STAFF & leadership

  • Doug bender
    lead pastor

    User On sabbatical until August 12, 2025. Any pastoral needs should be made through the office or by contacting Pastor Ryan Dunlevy.


    User  Family: 

    • Married to Denise, since 1990 - Two terrific daughters, Mikaela & Mackenzie

    Hands  Ministry: 

    • On staff at CR since 2011. Loves developing new leaders and helping people grow in their faith.

    Grinning Face  Hobbies: 

    • Enjoys reading, bicycling, camping, walks with Denise, games with family & friends. When not at home or church… can be found at Central Market, any good coffee shop, or playing racquetball.

    Graduation Cap   Education: 

    • B.S. in Management Information Systems - Penn State, 1992
    • M.Div. - Alliance Theological Seminary, 1995
    • Beeson Scholar - Asbury Theological Seminary while working on D.Min., 2005

  • Jeff Rickabaugh
    Worship Pastor

    User    Family:

    • Married to Karen, since 2001 - Two lovely daughters, Abigail & Lilly

    Hands   Ministry:

    • On staff at CR since 2000. Passionate about gathered worship and finding ways for people to use their God-given talents.

    Grinning Face   Hobbies:

    • Enjoys time with the family, hiking, biking, volleyball, flying kites, and Phillies baseball.

    Graduation Cap   Education:

    • B.S. in Bible - Lancaster Bible College, 2000

  • Dawn Groff
    Care Pastor

    User    Family:

    • Dawn has been married to Steve since 1988, and they have two incredible children, Taylor and Erin. Taylor lives in Colorado with his wife Amy and they have a son, Clay who was born in December 2024. Erin and her husband Michael live in Lancaster and they have a daughter, Harper, who was born in April 2023.

    Hands   Ministry:

    • On staff at CR since 2019, part-time. Loves building new relationships and growing old ones! Seeing people find their identity first in Christ is a huge win!

    Grinning Face   Hobbies:

    • Enjoys all things chocolate, lunches with friends, spending time outdoors in any season other than winter, watching movies, playing games, and shopping. When not at home or at church... can be found walking to Central Market, reading, or gardening.

    Graduation Cap   Education:

    • Pastor's License, 2009 and Ordination, 2015 through the Brethren in Christ Church


    circleemail    EMAIL DAWN 

  • Ryan Dunlevy
    Community Life Pastor

    User    Family:

    • Married to Jess, since 2015 - Daughter Olivia welcomed in 2022!

    Hands   Ministry:

    • On staff at CR since 2019. Loves to develop leaders and see the church live according to its mission and vision.

    Grinning Face   Hobbies:

    • Is constantly watching or playing sports - specifically soccer, basketball, and long distance running. Can also be found reading many books at downtown Lancaster coffee shops with a cup of Earl Grey. Likes going to movies, great TV shows, and learning about anything. 

    Graduation Cap   Education:

    • B.S. in Bible, focus in Youth Ministry - Lancaster Bible College, 2005


  • Phillip Allen
    Youth Pastor

    User    Family: 

    • Married to Jennifer, since 2006 - Three great kids, Wesley, Jaden & Nella

    Hands   Ministry:

    • On staff at CR since 2019. Loves equipping the church to make an eternal difference in the lives of students.

    Grinning Face   Hobbies:

    • Enjoys cooking, traveling, photography, graphic design and hosting meals! 

    Graduation Cap   Education:

    • B.S. in Bible, focus on Christian Life & Ministry - Lancaster Bible College


  • Heather Stark
    Office Administrator

    User    Family: 

    • Married to Tyler, since 2010 - two awesome kiddos

    Hands   Ministry: 

    • On staff at CR since 2023, part-time. Loves administrative tasks, planning events, and serving the Lord.

    Grinning Face   Hobbies: 

    • Enjoys coffee, music, spending time with family, and fellowship with friends.

    Graduation Cap   Education: 

    • B.S. in Bible Ministry from Lancaster Bible College

  • Faithe Oberholtzer

    Director of Children's Ministry

    User    Family:

    • Married to Kevin since 1986, 2 amazing adult daughters, Carolyn and Abby, 2 fun and terrific grandkids, Asa and Acadi(Cadi)

    Hands   Ministry:

    • On staff at CR since August 2024. LOVES discipleship with any age especially with children. Have a passion for partnering with families to grow their children in faith with Jesus.

    Grinning Face   Hobbies:

    • Enjoys scrapbookking, going to Michigan for vacation and visiting families and playing with Asa and Cadi.

    Graduation Cap   Education:

    • BS in Elementary Education from Messiah College, 1986, Master's Equivalency: 2004 Eastern Mennonite University and others


    circleemail  EMAIL FAITHE 

Church Board

  • Doug Bender


  • Ryan Dunlevy


  • Bernie Hernley


  • Leann Pavelik


  • Rodney Myers


  • Travis Keene


  • Winston Wolgemuth


  • Doug Shirk


  • Heather Whitesel