J.D. Young, Lead Pastor
J.D. came to Living the Word Church (formerly Bethel UMC) in 2010, where he began leading Youth and Young Adult programming. He served in this position for six years.
Then, in 2016, J.D.’s role expanded in the church when he assumed the role of Assistant Pastor of Family Life Ministries. In this position, he led all programming for children, youth, and young adults.
He is currently serving in the role of Lead Pastor. J.D. is most passionate about empowering parents to become the spiritual leaders of their families.
J.D. grew up in Cincinnati, graduating from Milford High School in 2003. He then graduated from The University of Toledo, with a degree in Communications in 2007. In 2016, he completed his Masters of Arts in Theological Studies through Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
J.D. and his wife, Lisa, have been married for nine years. They have three kids, and several pets: Zoey (the dog); Izzie (the cat… well, really she’s J.D.’s cat); two awesome fish tanks; and a Zebra named Billy. Okay, they don’t have a Zebra but we’re glad you kept reading!
Tim Gauch, Associate Pastor
My family originally hails from Huntington Beach, which is 45 minutes south of Los Angeles. Growing up in a Christian home and attending a conservative evangelical Baptist church, I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember.
I have been in some form of ministry for most of my life, working in special education, directing student ministries at the church I grew up in, running a foster care home, and then God took us overseas with Wycliffe Bible Translators to work in missionary member care. In the third-world jungle of the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, my wife and I managed a boarding home for teenage children of missionaries that were out in the bush.
Codi and I have been happily married for 12 years. We have three children, Noah Louise, our oldest daughter is almost 9, Esther our second girl is 5 and full of joy, and Ben is our crafty 2 year old.
Dustin Weeks, Youth Director
Dustin is the husband of Betsy, together they have 7 kids.
You’ll see him hanging out with the youth of our church, as this is a passion God has laid on his heart. He desires to shepherd not only his own kids to develop a relationship with the Lord, but also the youth in our church.
When he’s not at church, you’ll often find him at a Bethel-Tate sporting event cheering on the kids.
Rebekah Royer, Children’s Director
Hi, my name is Rebekah Royer. I live in Williamsburg with my husband Aaron and our three children; Claire, Adam, and Tessa. Aaron and I have been married for 13 years. I have lived in Williamsburg all of my life and graduated from Williamsburg High School in 2003. I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
For the past 5 years, I have been the youth and children’s director at the Williamsburg UMC. Teaching kids of all ages is my passion! Here at LWCC our mission is “Helping our children come to KNOW Jesus Christ, GROW to be like Him, and GO serve His people.” I am excited to follow God’s calling here at LWCC.
Allyson Moorman, Office Manager
Danny Little, Contemporary Worship Leader
Danny leads Sunday morning contemporary worship here at LWCC. He has an awesome team of volunteers who share their gift of music with us each week.
Danny is married to Jamie and together they have 2 kids.
Greg & Sandy Bauer, Church Custodians
Elaine Ellis, Pianist