On the Ballot for election to the District Advisory Board
We will elect two new ministers and two laypersons for the open 2026-2030 terms.
(The District Advisory Board is comprised of 5 ministers and 5 laypersons.)
MINISTER (VOTE FOR 2 )
4-Year Term
Jess Dolan
Quest Community Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2030
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Jess Dolan is an Associate Pastor at Quest Community Church who is passionate about helping people take real steps in following Jesus in everyday life.
About 13 years ago, Jessica had a life-changing encounter with Jesus at the very church she now serves. What started as resistance turned into transformation and that still shapes how she connects with people today.
She spends most of her time walking closely with people as they figure out what it actually looks like to follow Jesus. She has a strong heart for prison ministry and values real, consistent relationships with people right where they are. She’s also passionate about church planting and seeing more people encounter Jesus.
Jessica is married to Paul and is mom to Caleb and Emma.
Lou Reyes
One Hope Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2030
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
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Pastor Lou Reyes serves as the Lead Pastor of One Hope Church in Tipp City, Ohio. Originally from the Philippines, he became the first Christian in his family when he came to faith in Christ during college in 2008. He co-planted an international church in the Philippines in 2009 and became its lead pastor in 2014, entering full-time ministry that same year. Pastor Lou holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Divinity. He also served as the campus nurse at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary from 2015 to 2020. With more than 11 years of pastoral experience among the urban poor in the Philippines; in the diverse city of Joliet, Illinois; in the small town of Marshall, Missouri, where he co-planted two Micronesian churches; in the historic port city of Mobile, Alabama; and now in the growing community of Tipp City, Ohio, he brings a strong commitment to discipleship, pastoral care, multicultural ministry, church planting, and local church ministry. He and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of Louisa and Levi.
Scott Marsee
Sidney First Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2030
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Scott currently serves as the Vice President for Learning and Innovation at Southern Nazarene University. In that role, he provides strategic direction for new program development along with the design of learning modalities using technology. He also develops systems that support the academic operations of the institution. He began his educational ministry at SNU in 2019. Scott’s passion for educational ministry is helping future ministers prepare for their call to ministry.
Scott received the call to ministry as a child and after high school enrolled at Asbury College, completing a BA in Business degree in May 1996. After college, he attended Asbury Theological Seminary and completed a Master of Arts degree in 1996. He also completed his Ph.D. in 2015. He was ordained in 2001 and served in pastoral ministry in churches on the Michigan District and Northwest Ohio District.
Scott and his wife Raeanne have two daughters and three grandchildren. They are members of the Sidney First Church of the Nazarene.
Mike McKenzie
Urbana Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2030
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Mike sensed God’s call into ministry at age 29. Prior to that, he worked as a Medical Technologist at The Ohio State University Hospital. Following this call, he completed his ordination requirements through Nazarene Bible College and was ordained in 2015.
Over the past 17 years, he has served the local church as a Youth Pastor, Children’s Pastor, and Lead Pastor. His passion is helping others experience Christ through the local church in ways that are meaningful within their context. He is currently concluding his sixth year serving at Urbana Nazarene.
He has also had the privilege of serving on several denominational and community boards, including the District NYI Board, Credentials Board, and NDI Board. Locally, he has been involved with The Sycamore House pregnancy center and Champaign Hope 4 Good.
In his spare time, he enjoys coaching soccer, reading, playing guitar, and spending as much time as possible with his family.
One of his greatest joys in the Nazarene Church is camp meeting. Last year, he had the privilege of leading worship alongside his wife and the Urbana Nazarene worship team—an experience that remains especially meaningful to them.
LAYPERSON (VOTE FOR 2)
4-Year Term
Ryan Castle
The Well Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2030
Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Ryan Castle began attending The Well in 2002, as a teenager. He has been married to Mara since 2008, and they have 3 children: Emerson (14), Finley (12), and Reid (8). Ryan graduated from MVNU with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. Both a CPA and CMA, Ryan has worked for Cardinal Health since 2011, and has experience in tax, accounting, finance, project management, transformation, and finance operations. He is currently the Director of Pharma Rebates.
At The Well, Ryan has served on the Board, Finance Committee, Capital Campaign Committee, and Building Renovation Teams. He has been the project manager for multiple construction and renovation projects. Sunday mornings, he serves on the Sound and Production Team and teaches a Teen Sunday School Class. He is also involved in the Teen Bible Quizzing ministry.
