Leadership

Jesus

In the Bible it says this about Jesus, “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”  (Colossians 1:18closeColossians 1:18 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (ESV) )

It may sound a bit abstract, but we believe Jesus leads the church.  He uses people like us who are influenced by his Holy Spirit to do it…but it’s his invention and from what we’ve learned, he’s got every intention of leading it.

Pastoral Team

Mike Borst, Lead Pastor

Mike serves as the lead pastor for northchurch.  Prior to launching northchurch, Mike served on staff at our “mother church”, Heritage for 8 years in a variety of pastoral roles. He wants to see those who are not currently in a relationship with Jesus – and those who are – come to know the freedom, life, meaning and grace that are offered in a relationship with Christ.  Mike holds a B.S. from Miami University and an M. Div from Winebrenner Theological Seminary.  Mike has been married to Molly since 1999 and they live with their 4 rowdy boys in the Lewis Center area.  Email Mike.  (twitter: @mikeborst)

Joel Hardin, Groups Pastor

Joel serves as the associate pastor for northchurch.  He spent many years leading and pastoring at The Ohio State University before coming on staff at Heritage, and then joining the church plant team in early 2010.  An architect by education, Joel has worked hard drawing up environments where people can know Jesus at a deeper level.  He has a passion for discipleship and motorcycles. He, his wife, Edie and their three kids live in the Olentangy School District.  Email Joel.

Brian Johnson, Teaching & Outreach Pastor

With a head for the Word and a heart for the world, Brian joined the northchurch pastoral team in 2013 to serve the congregation through a teaching role on Sunday mornings as well as the pastor over our Outreach ministries. Brian is a full-time attorney at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP with a focus on Commercial and Business Litigation and serves northchurch in a volunteer role. He has previously served in full-time ministry roles, most recently as the Executive Pastor at a large church in the Elyria, OH area. Brian’s education includes a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame Law School, an M.Div. From Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a B.A. from Wheaton College. He has been married to Renee since 1990, and they live with their three kids in Lewis Center.  Email Brian.

The Board

Northchurch, and more specifically, the Lead Pastor are overseen by a governing board.   The board governs the church, working with the staff team to set “ends” for the lead pastor/staff to be measured against, to grant power to accomplish these ends, and to verify performance.

Board Members:

  • Mike Borst
  • Mike Chilcoat
  • Greg Gibbs, Chair
  • Doug Hansel
  • Dave Marburger
  • Mike Meyer