella
Pastor of Missions & Outreach
I direct our community outreach—which includes the Vineyard Community Center—and our missions efforts, helping the church become the hands and feet of Jesus in our community and across the world. I also 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.
At Vineyard
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Events and program manager for the Institute for Peace Studies at Notre Dame
Favorite verses: Isaiah 43: 1-4
Favorite TV show: House Hunters International and Great British Bake Off
Favorite vacation spot: I loved visiting Northern Ireland a couple years ago!
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
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: PNC Bank
Married to: Lindsey Stevenson since 2014
Children: Everly
Favorite verses: 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
Dan Yoder
Coordinator of Digital Communications
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
On staff
Following Jesus
Previous work: Aldi
Favorite scripture: Galatians 2:20
Favorite TV show: Survivor
Favorite activity: Traveling and going to coffee shops