Ryan is passionate about serving others and using his gifts and talents to move people and projects forward. When he isn’t assisting with building maintenance at church, or helping a friend with a DIY project, you can find Ryan at home, enjoying his time working in the yard or making his wife’s home improvement dreams come true.
Dave Tippett
Hope Community Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2030
Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Dave Tippett has been a long-standing member of the Hope Community Church of the Nazarene. He continues to serve in several areas, including as Secretary of the Church Board, in Family Ministries (children and youth), occasional drama ministry and wherever God wants him to be. He also serves meals at the Cherry Street Mission in Toledo, is active with NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) and is a published playwright. He came to know Christ through the patience discipleship of his wife, Jill, and they have been married for 42 years. Dave and Jill live in Gibsonburg, OH along with an assortment of “fur children”. His passion for service in the name of Jesus remains strong, and his life verse, John 16:33, reminds him of the power of Christ to overcome all we face.
David Frye
Troy Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2030
Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
I have been attending the Troy Church of the Nazarene since 1990. I have served in various ministry positions at the church over the years including teaching classes, leading small groups, and as a worship leader. I have also served previously on the NWO District Advisory Board and locally serve on the Board at Troy Church of the Nazarene.
For me, a life of Faith is all about a relationship with the one true God, believing Jesus died on the cross for my sins, living thru the Holy Spirits direction, and serving/helping/loving/discipling others as directed.
I have been married to Sherry since 1985 following graduation from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. We have been blessed with two sons, two daughters-in-law, and 4 grandchildren. I enjoy time with family and playing golf.
I have been a commercial general contractor for over 40 years, working with various businesses and churches throughout the country. We have been privileged to work with over 140 churches in building new or remodeling their ministry space requirements.
Rachael Thomas
Paulding Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2030
Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
Through His grace, I am a follower of Christ, living out my calling as a wife, mother, educator, and church leader. My husband, Bob, and I are empty-nesters enjoying life in the country near Cecil, OH. We are the proud parents of three grown daughters—Jessica, Allison, and Casey—and the doting grandparents of our grandson, Jaxtyn.
My professional journey began at Olivet Nazarene University (BA, Zoology, ’91), followed by working as a Medical Technologist in hospital laboratories. Feeling called to the classroom, I earned my M.Ed. from Defiance College in 2005 and have spent the last two decades as a science instructor at Vantage Career Center in Van Wert.
Faith and service remain the pillars of our lives. Bob and I are active members of Paulding Church of the Nazarene, where we both serve on the church board. I am currently in my sixth year as the local NMI President and my third year as the Board Secretary, grateful for every opportunity to serve the Kingdom.
Nazarene Missions International (NMI) Ballot
You will vote for one candidate and the person who receives the highest vote total will become President and the second vote-getter will be elected as Vice-President. This approach was recommended by the NMI nominating committee and approved by the District Superintendent.
PRESIDENT (VOTE FOR 1)
2-Year Term
Stephen Ambrose
Wapakoneta Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2028
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Since August 2010, Stephen & his wife, Amy have been on their wonderful life adventure together. This adventure led them to opening a Winans Coffees + Chocolates franchise in 2018. When they are not caffeinating & ministering to their community, they find their rest, relaxation & rejuvenation by hiking mountain trails in America’s National Parks, traveling the world, taking in a Cincinnati Reds game, or reading while sipping on a delicious cup of coffee – in the mountains!
Stephen received his BS in Psychology from Cumberland College & MDiv in Practical Ministries & Pastoral Leadership from Cincinnati Christian University. For over twelve years, Stephen has served the Lord as lead follower/senior pastor at wapaknaz. In tandem with his pastoral ministry, Stephen recently received certification as a 7 Frequencies of Communication Coach. He currently serves as Chaplain for the Wapakoneta Police Department, member of the board of directors for Mission of Hope Lima, as a part of NWO Properties Board, NWO District Advisory Board, NWO District Board of Ministry, NWO NDI Board and serves alongside other Nazarene pastors teaching the Nazarene Course of Study at the Allen Correctional Institution. He has previously served on the board for Co.Mission Toledo and the former NWO SDMI Council (now NDI).
Jacob Hawes
Hope Community Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2028
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Pastor Jacob has served as Lead Pastor at Hope Community Church for the past four years. He and his wife, Amber, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of four children. Together, they have lived and served in the Toledo area for the past 14 years, investing deeply in their church and community.
