Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Brian Ebel
Associate Pastor

Rev. Matt Penny
Chaplain

Rev. Frances Cadle
Pastor of Encouragement

Rev. Bob Ockerman
Swahili Lead Pastor

Rev. David Balondani

Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Brian Ebel

Extension: Ext. 224

Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3403

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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.

Associate Pastor

Rev. Matt Penny

Extension: Ext. 242

Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3404

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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.

Chaplain

Rev. Frances Cadle

Extension: Ext. 240
Direct Phone Number: 859-407-1279

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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.

Pastor of Encouragement

Rev. Bob Ockerman

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As 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.

Swahili Lead Pastor

Rev. David Balondani

Extension: Ext. 222

Direct Phone Number: 859-407-3406

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David Balondani has served as Lead Pastor of the Swahili ministry at St. Luke since 2016, focusing on leading its multicultural and multigenerational community through preaching, teaching, and equipping others for service. He is dedicated to helping the Congolese Diaspora in Lexington grow in their relationship with Christ and serve their community.
Originally from the D.R. Congo in Africa, David and his wife, Magy, live in Lexington with her daughter, Sazana. David enjoys singing and playing musical instruments, learning, and reading. He is actively building relationships with people outside the church, meeting with them and connecting with their communities to foster engagement.