Executive Director

Joel Liechty is a Director of Education and Clergy Development for The Wesleyan Church and has a great passion for the quality ministerial education and formation of local church leaders. He’s serves through advancing leadership, residencies, learning communities and experiential learning.  He currently oversees several educational and formational opportunities for pastors and leaders which includes, but not limited to FLAME, FLAMA, The Wesleyan Seminary Foundation, the Early Ministry Initiative and more. Joel lives in Flagstaff, Arizona with his wife Stephanie and two boys Eli and Paxton.

Director, Clergy Development

Keith Drury is the chair of the Early Ministry Launch Initiative in The Division of Education and Clergy Development. His work is to help local churches provide a 1-2 year “Ministry Residency” to new graduates so they can get solid in-the-local-church practical training at the beginning of their ministry. He also works with the juniors and seniors at Wesleyan Colleges and Universities to network them with these churches. He graduated from United Wesleyan College and Princeton Theological Seminary before joining the Wesleyan headquarters staff at age 26, serving in various capacities for 24 years including directing Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry and Christian education. He “retired” from headquarters work at age 51 and spent the rest of his full-time ministry teaching practical ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University where he served as one of the co-creators and curriculum designers of Wesley Seminary. He is an avid outdoorsman, having hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail and since his retirement from teaching has bicycled with his wife more than a thousand miles a year. He has authored numerous books but his is greatest passion is practical training for ministry in a real-world environment. Keith is married to Sharon and they have two sons, David and John.

Associate Endorser, Military Chaplains 864-633-8994 Dr. Gary Carr is the new Associate Chaplain Endorser for the Wesleyan Church. Carr was a highly decorated military chaplain (COMMANDER, USN) endorsed by The Wesleyan Church. Originally from Lansing Faith Wesleyan Church, he pastored at Diamond Springs W. C. in Michigan, then embarked upon active duty military chaplain service in 1987 and retired from the Navy at the end of 2007.

• Carr’s service as a navy chaplain are marked by extrodinary achievements such as: Division Chaplain for 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC from 2004-2006, managed 22 ministry teams, serving 25,000 personnel plus their families.
• Senior Naval Officer for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, coordinating crisis ministry during evacuation of 14,000 US Citizens from Beirut, Lebanon in 2006. President, Fleet Marine Force Qualification Board.
• Battle Force Chaplain of the 7th Fleet and Command Chaplain of USS KITTY HAWK from 2002-2004, supervising ministry to 8,000 personnel and families during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
• National Director of Navy Chaplain Corps Recruiting from 1999-2002. The successful strategic changes that were put in place then remain the practices today.
• Command Chaplain for the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, FL from 1996-1999. Established new programs including the Core Values Academy providing spiritual readiness for 18,000 students per year. Also trained US Navy vocal team.
• Group Chaplain for the Navy Seals and the first chaplain ever assigned to the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (Seals). Trained with Seals in all aspects, except weaponry. Deployed in numerous covert operations globally, including austere environments. Established the Navy Special Warfare Critical Incident Stress Team.

Since then he has served with the International Bible Society and as Vice President at Southern Wesleyan University. His 20 years of service as a navy chaplain are marked by extraordinary achievement. Dr. Carr graduated from the University of Michigan with high distinction in English and comparative linguistics and was the James B. Angell scholar. He holds the M.Div. from Asbury Seminary, a Th.M. in preaching from Duke, and the Doctor in Ministry in leadership (with distinction) from Fuller Seminary. He has had numerous service-related publications and papers, and has also been an Adjunct Professor in World Religions for Central Texas College. Dr. Carr is married (wife, Karen) with three children. He enjoys scuba diving, guitar and piano, cycling, reading. His primary gift is developing leadership in others. Dr. Gary Carr es el nuevo Capellán de La Iglesia Wesleyana que sea transferido. Carr fue un capellán militar altamente condecorado (Comandar, USN) endorsado por La Iglesia Wesleyana. Originalmente de Lansing Faith Wesleyan Church, pastoreó en Diamond Springs W.C. en Michigan, y luego se enroló en servicio como capellán militar activo hasta 1987 y se retiró de la Armada en los finales del 2007.

Thrive Financial Initiative Dr. Rennaker has pastored for 3 decades and served as project director from 2007 to 2015 for The Wesleyan Church’s pilot project in Lilly Endowment’s initiative to address the economic challenges facing Indiana pastors. He led the denomination’s 2015 national research effort to learn about pastors’ economic challenges from ministers, their spouses, and key lay leaders. He is denominational director of the Thrive Financial Initiative, The Wesleyan Church’s Education and Clergy Development Division program in Lilly Endowment’s national initiative to address economic challenges facing pastoral leaders.