Jacob and Amber share a deep passion for living on mission as a family. They have led teams internationally to Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Germany, as well as regionally with Shepherd Community in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Appalachia Reach Out (ARO) in Inez, Kentucky. These experiences have shaped their belief that mission is not just something we do—it is a way of life.
Prior to coming to Hope, Jacob led a citywide initiative called Co.Mission Toledo, helping launch ministry outposts throughout the city. These teams served in local schools, community centers, parks, and a family homeless shelter, building meaningful relationships and meeting practical needs.
Jacob is passionate about serving within the Church of the Nazarene and its conviction that mission and discipleship are inseparable. He believes that as we walk with Jesus, we are called to love and serve others—especially “the least of these”—in everyday, tangible ways.
NMI SECRETARY (YES/NO VOTE)
Recommended by the NMI nominating committee and approved by the District Superintendent.
2-Year Term
Kristen Morgan
Sidney First Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2028
Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Kristen Morgan currently attends Sidney Church of the Nazarene, where she has been a member since moving to Sidney after marrying her husband, Joshua. Originally from the NWO District, Kristen was raised in the London Church of the Nazarene.
The district campground holds special significance in Kristen’s life. It is where she and Joshua met, where they later became engaged, and where Joshua was ordained when their oldest child was just five days old. Kristen and Joshua have been married for nearly 20 years and have two children, Kaylee (18) and Titus (15).
Kristen has a deep passion for missions and youth ministry. During Joshua’s nearly 20 years serving as a youth pastor, she was actively involved in youth ministry, including attending camps and retreats, serving as a Nazarene Youth Conference chaperone, and helping lead mission trips to Savannah, Georgia, and Guatemala. Kristen also participated in short-term mission trips to Belize and Guatemala during her time at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Professionally, Kristen is a high school math teacher at Sidney, where she also teaches College Credit Plus courses through Edison State Community College. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University.
District Advisory Board
To serve in an advisory capacity to the district superintendent in his or her supervision of
all the departments, boards, and committees of the district.
Our Current Team
Stephen
Ambrose
Wapakoneta Church of the Nazarene
Serving through District Advance 2029
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Since August 2010, Stephen & his wife, Amy have been on their wonderful life adventure together. This adventure led them to opening a Winans Coffees + Chocolates franchise in 2018. When they are not caffeinating & ministering to their community, they find their rest, relaxation & rejuvenation by hiking mountain trails in America’s National Parks, traveling the world, taking in a Cincinnati Reds game, or reading while sipping on a delicious cup of coffee – in the mountains!
Stephen received his BS in Psychology from Cumberland College & MDiv in Practical Ministries & Pastoral Leadership from Cincinnati Christian University. For over twelve years, Stephen has served the Lord as lead follower/senior pastor at wapaknaz. In tandem with his pastoral ministry, Stephen recently received certification as a 7 Frequencies of Communication Coach. He currently serves as Chaplain for the Wapakoneta Police Department, member of the board of directors for Mission of Hope Lima, as a part of NWO Properties Board, NWO District Advisory Board, NWO District Board of Ministry, NWO NDI Board and serves alongside other Nazarene pastors teaching the Nazarene Course of Study at the Allen Correctional Institution. He has previously served on the board for Co.Mission Toledo and the former NWO SDMI Council (now NDI).
Jill
Erickson
Findlay First Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2028
Priesthood of all
Believers
Read Bio
I have been married to my fantastic husband Scott for 40 years, and we are the proud parents of two grown daughters, Ali and Molly, who both graduated from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University and are currently working in the teaching profession. Scott is retired from Proctor &
Gamble and is currently enjoying his role as Plant Manager for AGRANA US, Inc. We have been blessed with two grandsons, Jude (age 3) and Max (age 1), who bring so much joy to our lives.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences/History from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from the University of Findlay. I am currently teaching American & World History at Liberty-Benton High School in Findlay, Ohio, and I was named the
Hancock County Golden Apple Teacher of the Year in 2017. I also serve on the Liberty-Benton Local School District K-12 Leader In Me executive committee to implement Stephen Covey’s award-winning educational leadership program, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, across the
curriculum in our school district.
Scott and I have been members of Findlay First Church of the Nazarene for 25 years where I currently serve as a member of the local Church Board and Finance Committee, as well as Director of Discipleship Ministries. God is richly blessing our church, and it brings Scott and I great pleasure to be a part of a thriving congregation that serves together sharing the love of our wonderful Savior and Lord.
