Leadership

Ivan and his wife Pam started attending Locust Grove in the late 1990’s with their two young children. They became involved in the Youth Ministry and in 2010, Ivan joined the staff as Associate Pastor. His role as Associate Pastor was deeply rooted in the youth program, which continues to grow as part of a congregation that is intentional about prioritizing ministry to children and youth. In January 2021, Ivan transitioned into Senior Pastor through the retirement of then Senior Pastor, Max.

Ivan enjoys the outdoors and being in nature, especially fly fishing and elk hunting. When unable to be on the water he enjoys the challenge of tying and creating his own trout flies. He and his wife love to travel together especially in the West where both their adult children now live.  

Neil has always attended Locust Grove. He and his wife Luann were married in 2006 and have two children, Ethan and Katelyn. He was involved as a youth leader for several years and also teaches Sunday school. He became an elder at the church before being called to the ministry in 2022. His role as an associate pastor is to build community and connect individuals to grow in their walk with God.

Neil enjoys being in the outdoors and seeing the things of God’s creation. He enjoys hunting in PA, but also elk hunting in the West. In his spare time, he enjoys working around his farmette and hanging out with family.

Sanie was born and raised in Swaziland, Africa.  He and his wife, Ashlee, enjoy spending time with their kids. Summer is their favorite time of the year since they get to do things like swimming, outdoor activities, hiking and barbecue with family. He enjoys sports and grew up playing soccer, and has a great passion for the game of soccer.

Sanie also enjoys helping young people with any life issues that they may be going through. He is passionate about pastoral counseling, and just the joy of walking with someone in life.

One of his favorite things to say are “10 out of 10”, and sometimes you will hear him say “it taste like chicken.” He said that being at Locust Grove has been a big blessing for him and his family!

Kara has served as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator since January 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a passion to show children the love of Christ and watch them grow in the knowledge of who Jesus is and His desire to have a relationship with them.

Kara married Tyler in 2005 and they have attended Locust Grove since 2006. They have two children who are a part of the children and youth departments; Camden and Bria. When she is not at church, Kara enjoys walking, gardening, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Arlene and her husband, Darrel, both grew up attending Locust Grove. They live in Allensville and are blessed with two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson. Arlene and Darrel enjoy going for rides in their 1997 Jeep Wrangler to unwind, attending Penn State Football games and working in their garden and flowerbeds. 

Tom retired from Philips Ultrasound in 2016 and assumed the duties of Treasurer in August 2023.  Tom has served as an Usher and has helped in teaching the Encourager’s SS Class since he and his wife, Sally, joined LGMC in 2004.  Since retirement, Tom and Sally have enjoyed traveling with their RV (wintering several years in Florida and Arizona) and spending time with their three grandchildren.  In his leisure time, Tom enjoys bicycling, walking, golfing, and reading.   

Mikaela joined the Locust Grove staff Spring of 2023. She grew up attending and serving at  Locust Grove and is grateful to be able to serve this community again; now with her family. She and her husband, Andrew have three children.