Elders - Board Members
Five men serve as elders and are on the board for Leavener. Each one of these men has at least three things in common:
1) They believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who became the world's Savior. Because of their faith, they are no longer dead but risen to new life in Christ.
2) These men understand their identity in Christ. The Spirit, who lives in them and empowers them, has transformed their lives.
3) They are learning what vibrant rest in Jesus is all about. This truth is the good news that Jesus intended for us to grasp. Their understanding of this truth is the foundation for sharing this with others and desiring to meet the needs of people around them.
Ed Henz
Married to Kim and has four children, Zach, Emily Joseph & Abby and one grandchild. Ed and Rusty met at a men's Bible Study in 2007 and have been a part of Leavener from the very beginning.
John Hilfiker
Married to Jeannie and has three children, John (& Julie), Misti (married to Bob Pratt) & Elizabeth (deceased). John & Jeannie have five grandchildren. Liam and Van live with John and Jeannie. For the past 25+ years, John has served as a construction superintendent and is currently employed with the Getchell Brothers. Big John and Rusty have done ministry together since 1989. They have traveled around the country and world with students, telling others about the living waters of Jesus. Big John is a major factor in helping with the disaster relief ministry and has established his own ministry called Sticks & Stones.
Rusty Kennedy
Married to Michelle and has two children, Cory (Indianapolis) and Chloe (Spring Hill, TN), who is married to Sam Millard. Rusty has been the Director of Leavener since its origination in March 2007.
Phil Tooley
Married to Jan and has four children: Danielle, Nikki, April, and Drew (& Jen). Phil and Rusty have been friends since 2008. They met at Leavener at Pinheads on Sunday Mornings.
Matt Tully
Married to Kiersten and has three children, Maggie, Sophie and Danny. Matt serves in the financial planning industry. Matt and Rusty met in 2004 at a men's retreat focused on teaching believers their identity in Christ. Matt serves his community by leading various Bible studies at his home and organizing area Great Banquets.
1) They believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God who became the world's Savior. Because of their faith, they are no longer dead but risen to new life in Christ.
2) These men understand their identity in Christ. The Spirit, who lives in them and empowers them, has transformed their lives.
3) They are learning what vibrant rest in Jesus is all about. This truth is the good news that Jesus intended for us to grasp. Their understanding of this truth is the foundation for sharing this with others and desiring to meet the needs of people around them.
Ed Henz
Married to Kim and has four children, Zach, Emily Joseph & Abby and one grandchild. Ed and Rusty met at a men's Bible Study in 2007 and have been a part of Leavener from the very beginning.
John Hilfiker
Married to Jeannie and has three children, John (& Julie), Misti (married to Bob Pratt) & Elizabeth (deceased). John & Jeannie have five grandchildren. Liam and Van live with John and Jeannie. For the past 25+ years, John has served as a construction superintendent and is currently employed with the Getchell Brothers. Big John and Rusty have done ministry together since 1989. They have traveled around the country and world with students, telling others about the living waters of Jesus. Big John is a major factor in helping with the disaster relief ministry and has established his own ministry called Sticks & Stones.
Rusty Kennedy
Married to Michelle and has two children, Cory (Indianapolis) and Chloe (Spring Hill, TN), who is married to Sam Millard. Rusty has been the Director of Leavener since its origination in March 2007.
Phil Tooley
Married to Jan and has four children: Danielle, Nikki, April, and Drew (& Jen). Phil and Rusty have been friends since 2008. They met at Leavener at Pinheads on Sunday Mornings.
Matt Tully
Married to Kiersten and has three children, Maggie, Sophie and Danny. Matt serves in the financial planning industry. Matt and Rusty met in 2004 at a men's retreat focused on teaching believers their identity in Christ. Matt serves his community by leading various Bible studies at his home and organizing area Great Banquets.