Our Staff

We’re excited about the team of pastors God has given us here at Blackhawk Ministries. Scroll Down to learn more about our team members.

	Kelly Byrd, Senior Pastor Lori Whitman, Assistant, (260) 493-7400 x222 What Kelly Loves About His Job What Kelly is Learning Hi, I’m Kelly and I have the greatest job on earth – being the Senior Pastor here at Blackhawk! I’m grateful that I get a check every other week but sometimes can’t believe they pay me to be here and be a part of this amazing team. My wife Kebra and I have been here for over 10 years and pray that God will give us many, many more! We love Him, this city and this growing family at Blackhawk that we get to love, lead and share our lives with. Besides being a husband to Kebra and a dad to Russell T., Wesleigh, Madison, Jake and Evie Jo – there is nothing I love more than serving God with those on this page!
	Korban Miller, Pastor – Worship Michelle Kennedy, Assistant, (260) 493-7400 x260 What Korban Loves About His Job What Korban is Learning I can’t believe I’ve been Blackhawk’s Worship Pastor for almost 8 years! I love the chance God has given me to lead and prompt His people in worship of Him at our Sunday morning gatherings. Also, I’m humbled to shepherd and provide oversight for our amazingly talented team of 70 volunteer musicians. I could never do any of this without His strength and support. God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve – especially with the gift of my wife, Tanya and our three girls Myah Vivianna and Tanash.
	Jesse Hanna, Connecting Pastor April Herrman, Assistant, (260) 493-7400 x272 What Jesse Loves About His Job What Jesse is Learning Read Jesse’s Blog! As the Connecting Pastor, I have the opportunity to help people connect to smaller settings. I have been with Blackhawk for almost seven years and have had the privilege of working with wonderful people. God has assembled a solid team to serve our Church body; as a team we strive to help people become complete in Christ. I am married to my wonderful wife of 13 years, and we have two amazing daughters.
	Luke Sefton, Student Pastor April Herrman, Assistant, (260) 493-7400 x286 What Luke Loves About His Job What Luke is Learning My name is Luke and I love Jesus, my wife (Kelli) and high school kids! I can relate with others on this page who feel blessed to be working at Blackhawk Ministries. My wife and I grew up at this church and school so it’s really weird and at the same time exciting to be back here. Throughout my life God has been so faithful to lead me (college, spouse, house, job, etc…) and I’m thankful that he has led me here. Our youth group exists to make students into serious disciples of Jesus Christ while having tons of fun along the way and I will strive to do those things as Blackhawk’s High School Pastor. I praise God for his grace in my life and for the opportunity he’s given me at this church!
	Doody and Dre Baker, Directors – Middle School Ministry April Herrman, Assistant, (260) 493-7400 x274 As a married couple, we are excited to serve together to love on middle school students. We love taking students to Taco Bell, which enables us to build relationships. We are excited to be on this journey together growing in Christ. We desire for middle school students to ultimately know the Lord and His truth. We both have experience working with middle school students. We love this age group and feel honored to be where we are.
	Steve Webster, Teaching Pastor Lori Whitman, Assistant, (260) 493-7400 x222 What Steve Loves About His Job What Steve is Learning Read Steve’s Blog! As an Assistant Pastor at Blackhawk Ministries, I’m honored to have a teaching, research and support role on staff. I’ve been a part of Blackhawk Ministries for more than 7 years, teaching at Blackhawk Christian School since 2003, but now love my new role (this year) serving Blackhawk on both sides of the street. Jody and I have been a part of the Blackhawk family (on Sunday morning) for almost three years now and are loving our increased involvement and participation in advancing His kingdom. As Lead Teacher for the Bible Department at the school, I have a unique opportunity to help shape and direct Bible instruction in a way that impacts the entire ministry, both church and school. I’ve been married to the incomparable Jody Webster for 11 great years, and am the proud father of Hannah and Christian Webster.
	Mark Ahrens – Financial Controller Judy Study, Assistant, (260) 493-7400 x227 What Mark Loves About His Job What Mark is Learning I can not believe it has almost been 2 years since I joined this wonderful team here at Blackhawk. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity God has given me to serve in the capacity of financial controller. I have the privilege of using 23 years of accounting and financial management experience to oversee the business and operational functions. The most exciting thing is to see how God continues to move me beyond the debits and credits. I have been able to serve in areas I would have never imagined. God has used these areas to reveal gifts I never even knew I had. Wow! I have been married to my wife Michelle, who I met here at Blackhawk, for 20 years. God has blessed us with three wonderful children Kelsey, Kaleb, & Kody.
	Janice Maurizi, Director – Children’s Ministries Havilah Salyer, Assistant, (260) 493-7400 x280 What Janice Loves About Her Job What Janice is Learning Read The Children’s Ministry Blog! I love how God is constantly working things out in us, and how He takes us down paths we never could have imagined ourselves. For me, that is coming back to the place where my walk with Christ began; where I first learned about what it means to be a Follower of Christ. My parents started out at Blackhawk in 1977, and our family has been here ever since. I consider it a great joy and privilege to be able to take all those things that I learned here as a child and teach them to the next generation. My heart’s desire is to be able to come alongside parents as they raise their children to know and follow Christ, and that in the end we have a generation of kids that understand and live out what it means to be fully surrendered to Christ.
	Keith Moore, Pastor – Visitation Cami Wharton, Assistant, (260) 493-7400 x20 My name is Keith and I have the privilege of serving in the Pastoral Care role here at Blackhawk. This involves hospital and nursing home visitation. I am in my 50th year of ministry. My wife and I have celebrated 54 years together and have 7 children, 26 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren! The Lord has been faithful through these years of service for Him. We give Him all the glory!