Kevin
Young
Swanton Church of the Nazarene
Serving through District Advance 2027
Priesthood of all
Believers
Read Bio
Judy and I are lifelong residents of Swanton and have been attending the Swanton Church since 1988. Over the years, I have served as NYI president, youth Sunday school teacher, and currently as NMI president and Church Board Secretary. I have served several terms on the District Church Properties Board, the District Advisory Board, and am serving my first term on the District NMI Board.
I also serve on the village of Swanton’s Planning & Zoning Committee (25 years, currently chairman), The Swanton Public Library Board of Trustees (20 years) and The Swanton Local Schools Foundation (1 year).
Brian
Bratt
Findlay First Church of the Nazarene
Serving through District Advance 2026
Priesthood of all
Believers
Read Bio
My wife Shelby and I are both teachers at local schools (Elmwood MS and Van Buren HS). We have attended Findlay First Church of the Nazarene since 2006 and serve in a variety of ways. I play guitar on the worship team and currently serve as the church board secretary. Shelby serves as a substitute Sunday School teacher and has provided delicious baked goods over the years to various church events. I am currently serving at the district level as a member of the District Advisory Board.
Ryan
Frederick
Napoleon Church of the Nazarene
Serving through District Advance 2029
Priesthood of all
Believers
Read Bio
I am a 1993 graduate of MVNU with a degree in Communications. I met my wife of 30 years at MVNU, which was best blessing God could have ever given me. I am extremely thankful every day. Julie and I have three children…Alyssa, Andrew and Tyler. Alyssa graduated from Olivet Nazarene University and teaches high school biology at Westfield HS in Indiana. Andrew and Tyler are currently attending Olivet.
I have attended Napoleon Church of the Nazarene since 2010. Over time, I have assisted with the youth of the church and have taught a HS Sunday school class. The goal has always been to make kids think. I want them to understand what they believe and what it all means. I want them to be different. Their actions will have an effect way outside of themselves.
I have worked for the Sherwood State Bank as a Business Development Officer for the past 22 years and my wife is an Optometrist. I have been in the banking industry since 1998 serving in various roles.
While banking is what I do, a Christian husband and father is who I am. I grew up in a Christian home and attending a Christian school all my school years. I attended East Liverpool First Church as a kid and had the teaching of some great Christian role models. I had some great coaches in my years of HS basketball as well. They were coaches that cared about me as a person and still do to this day. All of this had an influence on my attending MVNU. I applied at one school, and that was it. I met some lifelong friends and met my wife. God always has a plan. There were many times that things do not go as I would expect them to, but God always has a plan. If we trust his leading, he can do some crazy things. God is an awesome God!
Dave
Dooley
Napoleon Church of the Nazarene
Serving through District Advance 2027
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
My greatest joys in life are serving the Lord, spending time with my family and living life in the body of Christ in the context of the local church and community. I have been married to my wife, Britni since 2008 and have shared in pastoral ministry together for the past 16 years. In 2018, we were blessed with our daughter Nora who is evidence of the miraculous workings of our God. I graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene
University in 2003 with a degree in Religion with a Youth Ministry support and would later attend Winebrenner Theological Seminary. I have served as a Youth Pastor, Worship Pastor, Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor in the Church of the Nazarene for 20 years. I have served the District by being part of several district boards, including NYI, DMI and District Advisory Board. I have also enjoyed serving during the weeks of
camp meeting (The Gathering) and District Assembly (District Advance). I am most energized when I am around people, and I love leading others in worship and preaching. It is a privilege to be part of the Northwestern Ohio District Family.
Cheryl
Fuson
Springfield
High Street
Serving through District Advance 2026
Priesthood of all
Believers
Read Bio
Cheryl is a finance committee member and serves as the recording secretary. She also oversees the greeting team and is part of the worship team at High Street. She has a BA in Business and an Associates degree in Accounting and has worked in multiple human resource roles, currently she is an Associate Relations Manager at a faith-based healthcare organization.
Donna
Ebanks
Toledo Northpoint Church of the Nazarene
Serving through District Advance 2026
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Pastor Donna has served as Lead Pastor at Toledo Northpoint CotN for the past nine years. She served as an Associate Pastor of Women’s Ministries at Findlay First CotN to fulfill her internship. She loves to serve her Lord and Savior by loving His church, her family and their community of Point Place.
