Josh Kesler, Senior Pastor
Josh became the founding pastor of The Well established on September 13, 2009. Josh has a bachelor's degree from Huntington University in Theater and also holds a Masters degree in Pastoral Ministries From Huntington University. Josh does not have the talent or looks to be a world class Rock Star or professional athlete but he has the heart of both. Josh has a beautiful wife Molly. Together they have 2 girls, Lily Mae born in 1999 and Maisy Jane who joined them in 2002. Prior to planting The Well, Josh was the Sr. Pastor of Good Shepherd UB Church. Before moving to Indiana in 2008, Josh was the Pastor of Men's Ministry at Eagle Brook Church in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. Josh and his family were in Minnesota for 3 years and prior to that he was the Sr. Pastor at Bethel UB Church in Elmore, Ohio.
Nick Balsiger, Associate Pastor of Student Ministries
Nick Balsiger is the Associate Pastor of Student Ministries. He is a graduate of Huntington University with degree in both missions and youth ministry. Nick brings a dynamic strategy of ministry to The Well. From 2014 to 2018 Nick was the volunteer youth ministry coordinator, and then hired full-time. Nick enjoys woodworking and beating on the drums in his spare time. Be sure to say hello to this energetic guy on Sunday mornings, he would love to connect with you.
Tim LaRue, Student Ministries
Tim LaRue helps lead Student Ministries, and he is a graduate of Huntington University with degree in christian ministries and a minor in business management. Tim brings fun and some youthful joy to The Well. Tim has helped out with the youth for 3 years before being brought on staff. Tim enjoys sports and anything and everything active, and you can find him playing soccer, pickleball, and volleyball in his spare time. He married his high school sweetheart Caitlyn in May 2023 and she is an RN at Parkview Health. Tim would love to meet you on a Sunday morning!
Bill Blue, Pastor of Discipling Ministries
Bill was born and raised in Flint, Michigan and through the power of relationships, God brought him to the point that he understood that he was a sinner in need of a Savior. He grew up in a non-Christian home and while he attended Youth Group and church, it was not until his junior year of High School, through the relational ministry of Camp Living Waters, that God moved him from a churchgoer to a follower of Jesus. Over the years various men have come alongside Bill and helped him grow in his walk with Jesus. In 2022 he celebrated God’s faithfulness that has given him 45 years in paid ministry. Over these years Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University and completed the requirements to become an ordained elder in the church of the United Brethren in Christ. His ongoing passion and calling have been to equip the church and Christians to be disciples who make disciples. Bill continues to be amazed at Jesus’ strategy and example, for disciple-making. He seeks to build a church of believers who follow in Jesus’ footsteps to make disciples who make disciples!
Kelsey Knox, Director of Children's Ministries
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Kelsey and her husband Logan have three children; Emery, Adley, and Tucker. She has been an active member of The Well for many years and has a passion for serving children and their families. Kelsey is always looking for new ways to engage children in God's word and teach them what it means to serve the Lord each and every day. She leads a team of dedicated volunteers each week and plans several events throughout the year including Vacation Bible School, parties, and game nights.
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Neal Kandel, Worship Leader
Neal is the husband of Jessica Kandel and the father of four children: Christian, Annabella, Nalia, and Crimson. He and his family moved to Huntington from the north side of Fort Wayne two years ago and have made The Well their church home for the past year. He’s been a lifelong musician, reluctantly starting piano lessons at the ripe old age of five. After teaching himself to play bass guitar in middle school, he and several friends created a worship band and convinced their youth pastor to let them play for their middle school service on Sunday mornings. In high school, he became the leader of the student ministry worship team at his church, and as a junior in college, he became the worship leader of a church 2 hours from his school. Having been everything from an electronics design engineer to a restaurant cook and even a Sweetwater repair technician, he is excited to use his passion and musical skills that God has given him to further His Kingdom.
Andrew Edmonds, Technical Director
Andrew has been a part of The Well since the beginning. He is married to Samantha, and they have two daughters, Madilyn and Maylee. Andrew also works at Sweetwater Integration in Fort Wayne as a Designer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology and a Masters in Business Administration from Hunitngton University. At the Well, Andrew oversees all the technical aspects of the worship service including sound, lighting, video, stage design and the live stream. He leads a team of dedicated technicians every Sunday to make sure that the worship and message can be seen and heard. His goal is to use technology to enhance the worship experience and not distract from it.
Samantha Edmonds, Administrative Assistant
Samantha began attending The Well when she was in college and has served in many roles over the years. She is married to Andrew and they have two daughters, Madilyn and Maylee. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Performance from Huntington University. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and listening to christian music. Samantha works with all ministries at The Well and is very organized and detailed. In addition to working in the office each week, she regularly volunteers in the nursery and on the tech team.
Nate Benjamin, Facilities Manager
Nate joined The Well staff as Facilities Manager in 2021. He is married to Becky and they have three daughters Darcy, Valentine, and Wendy. Nate is a jack of all trades and can be found doing things such as cleaning the church, setting up for special events, fixing walls and mowing the lawn. Although Nate works mostly when the building is closed he is an important member of the staff that supports the ministries at The Well.
Leadership Team
Executive Team
Jeremy Rufener (Chair)
Les Chafin
Larry Lawrence
Deb Swihart
Jeremy Rufener (Chair)
Les Chafin
Larry Lawrence
Deb Swihart