Community of Christ Lutheran Church

Leaders & Staff

Pastor Stephen Bond

Pastor Steve is excited to come back to his native Ohio after serving a two-point parish in western Pennsylvania for the past seventeen years. He and his wife Sarah have two children, Mark and Anna. Sarah is a teacher who has taught every age from kindergarten to college, and their children love basketball, soccer, and music. Steve is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. In his spare time, enjoys reading and writing, painting and poetry, and music, or just a good conversation around a cup of black coffee or a pint glass. He and his Chuck Taylor tennis shoes (coordinated with the colors of the church year) are glad to be here at Community of Christ!

Michelle Gebhart, Executive Assistant to the Pastor, Office Manager, Financial Secretary

Michelle started working at Community of Christ in June 2017 as the Pastor’s Executive Assistant, Office Manager, and Financial Secretary. Michelle comes from a 27-year background in banking, holding various positions, allowing her to bring many talents to the church. Michelle resides in Maumee, Ohio with her husband, Kevin, Wholesale Acquisition Manager for the Taylor Company. She has two adult children, Autumn and Kyle. Autumn is a graduate of BGSU with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Kyle is currently attending BGSU. Michelle enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, walking, helping others, and crafting.

Mariana Steffan, Music Director

Please welcome Mariana Steffan as our new Music Director! Mariana brings many years of experience serving as a church music director, organist, pianist, and music educator. She looks forward to diving into our music ministry, supporting our volunteer musicians, and growing closer to God through music. Mariana has a passion for working with people of all ages and musical backgrounds.

She holds a Master’s degree in Music Performance from Bowling Green State University and resides in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Outside of church, Mariana enjoys meeting new people, traveling, and attending local events.

Mariana is delighted to join the Community of Christ Lutheran Church family and looks forward to worshiping, serving, and making music together!

Bryce Hinegardner, Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Facilitator

Bryce is excited to be part of the Community of Christ family and bring his love for working with kids and youth into this role. Before stepping into ministry, he spent a few years in software sales, worked as an archery technician, and coached youth archery. He’s also been involved with Camp Union as a counselor. Bryce and his wife, Codi, who teaches sixth grade English and Social Studies and also serves as a Camp Union director, live in Liberty Center with their son, James (Jamie), who’s just over a year old and loves story time and throwing balls around the house.