STAFF & leadership

  • Doug bender
    lead pastor


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


      Family: 

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

      Ministry: 

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

      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.

       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

        Family:

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

       Ministry:

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

       Hobbies:

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

       Education:

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

  • Dawn Groff
    Care Pastor

        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.

       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!

       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.

       Education:

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


        EMAIL DAWN 

  • Ryan Dunlevy
    Community Life Pastor

        Family:

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

       Ministry:

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

       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. 

       Education:

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


  • Phillip Allen
    Youth Pastor

        Family: 

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

       Ministry:

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

       Hobbies:

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

       Education:

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


  • Heather Stark
    Office Administrator

        Family: 

    • Married to Tyler, since 2010 - two awesome kiddos

       Ministry: 

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

       Hobbies: 

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

       Education: 

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

  • Faithe Oberholtzer

    Director of Children's Ministry

        Family:

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

       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.

       Hobbies:

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

       Education:

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


      EMAIL FAITHE 

Church Board

  • Doug Bender


  • Ryan Dunlevy


  • Bernie Hernley


  • Leann Pavelik


  • Rodney Myers


  • Travis Keene


  • Winston Wolgemuth


  • Doug Shirk


  • Heather Whitesel