Our Team
We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions for us or if you want to get plugged into the church or just want to meet for coffee (or tea) please feel free to find a staff member below and click the "email" button to contact us.
Rev. Dr. Brian Ebel
Senior PastorExtension: Ext. 224
Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3403
Brian was appointed to St. Luke in June 2019, as its seventh Senior Pastor to order the life of the church, cast vision, lead the staff, and serve as its primary teacher/preacher. He also serves as the Chairperson of the Committee on Approval for the Global Methodist Church, and the Chairperson of Church Planting for the Mid-South Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church.
Brian has a B.S. Business Administration from Aquinas College, studied in the MBA program at Western Michigan University, an M.Div from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Theology from the London School of Theology and Middlesex University in the UK. Brian and his wife Mandy have two children, Sarah Margaret and Luke. Brian enjoys golf, hockey, reading, and time with family.
Rev. Matt Penny
Associate PastorExtension: Ext. 242
Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3404
Matt joined St. Luke Church in 2025 as the Associate Pastor, where he oversees discipleship ministries, shares in teaching and preaching responsibilities, provides pastoral leadership and care, and helps guide Next Generation ministries and leadership development within the life of the church.
Matt has a B.A. in Communication Studies from Arkansas State University, an M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary, and an M.A. in Leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary. Matt and his wife Marissa have one son, Oliver. Matt enjoys coffee, travel, playing trumpet, retro gaming, and spending time with family.
Rev. David Balondani
Swahili Lead PastorExtension: Ext. 222
Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3406
Rev. Bob Ockerman
Pastor of EncouragementAs the Pastor of Encouragement, Bob ministers to St. Luke members who are homebound or in hospitals and rehab facilities. He enjoys making home visits, phone calls, and sending cards, and especially loves serving communion and praying with those he visits.
Rev. Frances Cadle
ChaplainExtension: Ext. 240
Direct Phone Number: 859-407-1279
Frances and her “awesome” husband, Ron, have three kids and seven grandkids. She has a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care from Asbury Theological Seminary. She loves her new kitty, Cam, and enjoys history, traveling, PBS Masterpiece Theater, and eating.
As the congregational chaplain at St. Luke, Frances coordinates and supports the pastoral care ministries. She feels blessed to help people at St. Luke use their spiritual gifts to love God and each other better.
Meredith Fulda
Children's PastorExtension: Ext. 225
Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3409
Meredith joined the staff at St. Luke in 2025 as the Children’s Pastor overseeing the ministries and programming for children ages birth through 5th grade. The goal of St. Luke Kids is to come alongside children to encourage them to grow in relationship with Jesus while also supporting families with resources to disciple their children at home.
She previously served in cross-cultural ministries in Spain and Taiwan and theological higher education. Meredith has her MA in Theological Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary. She and her husband Jeremy have four children, Maddox, Emery, Jovie, & Hayes. She enjoys the outdoors, learning languages, and good coffee.
Email:[email protected]
Amanda Draughn
Director of Events and ProductionExtension: Ext. 246
Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3401
Amanda joined the St. Luke staff in June 2019 as the Director of Events and Production, though her connection to the church goes back much further—she has attended as a member since high school, originally worshiping at Aldersgate Church before its merger with St. Luke. In her role, she oversees all special events and manages the Sunday morning worship services. She also supports the church’s administrative and day-to-day needs, including scheduling rooms, organizing rental events, and helping with the general operations of the church.
A lifelong Lexington native, Amanda holds a degree in Theatrical Production from Centre College and a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and crafting.
Mark Walz, Jr.
Director of Communication & TechnologyExtension: Ext. 226
Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3402
Mark has served on staff at St. Luke since 2014 as the Director of Communications and Technology. He oversees St. Luke’s communications, marketing, and technology systems, helping share the life and mission of the church through video production, photography, graphic design, social media, announcements, websites, and creative storytelling. He also manages the church’s IT systems and technology infrastructure.
He and his wife, Tamra, live in Lexington with his stepsons, Lake and London, and their two cats, Beatrice and Lana. Mark enjoys reading, writing, acrylic painting, camping, going on adventures with his family, and finding new ways to create and tell meaningful stories.
Brent Merritt
Choir DirectorAs St. Luke’s Choir Director, Brent also oversees the St. Luke Choral Scholars and assists with worship planning.
Wes Wilcox
Contemporary Worship LeaderAs the leader of the music team for St. Luke’s Contemporary Worship Service, Wes selects songs, arranges music, and schedules and leads practices for the praise band. He finds great joy in working with the talented musicians, describing rehearsals as one of the highlights of his week.
Jake Harvey
Business AdministratorExtension: Ext. 236
Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3405
Jake Harvey has served on staff at St. Luke since May 2025 as the Business Administrator. He oversees the church’s financial operations, facilities, and day-to-day administrative functions, helping ensure that St. Luke’s ministries and programs have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Jake and his wife, Grace, live in Mt. Sterling with their son, Jax, and their dog, Reggie. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Eastern Kentucky University in 2021 and is also a commissioned Notary Public. In his free time, Jake enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on the Indianapolis Colts!
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PIANO ACCOMPANISTS
Mark Andersen
MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Gil Rouse
EVENING DESK WORKERS
Dick Simpson, Kaye Simpson, Megan Simpson, and Ryan Kim