Ministerial Staff
Dr. Tom Hufty
Senior Pastor
Tom leads the church and MCS by teaching God's Word, casting vision to staff, school administrators and volunteers, and developing leaders to impact the culture. He especially enjoys playing a part in the life-change of people through sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. “When people begin to own their faith to where it impacts their lifestyle and the lives of others - that inspires me,” he says. He is also thrilled to develop leaders who will touch a day he will never see.
More About Tom...
Education
- Doctor of Education - Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Doctor of Educational Ministry - Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Master of Religious Education - Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Bachelor of Religious Education - Hannibal-LaGrange University
Hobbies
Tom says, "I love doing anything with Rhonda. She is my dream come true." He also enjoys playing a little golf and writing.
Life Verse
"Trust in the Lord with all our heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
Little Known Fact
Tom loves shrimp & grits and boiled peanuts.
Dr. Nate Bock
Executive Pastor
Nate oversees Adult Small Groups, daily operations and the church staff. Nate finds his greatest joys of serving in teaching Small Groups, preaching, leading worship, and helping out wherever he can around the church.
More About Nate...
Education
Doctor of Ministry - Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity - Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts in Bible - Hannibal-LaGrange University
Hobbies
Nate enjoys spending time with his family, collecting and playing guitars, and exercising (cycling, walking, and lifting weights). He is also a sneaker head!
Life Verse
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Little Known Fact
Nate's spiritual gifts are Administration and Teaching. He is also an Enneagram 3, called "The Achiever."
Pastor Paul Byrd
Minister of Missions, Sports & Evangelism
Under Paul’s leadership, the Missions, Sports & Evangelism ministry focuses on reaching "our neighbors and nations" to share The Grander Story, God's story. Paul’s aim is to develop others to be a light to our neighbors and nations. He loves to serve and work with people of all ages. “It is a joy to see different ages have an "AHA" moment in their life,” he says, “where they said "YES" to God's story.” He especially enjoys watching others recognize their spiritual gifts and talents that can be used for the Kingdom.
More About Paul...
Education
Master's Degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary
Bachelor's Degree from University of Alabama
Hobbies
Paul enjoys hanging out with family and also watching sports.
Life Verse
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Little Known Fact
His middle name is the 6th generation "Denzil."
Pastor Isaiah Stonecipher
Minister to Children & Families
Isaiah ministers to children and families by providing opportunities for spiritual growth, discipleship, and counsel, while overseeing all children's small groups, activities, and programs. One of his favorite parts of serving is providing opportunities for at-home family discipleship. He loves being a small part of what helps bring a child to a relationship with Jesus. “Watching a child respond to, grow in, and live out the Gospel is an amazing thing,” he says.
More About Isaiah...
Education
- Master of Arts in Christian Education - Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Bachelor of Science in History - Southwest Baptist University
Hobbies
Isaiah loves to hang out with his family, watch and play sports, and listen to music.
Life Verse
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Little Known Fact
The only thing he hates more than glitter is roller skates.
Pastor Alec Erhart
Minister to Students
Alec ministers to students and their families, guiding and equipping them to be Christ-followers in this season of life and after. Alec loves teaching students and watching them grow in their relationship with Christ, and enjoys the crazy and fun opportunities of student ministry too. He is grateful to work with awesome volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to building students up.
More About Alec...
Education
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education - Hannibal-LaGrange University
Master of Theological Studies - Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, In Progress
Hobbies
Alec enjoys watching movies, fly fishing, and hanging with family.
Life Verse
"In you, Lord my God, I put my trust."
Little Known Fact
Alec has a “fake” album on Spotify and Apple Music.
Angela Colona
Preschool Ministry Director
Angela ministers to preschoolers and their families to ensure that they are growing spiritually, emotionally, and socially. She also leads the Preschool Ministry Small Group leaders and provides leadership for special events and activities. Angela especially enjoys teaching little ones that God made them, God loves them, and that Jesus wants to be their friend forever.
More About Angela...
Education
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education with a Childhood Education Concentration - Missouri Baptist University
Hobbies
Angela enjoys spending time with her husband, Rich, her two sons, and her four daughters. She also likes to cook and camp.
