Meet Our Staff

At Indian Run United Methodist Church, we are blessed to have a dedicated and passionate team of staff members who serve our congregation with love, integrity, and commitment. Whether leading worship, teaching, or supporting our ministries, each person plays a vital role in helping fulfill the mission of our church and living out our core values.
Pastoral & Programs
Lead Pastor: Rev. Jeff Allen

Pastor Jeff is a native of Central Ohio, growing up in Upper Arlington before attending The Ohio State University, where he earned a marketing degree. After several years in technology sales, Jeff answered God’s call to ministry and pursued a Masters of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School of Ohio, graduating in 2007. Since then, he has faithfully served churches in Hilliard, Clintonville, and Springfield.

Pastor Jeff and his wife, Sandi, are the proud parents of twin sons, Robert and Luke. He was appointed to serve as Lead Pastor of Indian Run in July 2016, where he continues to guide and inspire the congregation with a heart for discipleship and service.

 
Pastor of Congregational Care: Rev. Lynn Pease
Lynn has a rich history with Indian Run, having joined the church in the mid-1980s with her husband, Sherm. From the beginning of their time with us, Lynn was actively involved in our music ministries and served on staff as the Director of Music Ministry from 1996 to 2003. She was also part of the team that launched our contemporary service and praise team, helping to shape the vibrant music ministry we enjoy today.
 
Through her involvement in Indian Run’s ministries, Lynn felt and answered God’s call to ordained ministry, and she was ordained as a Deacon in 2003. Following her ordination, Lynn served as a chaplain at Children’s Hospital for 15 years, providing care and support to patients and their families. After her time as a chaplain, Lynn returned to Indian Run, where she continues to contribute her leadership, wisdom, and passion for ministry to our church community.
Director of Adult Discipleship: Russell Almand
Walking alongside people in the journey of spiritual formation and discipleship always warms Russell’s heart. Growing up just outside Atlanta, Georgia, Russell knew Christ at a young age and quickly developed a heart for people. Throughout his ministry journey, Russell served in churches from Wisconsin to Tennessee and finally to Texas where he received a Master of Theology (ThM) from Dallas Theological Seminary. Russell enjoys volleyball, trying new coffee shops, and baking desserts for anyone who might enjoy them. Russell joined the team in August 2022.
Youth Pastor: Andrea Laux
In 2023, we were excited to welcome Andrea Laux back to our team as our Youth Pastor. With nearly 20 years of experience in youth leadership, campus ministry, Christian education, and church consulting, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. She holds a Master of Divinity from Boston Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing additional training in spiritual formation.

 

Andrea is dedicated to helping our youth grow in their relationship with God and guiding them as they navigate their faith journeys. 

 
Director of Children’s Ministry: Laura Hoover

Laura holds a teaching degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and spent several years in the classroom before transitioning to a stay-at-home mom to her three kids. Her family joined the Indian Run community in 2016 when they moved to the area, and since then, she, her husband and children have been deeply involved in the church. Over the years, Laura’s children participated in the Parent’s Morning Out program and attended Indian Run Preschool.

Laura has enjoyed serving in various capacities within the Children’s Ministry, including working in the nursery, teaching Sunday School, assisting with Vacation Bible School, leading Club 45, and being an active member of the Children’s Ministry Team. With her passion for nurturing young hearts and helping kids grow in their faith and family connection, Laura officially joined our staff in 2025 where she can continue her work in ministry.

Preschool Director: Sue Fouts 
Sue has been a valued member of the Indian Run Preschool staff since 2016, serving in a variety of roles including substitute teacher, movement teacher, and the Firefly and Firefly Meadow Teacher. Sue and her husband, Bruce, have three children. Her two youngest children were students at IRP, where they created lasting fond memories of their early school years.
 
In 2023, Sue was appointed Preschool Director, where she enjoys fostering a love of learning in a nurturing and joyful environment for children and families. With her passion for early childhood education, Sue looks forward to creating many more wonderful memories for the children at Indian Run Preschool.
 
Parents’ Morning Out Coordinator: Erin Wynk 

Erin holds a Master’s degree in Education from Ohio State and spent six years teaching 2nd grade before taking time off to raise her own children. She and her husband, Kevin, live in Dublin with their three kids.

Erin is passionate about creating a loving and nurturing environment for young children, and brings her experience and dedication to the role of Parents’ Morning Out Coordinator. She looks forward to helping little ones grow, learn, and feel safe in their early years.

Administrative
Office and Building Manager: Amy Catanella

Born and raised in Indiana, Amy is a proud graduate of Purdue University. In 2013, after several years at home raising her children, Amy joined the staff of Indian Run Preschool as a teacher. In addition to her teaching role, she also served the church as the Director of Children’s Ministry, where she had the privilege of nurturing and guiding the next generation of faith.

In 2023, Amy transitioned into a new phase of her ministry at Indian Run, joining the church office staff full-time as the Office and Building Manager. In this role, she manages the day-to-day operations of the church building and office, ensuring everything runs smoothly for staff, ministries, and members. Amy’s heart for service and dedication to the church make her a vital part of the Indian Run team.

Finance Manager: Lisa King

Lisa was born in Elyria, Ohio, and graduated from Wittenberg University in 1990 with a BA in Business Administration and Accounting.

Lisa has a background in both public and private accounting, and after many years focusing on raising her children, she was actively involved in volunteering at her children’s schools and at Indian Run. Lisa joined the Indian Run staff in July 2012 as the Finance Manager and has been instrumental in overseeing the church’s financial operations ever since.

Music & Worship
Director of Traditional Music: Josh Dufford

Josh was born and raised in Pickerington, Ohio. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Otterbein University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Bowling Green State University, where he also held a choral assistantship during his studies.

Josh has taught music in grades K-12 throughout Ohio and currently co-teaches choir at Hilliard Davidson High School. Along with his roles at Indian Run UMC and Hilliard Davidson, Josh serves on the board of the Ohio Choral Directors Association as co-chair of the annual High School Honor Choir event.

With his extensive background in music education, Josh leads the traditional music ministry with dedication and expertise.

Contemporary Worship Leader: Nick Baesman

Nick hails from Powell, Ohio, and has been involved in music practically before he could walk. Some of his fondest memories growing up are singing around the piano after dinner with his siblings. Throughout his life, Nick has been deeply involved in Christian youth camps, serving as both a counselor and the worship leader during the summers.

Feeling called to bring his passion for worship to the local church, Nick now leads the praise band at Indian Run, blending his love for music with his heart for ministry. Outside of his church responsibilities, Nick enjoys backpacking in the great outdoors or spending time at home playing board games with his family.

Accompanist: Chien-Hui Wong

Chien-Hui is a native of Taiwan and holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from The Ohio State University. She has extensive experience as an accompanist, having previously served as the accompanist for the Ohio Wesleyan University Choral Art Society. Chien-Hui enriches our traditional worship services as the pianist and organist, bringing her talent and passion for music to enhance our church’s musical offerings.