We are a Christ-centered church for Grand Ledge and the surrounding communities.
Our Co-Pastors
John Lemke
John grew up in Toledo, Ohio and graduated from the University of Toledo with a B.A. in Economics. While living in Pennsylvania, he met his wife Patti, and in 1998 they married. John and Patti have one child, Jace, born June 2003.
After working in manufacturing plants in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Oklahoma, John and Patti felt that God was calling them into full time vocational ministry.
John has completed his Masters of Divinity degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. John enjoys watching football, playing golf and volleyball, and reading about history.
Brian McLaughlin
In addition to preaching and leading with the other co-pastors, Pastor Brian leads the student ministries GLBC (Jr. High through college). Brian grew up in Columbus, Ohio (Go Bucks!) and attended Miami University. It was at Miami that he was saved by God’s grace. After graduation he married his high school sweetheart, Nikki, and moved to Kalamazoo, MI for work in the paper industry. It was through involvement in his local church that Brian felt a desire to attend seminary and serve the Lord as a Pastor. After receiving an M. Div. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in Spring 2002, Brian and Nikki moved to Grand Ledge.
Brian and Nikki have three children and enjoys just about anything that involves them. He also loves to read and study. In 2007 he completed a Master of Theology in Systematic Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. In 2014 he completed his Doctor of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Our Staff
Deb Merryfield
Children’s Ministry Director & Financial Administrator
Debbie serves in two capacities here at GLBC. She is our Children’s Ministry Director - overseeing and recruiting for all our ministries to children and families. She is also serves in the office as our Financial Administrator.
Wendy Mulder
Administrative Assistant
Wendy has been with GLBC since 2011 She is an integral part of the administrative team in the office and She loves to serve in many ways, especially with her culinary skills.
Paul Hicks
Youth Ministries Director
Paul officially joined the GLBC staff in fall 2024. However, Paul and Rachel have been faithfully attending and serving at GLBC for several years. Paul will oversee our ministries to all 7th-12th grade students.
Tammy Shiflett
Worship Leader
Tammy has been leading worship at GLBC since 2019. She serves the body of Christ through her musical and organizational skills by leading and organizing all we do in the worship gathering.
Our DNA
Bible
We believe that Bible contains God’s word to us. We seek to know God and His heart for us and the world through the Bible.
Community
We believe that God created us for community and Christ saved us into a redeemed community. We seek to grow in Christ together.
Service
We believe that God has gifted and empowered each of his people. We seek to serve one another in our congregation and in the Grand Ledge community.
Evangelism
We believe that the world needs to know Jesus Christ and that God uses us to live and share the good news (the gospel). We seek to be used by the Holy Spirit to help others know Jesus.