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
Rev. Frances Cadle has served on staff at St. Luke since 2023 as the Chaplain. She provides pastoral care and support to individuals and families during times of illness, grief, crisis, and loss while encouraging the congregation to care for one another through Christ’s love and compassion.
Frances is married to her husband, Ron, and together they have three adult children and seven grandchildren. She is an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church, holds two degrees from Asbury Theological Seminary with a concentration in pastoral care, and is also a graduate of the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law and a licensed Kentucky attorney. Frances has a special passion for supporting family caregivers and helping the church care for those who often carry the unseen burdens of caring for a loved one.
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 DirectorBrent Merritt has served on staff at St. Luke since 2010 as the Chancel Choir Director. He leads the Chancel Choir and Choral Scholars Program, helping create meaningful worship through music and encouraging singers of all ages to grow in their faith and musical gifts.
Brent earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master of Music Education in Choral Music from the University of Kentucky. As the son of a longtime United Methodist pastor, church music has been an important part of his life from an early age. Brent and his wife, Tonya, enjoy traveling, hiking, and following the adventures of their two sons, Eli and Will.
Wes Wilcox
Contemporary Worship LeaderWes Wilcox has served on staff at St. Luke since the end of 2019 as the Contemporary Worship Leader. He plans the music for the contemporary worship service, coordinates the volunteer worship team, and leads the band as they help guide the congregation in worship each week.
A graduate of Asbury University with a degree in Art, Wes has called St. Luke home since 2009 and has served on the worship team ever since. He and his wife, Heidi, have been married since 2017. In his free time, Wes enjoys drawing, playing music, playing or watching tennis, cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats, M&Ms, and just about anything Superman.
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!
Caleigh Richardson
Connections CoordinatorCaleigh Richardson has served on staff at St. Luke since 2026 as the Connections Coordinator. She helps guests and visitors get connected by leading Discover & Connect, following up with first-time guests, and working closely with the church’s hospitality ministry to help everyone feel welcome.
Caleigh lives in Wilmore with her husband, Will, and their Aussiedoodle, Charlie. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Mississippi State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary. In her free time, she enjoys concerts, board games, reading, disc golf, kayaking, and spending time outdoors.
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COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANT
Abigail Nahill
MINISTRY INTERN
Caleb Rogenthien
PIANO ACCOMPANISTS
Mark Andersen
MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Gil Rouse
EVENING DESK WORKERS
Dick Simpson, Kaye Simpson, Megan Simpson, and Ryan Kim