Ministerial Education and Formation Michelle is an Indianapolis native. She is married with four children: ages ranging from 10 to 23. She loves rollerblading, reading, camping, traveling, time with her kids, and outdoor activities.

Phone: 317-774-7939

Luska Natali is originally from Brazil, but has lived in the United States since 1988, so this is home for her. Luska first came to the U.S. as a Rotary Exchange Student when she was a senior in High School, and she joined the Yearbook Club at her school in Northern California, where she also wrote for the school newsletter. Luska has always had a passion for writing and when she is not writing, she is scribbling. There is always something that can be translated into words and she loves doing that. She also writes in her native tongue, Portuguese, and in Spanish.  Luska writes devotionals and short stories and for about 6 years, she contributed to different newspapers, both in Indiana and Georgia, as a freelance correspondent. Luska loves meeting people and networking is more than a hobby, it is a way of life for her. She enjoys traveling, reading, going to the movies and to the theater, as well as attending orchestra concerts; she loves Bible study, prayer, praise and worship. She also enjoys acting and has been an extra in three movies. Luska has both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and an Education Specialist degree from Liberty University. She considers herself a lifelong learner and will always search for opportunities to learn new things. Luska asked Jesus Christ into her heart on June 13, 1982 in Brasilia, Brazil, at the largest Charismatic Baptist church there. That was by far the BEST decision she has ever made in her life. She loves the Lord with all her heart, mind and soul. While in Marion, Indiana, she attended both Lakeview Wesleyan Church and College Wesleyan Church. Luska has three sons and six grandsons, with another grandbaby on the way (due in November, 2018) and her family is by far her best treasure on this earth.

Phone: 317-774-3913

Spanish Ministerial Education & Formation Jasmin is our bilingual administrative assistant here at ECD, working alongside Rev. Johanna Rugh to serve our hispanic ministry students, instructors, and coordinators. Jasmin was born and raised in sunny Orange County, California. She enjoys writing, reading, trying new food, and traveling with her husband. Jasmin is passionate about worship, the Word, and seeing people walk in the reality of God’s Kingdom!

Phone: 317-774-3915

Yo soy Rev. Ingrid Martínez, nací en Bogotá Colombia, por la gracia de Dios soy Pastor Ordenado de la Iglesia Wesleyana. Estoy casada por 17 años con Ricardo, tenemos 3 hermosos hijos Gabriela de 15 años, Daniel de 12 años y Sara Isabela de 18 meses. Después de terminar mis estudios universitarios en Pedagogía, viaje a los Estados Unidos, donde he tenido la oportunidad de completar la Maestría en Divinidad en el Seminario Wesley. Desde mi conversión cuando era muy joven, he servido a Dios en diferentes áreas, en todos los ministerios de iglesia, todo este tiempo Dios me ha enseñado y me ha llenado de amor por El, por las almas y el ministerio. En este momento tengo el privilegio de servir como Pastor Asociado en la Iglesia Cristiana Vida Nueva, en Grove City Oh, con un encargo especial en el ministerio de Educación y Formación Cristiana, además de ser profesor en el Instituto Bíblico local.  Durante los últimos años he tenido la oportunidad de servir como coordinador de Flama en el Distrito de Ohio y desde hace un año tengo la gracia de colaborar a nivel nacional con la dirección y organización de todos los coordinadores de Flama. Soy una apasionada de mi Señor Jesús y creo poderosamente en la formación espiritual y en la educación como fuentes para vivir vidas integras y saludables que glorifican a Dios y cumplen su propósito en la tierra. Es por esto que amo enseñar la Palabra de Dios, pues creo en su poder extraordinario para transformar las vidas, las familias y las comunidades.   I am Rev. Ingrid Martínez, I was born in Bogota, Colombia, by the grace of God I am an Ordained Pastor of the Wesleyan Church. I have been married for 17 years with Ricardo, we have 3 beautiful children Gabriela, 15 years old, 13 year old Daniel and 18th month old Sara Isabela. After completing my university studies in Pedagogy, I traveled to the United States, where I have had the opportunity to complete the Masters of Divinity at Wesley Seminary. Since my conversion when I was very young, I have served God in different areas, in all church ministries. All this time God has taught me and has filled me with love for Him, for others and the ministry. At this time I have the privilege of serving as Associate Pastor at New Life Christian Church in Grove City Oh, with a special assignment in the Ministry of Education and Christian Formation. In addition to being a teacher at the local Bible Institute. In the last few years I was given the oppurtunity to serve as a Flama coordinator at the Greater Ohio District. And I have been working with the Flama coordinators from all over the country for a year. I am passionate about my Lord Jesus and I believe powerfully in the spiritual formation and in education as sources for living healthy and integral lives that glorify God and fulfill his purpose on earth. That is why I love to teach the Word of God, because I believe in its extraordinary power to transform lives, families and communities.

