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.
Jim Hippensteel, Pastor of Compassion and Care
Jim has been with The Well since the beginning. Over the years Jim has
shown to be a man with a heart for God and people. Jim and his wife, Kelly have an adult daughter named Taylor who works at the Children’s Autism Center in Ft. Wayne. Jim has a heart for compassion and care and loves to visit with people who are feeling down, overwhelmed or sick in the hospital. You will find Jim after every service ready and willing to pray with anyone in need. Jim mentors men in his men’s group who meets once a week at the church.
shown to be a man with a heart for God and people. Jim and his wife, Kelly have an adult daughter named Taylor who works at the Children’s Autism Center in Ft. Wayne. Jim has a heart for compassion and care and loves to visit with people who are feeling down, overwhelmed or sick in the hospital. You will find Jim after every service ready and willing to pray with anyone in need. Jim mentors men in his men’s group who meets once a week at the church.
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 is excited to join ‘The Well’ and seeks to build a church of believers who follow in Jesus’ footsteps to make disciples who make disciples!
Maryssa Breininger, Director of Children's Ministries
Maryssa and her husband, Chad, have attended The Well since 2015. They now attend as a family with their son, Montgomery. Maryssa has a bachelor's degree in Education from Purdue University. She has worked in a variety of educational settings from coaching gymnastics, teaching at Huntington North High School, instructing programs at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo (where she was also a sea lion trainer and scuba diver), to now leading the children's programming at The Well. She is most excited about using her creativity and love for animals to bring engaging programs to The Well's kids!
Rebecca Allen, Worship Coordinator
Rebecca is a graduate of Huntington University, with a degree in Occupational Therapy. She just recently joined the Well staff as the worship coordinator, and is extremely excited to begin this journey! Rebecca has been attending services at the Well for a couple of years now, and has previous experience in worship leading at Huntington University! She also really enjoys drinking coffee, taking nature walks, and watching a good Rom Com. Rebecca believes that worship is such a privilege, and it is a true gift to be able to stand in the presence of the Lord freely. Her goal is to help create a space at the Well for the Lord to work and move, and schedule worship sets that are biblically sound and full of truth rather than just emotion. She is so excited to join the staff here at the Well and feels so blessed and honored to join this community!
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 works at All Pro Integrated Systems in Fort Wayne as a Design Engineer. 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.
Frontline Ministry Coordinator
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. They have attended The Well since Spring 2017. In addition to homeschooling the girls, Nate also serves at The Well as a custodian and oversees the schedule for building use. If you would like to reserve the facilities for an event feel free to reach out to Nate, he’d be happy to assist.
Leadership Teams
|
Executive Team
Jeremy Rufener (Chair) Les Chafin Larry Lawrence Deb Swihart Kyle Hoopingarner Kelsey Knox |
Ministry Team
Abby Mitchell (Chair) Molly Kesler Shawna Balsiger Becky Benjamin Amanda Baker |
