The Church & Its Organization
Historically, the word we use for "church" was quite simply just a group of people, an assembly. In fact, we see it used in the bible in a "non-religious" sense in Acts 19:39, translated "assembly". What makes "church" significant is not what it is, but whose it is. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus established His church!
We are a group of His people meeting in Jamestown, Indiana. In the bible, there is no reference to a church hierarchy with regional leadership. Instead, we see local groups serving Christ autonomously. The roles we see appointed are the overseers/elders and deacons for a local church (Philippians 1:1). Here are some faces that you are likely to see when you visit us and some background about who they are.
Elders
The Bible uses several words to refer to these overseers of a local church based on their responsibilities. They are called overseers (Philippians 1:1), elders (Acts 21:18; Titus 1:5-7), leaders/rulers (Hebrews 13:17), bishops (Titus 1:5-7; 1 Timothy 3:1-2) and pastors (Ephesians 4:11). All of these are referring to the same role. These men are to guide, guard, oversee, feed and protect the flock of God. We are extremely fortunate to have so many men serving in this role to oversee our local work.
Julian Owens
Julian has worshiped with the Jamestown church of Christ since his childhood. He works in the financial services industry as an investment advisor, but in his free-time, he loves to take road trips on his Harley Davidson
Mark Newton
Mark works in the pharmaceutical industry as a quality control scientist, but also enjoys building and flying rockets. He has worshiped with the church in Jamestown since 1972, and loves teaching Bible classes.
Bob Staton
Operating their own business in the construction industry, Bob and his wife often bring their work home remodeling their 100+ year old house. He's worshiped with the Jameston church of Christ for over 20 years. With his large stature and bigger personality, he's difficult to miss and fun to be around.
Corey Willis
Corey and his family started worshiping with the Jamestown church of Christ in 2007 when he took a job in the area. He was attracted to the church because of the wisdom and mutual concern that was evident among them. He works with cooperative electric utilities (REMCs) by day and enjoys playing music and writing software in his free time.
Evangelist
The Bible makes a distinction between the work of a pastor and that of a preacher. The preacher, or evangelist, is to proclaim the gospel of Christ. In the New Testament, Timothy was not a pastor, but Paul instructed him to, "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2). The preacher does not have any leadership role for a local church, but makes his living proclaiming the Word of God.
Kyle Sanders
Kyle has been preaching since 2016 in Chiefland, Florida and Clinton, Mississippi before coming to work with the Jamestown church of Christ in 2021. Before preaching, he spent several years as a high school mathematics teacher in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida. Kyle is a teacher at heart and brings his love of studying and interacting with students into his preaching and teaching efforts. He and his wife, a native Hoosier, have been blessed with five children, two dogs, a full house and zero leftovers.
Deacons
Deacons are not leaders, but "servants" appointed to serve the needs of a local group. Like elders, men who desired this work were to meet criteria as Paul described to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. They are selected by the church, appointed by the elders and assigned specific responsibilities for the church.
Dennis Boone
Dennis loves riding his motorcyle, enjoys woodworking and likes antiquing with his wife. He grew up worshiping with the Jamestown church of Christ and moved away after high-school. He and his family returned to work with the church in 2016 and is active working with the church's teaching curricula.
Kendrick Davis
Kendrick and his family began worshiping with the Jamestown church in 2016. He's been encouraged by the selfless attitude he's witnessed and by the strong, faithful youth of the group. He keeps pretty busy working as a firefighter, paramedic and real estate agent, but enjoys four-wheeling and fishing when he can.
Brad Dickey
Brad and his family came to work with the church at Jamestown in 2001 because of their emphasis on the truth, desire to teach others and "small town" atmosphere. He drives a semi truck during the day, but loves time with his family, outdoor activities and following sports. He's a reliable worker and thoughtful friend.
Ron Dodson
Ron has enjoyed working on his hobbies and helping others during his retirement. He enjoys solving puzzles and mastering challenges. Ron exercises this talent by repairing small engines, picking locks and cracking combinations. He's appreciated for the ways he has served the Jamestown church of Christ for many years.
Derek Hosfield
Derek has always been very mechanically inclined and spent many years as an aviation mechanic. He enjoys gardening and working with his hands. Derek grew up in Hendricks county, but his industry gave him the opportunity to travel around the world. After living in a few other states, he moved back to the area. He became a deacon in 2021.
Ryan Stroud
Ryan and his wife were looking for an atmosphere that would keep their family focused on Heaven. When they came to Jamstown church of Christ in 2012, they found a family that loves and supports them as Christ does! In his "free time", Ryan loves spending time with his family, farming, fishing, and hunting.
Sean Walker
Sean and his family began worshiping with the Jamestown church of Christ in 2021. Their friendships and connections brought them to worship with the church. Sean has diverse skills. He enjoys building things and graphic design. He really likes spending time with family and traveling.