Life Verse
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Little Known Fact
Angela is an Alabama football fan.
Matt Assel
Director of Music & Arts
In his position, Matt casts vision and provides leadership for First Baptist Maryville’s music and arts programs. According to Matt, “the greatest joys of serving are found in doing life with our teams, telling stories and seeing lives changed.”
More About Matt...
Education
- Master of Music, Music Composition - Webster University
- Bachelor of Science in Education, Music Education - Hannibal-LaGrange University
Hobbies
Matt enjoys woodworking, reading, and traveling.
Life Verse
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
Little Known Fact
Winter is Matt's favorite season.
Meghan Grimmer
Business Administrator
Meghan supervises the work of the Creative Services Department, Human Resources & Finances and Member Services. She also works with the Stewardship Team to administer the budget and finances of the church, and oversees the general day-to-day office procedures of the church.
More About Meghan...
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Management - University of Missouri - Columbia
Hobbies
Meghan likes to spend time with her family. They like to go hiking, camping, watch movies, and play with their dog.
Life Verses
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Little Known Fact
Meghan tries to stay away from chocolate because it causes her to faint.
She played the violin and piano growing up and stills enjoys playing the piano for fun occasionally.
Chad Laughlin
Maryville Christian High School Administrator
Chad has the honor of partnering with MCS parents and teachers to ensure that our students grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and emotionally each and every day. One of his greatest joys of serving in this position is seeing students come through the doors each and every morning. “They are amazing young men and women,” he says, “and it is such a privilege to be a part of their lives.”
More About Chad...
Education
Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration - Southern Illinois University
Master of Arts in Education - Maryville University
Bachelor of Science in Education - Greenville College
Hobbies
Chad enjoys spending time with his family - whether they are talking, playing games, hiking, skiing, playing sports, swimming, or anything else they find fun to do!
Life Verse
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Little Known Fact
Chad likes to go cliff jumping.
Brian Kamadulski
Maryville Christian Elementary School Administrator
Brian serves the students, families, and staff at MCS as the K-5th grade principal. He especially enjoys partnering with families and working with their children to help them develop their gifts and talents in order to glorify God with all He has given them. Working with students energizes him and brings him great joy!
More About Brian...
Education
Master of Science in Educational Administration - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Bachelor of Science in Business Education - Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science in Finance - Illinois State University
Hobbies
Brian loves spending time with his wife and kids, as well as camping with his family and running.
Life Verse
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."
Little Known Fact
As a second grader, Brian filled out an "All About Me" booklet for parent night. The question was asked, "If you were a teacher, what would you do?" His response was, "Never give homework and give everyone A's." The crazy things kids say!
Cortney Kiefer
Kids First Learning Center Director
Cortney oversees the Kids First Learning Center and staff and has a passion for building relationships and working with teachers, young children and their families. Often times she considers her job more of a hobby because she receives such joy from being a part of children's learning and seeing them grow on a day to day basis. She feels incredibly blessed to be able to witness these children learn about the love of Jesus Christ and see them taught how to live out the gospel in their everyday lives.
More About Cortney...
Education
- In process of completing Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education - Southwestern Illinois college
Hobbies
In Cortney's free time she enjoys creating teething wear for mothers, children, and babies.
Life Verse
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Little Known Fact
Cortney's family has two pet Khaki Campbell ducks.
Mark Stuart
Maryville Christian Middle School Administrator
After retiring from 37 years as a public school teacher, coach and administrator in 2020, Mark came to MCS in June 2021. He loves being part of the MCS Family of staff and students and especially enjoys seeing the enthusiasm and growth in the Middle School students. “We have a fantastic team of adults here dedicated to seeing our kids become in Christ, all that they are created to be.”
More About Mark...
Education
- Educational Administration Certification – University of Illinois - Springfield
- Master of Arts in Athletic Administration – Western Michigan University
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Physical Education – North Park University
Hobbies
Mark has a large family – three adult daughters and a son completing Law School. He and his wife Julie have seven grandchildren (so far) and are busy involved in their families’ lives.
Life Verse
"For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Little Known Fact
Mark coached High School and College Football from 1983 thru 2000, and currently coaches football at John Burroughs School in St. Louis.