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 ten 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 Gauci, 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.
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.
Elaine Ellis, Pianist