Pastor Donna was ordained on June 15, 2017. She completed her Certification of Ministry Preparation through MVNU in 2016. Prior to MVNU she attended Owens Community College and Alpena Community College for Business and Marketing. She and her husband Richard celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary last year. They have 2 sons Shaun Ebanks and Jason Brady Ebanks (Joanne Ebanks). They
have been blessed with 7 grandchildren.
She currently serves on the District Advisory Board, and she has served on the District Center Board. Pastor Donna serves on the board for Mustard Seed, our local food pantry, and has served on the board for the Point Place Boys and Girls Club. She is committed to serving alongside other pastors in the Toledo Naz Network bringing local Nazarene pastors together, and also is part of the Point Place ministerial group serving along with 5 other churches to take the love of Christ to our local neighborhoods.
Kristi
Payne
St Paris Community
Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2028
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Kristi Payne has been the lead pastor at Saint Paris Community Church of the Nazarene for the past 6 years. Ordained in 2013, she previously served as a registered evangelist, staff pastor at the Marysville Church of the Nazarene and the NWO NMI District President. Kristi’s passion is teaching people about Jesus and discipling others, so they can experience a deep unshakable faith in Christ.
Since becoming the pastor at St. Paris, Kristi and her husband of 34 years, Jay, have led the church through a major building renovation to create a modern, youth-centered space. Since renovating the space, the youth group, under the leadership of Pastor Matt Perdue has more than doubled in size. Kristi is creating paths for discipleship of both new and veteran believers, while also focusing on community outreach. “We want to be a dynamic force of God’s love in action to our community to such a degree that Jesus becomes absolutely irresistible to the people whose lives we intersect.” Holding worship gatherings in the town park throughout the summer months, dedicating resources to our youth and discipleship programs, and developing leaders within the church are just a few of the ways in which St. Paris Naz is growing and moving forward.
Kristi and Jay have 3 children, Tanner (28) and Ali, Megan (25) and Ryan and Seth (22) and Yami. They also have 2 grandchildren, Piper (5) and Max (3 months). Kristi is a graduate of The Ohio State University and the University of Dayton, having earned a B.S. in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in School Administration respectively. After teaching students with severe disabilities for 30 years, she will be retiring from teaching this year to devote her time to pastoring and her family.
No Ballot this year
NAZARENE DISCIPLESHIP INTERNATIONAL (NDI)
Your current President and Vice President
President
Justin Braun
Lima Community Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2028
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Justin is Emily’s husband and the father of Adela Marie. He was raised in the NWO district, at Napoleon Church of the Nazarene. In 2021, he was hired full-time as their Discipleship pastor. In early 2024, Justin and Emily moved to Emily’s original stomping grounds, and Justin now serves as an Associate Pastor for Lima Community.
Justin graduated from the University of Toledo with a B.S. in bioengineering in 2016. He worked in this field for a year in Indiana before beginning his vocational ministry pursuit in 2017. While working as a youth minister in Ennis, Texas, then interning at NapNaz, and finally working for the seminary, Justin pursued and received his ThM. with Leadership and Pastoral Counseling emphases from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2021. This year, he will be ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene.
Justin’s true heart’s mission is to see God’s children overflow with God’s love to introduce God’s Kingdom to all of God’s creation.
Vice President
Jared Burgess
LifeSource Church of the Nazarene
To Serve through District Advance 2028
Elder / Priesthood of all Believers
Read Bio
Jared has been married to his wife, Janaye, since 2015. They have a beautiful daughter Joelle (5) who brings such joy and laughter to their lives. He graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry and in 2019 he graduated from MVNU with a Master’s degree in Practical Theology. He has served in full time pastoral ministry since July of 2015 and has served as Lead Pastor at Lifesource Church in Bryan, Ohio since July of 2019.
Jared has been a lifelong Nazarene and has been deeply shaped by the ministries of the Church since an early age. In High School, he received his calling to pursue pastoral ministry and since then has served in both youth ministry and pastoral ministry in diverse contexts throughout our region. Jared has also served on several boards and committees at the district level and has been honored to serve in nearly every area of ministry in the local church. He is the most passionate about leading people to the heart of the Father and seeing them understand and commit to new life in Christ. He feels a deep burden for the church to engage with the lost and to make disciples, reaching all areas of the community with the love of Christ.
Outside of the church, Jared is an avid outdoorsman who finds solace and inspiration in creation. He enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and RV-ing around the USA with his family. Whether in the woods, his community, or at the church, he believes in the importance of faith, family, and having fun.