Our Pastors

Pastor Mike Cavanaugh

Our senior pastor has spoken to thousands of people throughout the world - but we have the privilege of hearing his clear and practical teaching of God's word nearly every Sunday here at Elim Gospel Church. He and his wife, Terri, have ministered here since the church first officially began in 1988. Pastor Mike is known for teaching that's relevant to people of all ages and all stages of life. He is the author of God's Call to the Single Adult and, before coming to EGC, founded ministries to both college students and single adults. Much of his traveling ministry these days involves developing pastors and church leaders here and in other countries. In addition to his teaching ministry, Pastor Mike oversees the pastoral staff and leads us all towards the visions the Lord has for Elim Gospel Church. Pastor Mike and Terri live in Lima and have 3 young adult children.

 

Pastor Dick Dreyer

Pastor Dick and his wife, Shan, have a passion for sharing the good news of salvation with people everywhere - and have actually done that in almost 50 countries around the world! They especially have a heart for the Muslim people, having served as missionaries in Iran for many years before that nation became closed to missions work. Elim has been their home base for 21 years, and they've had a tremendous role here and abroad in influencing believers to "go to the nations". The key to their fruitfulness in ministry is in their dedication to prayer and their confidence in God's promise: "Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance." (Ps. 2:8) Pastor Dick serves here in the areas of prayer and missions, and also in our counseling ministry. He and Shan have 3 grown children and 8 grandchildren.

 

Pastor Joshua Finley

Pastor Joshua Finley began preaching the good news of Jesus at the age of 14, while on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic – and hasn’t stopped since!  Eager to see the Lord use “a regular guy like me” to touch people’s lives, he enrolled at Elim Bible Institute; and became involved here with our youth ministry while still a student at EBI.  Upon graduation in 2004 he joined our staff as pastor over the youth, young adults, and international students.  Pastor Josh is mentoring our young people with excellence.  He and his wife, Anna, live in Avon with their two little boys, Judah and Jesse. It’s their passion and desire to see the gospel of Christ communicated with relevance and clarity to every generation.

 

 

Pastor Seth Goodson

Pastor Seth Goodson is our newest pastor!  He oversees both our preschool and grade school ministries, including “KidzChurch” and discipleship programs for over a hundred children every week.  With a passionate commitment to God, the high energy of youth, and the wisdom that comes from being discipled under godly leaders, Seth is gifted in communicating the gospel to our youngest generation.  Says Seth, “It is so exciting to see children find their purpose and the love of God, and to go to heights no one ever dreamed they could.”  Seth and his wife, Tarah, live in Avon with their sweet baby girl, Jericho Joy, born in August, 2007.

 

 

Pastor Wayne Hedlund

Pastor Wayne began his ministry at EGC as an intern back in 1991 – but during his years here he has had the opportunity to use his leadership giftings in every department in the church, from children to adults, at one point or another! He currently oversees adult education and community groups as well as our Sunday morning services and the Creative Arts Department.  Pastor Wayne enjoys using his administrative, leadership and creative gifts in what he does; and he considers it a privilege to serve at EGC.  He and his wife, Becky, live in Avon and have three young children - Amelia, Benjamin, and Derek.

 

 

 

Pastor Eric Scott

Pastor Eric Scott joined our staff in May 2008. He shares, “My love for people and ministry comes directly from the love I've experienced from Jesus.  His love spurs me on to share His good news with people I’m privileged to have contact with...”  Pastor Eric shares Christ’s love with others through EGC’s Care Ministries, overseeing counseling, visitation, and lay pastor ministry for our congregation. His former position was as Dean of Men for Elim Bible Institute, but he’s ministered in many settings, from the church to the classroom to homes for troubled youth. He and his wife, Cindy, make their home in Lima and enjoy sharing life with four great kids in their teens and early twenties.

 

Pastor Sean Steinke

Pastor Sean and Kristy Steinke have been a part of EGC since 2000, and have generously served the Lord here in a number of important roles. In 2007, Pastor Sean launched Care Connection, an exciting new ministry here at EGC, which exists to “connect willing hearts with real needs”. (See link on home page.) He currently serves as director of that ministry, and Kristy is EGC’s financial secretary.  The Steinkes also minister with Wordtunes and Psalmschool ministries, using music, dance, and the arts to help people enjoy the Lord and His word! They also serve occasionally with arts and worship at EGC. They have four teen-aged children, Solomon, Bekah, Ruth, and Simeon, and make their home in Lima.

 

Pastor Jerry Warsaw

Pastor Jerry Warsaw has been an integral part of ministry here since the early ‘90’s!  He is currently one of our care pastors and also is overseeing the construction of our new teen wing.  Pastor Jerry loves people and loves worship (you’ll frequently see him serving on one of our worship teams!) and also serves as a trustee for the village board in Lima.  In addition, he is helping to lay the foundations for a business school in Haifa, Israel, to help Jews who’ve come to faith in Messiah.  Pastor Jerry and Annette have four adult children and one grandbaby and live here in Lima.