El maestro es  ministro ordenado de la Iglesia Wesleyana, y pastorea junto con su esposa  Framaris, una congregación hispana en Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Él es profesor adjunto del programa de flama y Director Asociado de la Junta de Educación y Formación Ministerial de la Iglesia Wesleyana. El enseña numerosos cursos de Biblia, teología, historia de la Iglesia, religión, ministerios interdisciplinarios, y varias Escuelas Ministeriales. Es graduado de la Universidad Teológica del Caribe, con una licenciatura en Teología y Estudios Pastorales; es egresado del Seminario Wesley con una Maestría en Divinidad, es graduado del Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico, con una maestría en Religión, y en la actualidad está finalizando sus estudios en hebreo y griego bíblicos, en la Universidad Hebrea de Jerusalén, extensión E-teacher biblical. El pastor tiene dos hijas, Estéfani y Dana, quienes son fuente de bendición en la  familia y en el trabajo ministerial en la iglesia.   The professor is an Ordained Minister in the Wesleyan Church, and shepperding, along with his wife, Framaris a Hispanic congregation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is an adjunct professor in the FLAMA program, and Asocciate Director of the Education and Ministerial Formation  Board. He teaches many courses on the Bible, Theology, History of the Church, Religion, Interdisciplinary Ministerial Courses, and several Ministerial Schools. He graduated from Theological University of the Caribbean with a bachelor degree in Pastoral Studies and Theology, he graduated from Wesley Seminary with a Master in Divinity, and he also graduated from Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico with a Master in Religion. He is currently finishing his studies on Biblical Hebrew and Greek, in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, through the E-teacher biblical platform. Pastor Daniel has two daughters, Estéfani and Dana, who are sources of blessing in the family and the church as well.

Rodrigo Azofeifa es pastor asociado de Real Connection Church, una congregación multicultural en DeKalb Illinois. Es estudiante del Programa Doctoral en Ministerios con énfasis en Liderazgo Organizacional y Predicación en Asbury Theological Seminary.  El Rev. Azofeifa está en el ministerio pastoral desde el año 1995. Actualmente es Profesor adjunto del Seminario Wesley y Global Academic Program de Indiana Wesleyan University. Él es el director fundador de IFE, Instituto de Formación Espiritual. Adicionalmente es Director Asociado de la Junta de Educación y Formación Ministerial de la Iglesia Wesleyana. El Pastor Rodrigo disfruta de su familia formada por su esposa Ricci y sus dos hijos Jeremy y Josué.   Rodrigo Azofeifa is the associate pastor of Real Connection Church, a multicultural congregation in DeKalb, Illinois. He is a Doctoral Ministry student with emphasis on Organizational Leadership and Preaching at Asbury Theological Seminary. Rev. Azofeifa has been in the pastoral ministry since 1995. He is currently Adjunct Professor at Wesley Seminary and Global Academic Program at Indiana Wesleyan University. He is also the founder director of IFE Institute of Spiritual Formation, [ IFE for Spanish acronym). Azofeifa is an Associate Director of the Wesleyan Church Board of Education and Ministerial Formation. Pastor Rodrigo enjoys his family formed by his wife Ricci and their two sons Jeremy and Joshua.

La Reverenda Johanna Chacón Rugh es una ministra ordenada de La Iglesia Wesleyana. Ella actualmente sirve como Superintendente Asistente del Distrito Hispano del Suroeste de La IW. Como Superintendente Asistente ella ha podido desarrollar una serie de proyectos para el avance de la JDDM y ha podido proveer apoyo a las iglesias y pastores dentro del distrito. Por su labor en el desarrollo de Estudiantes Ministeriales dentro del distrito, se le pidió servir como Directora Asociada del DBMD y Formación Profesional junto con un equipo de líderes hispanos bajo la División de Educación y Desarrollo del Clero en la IW y de esta forma poder ayudar a otros Estudiantes Ministeriales Hispanos fuera de su distrito. Su pasión es servir al Señor en cualquier área posible como una líder que anima a cada miembro a dar lo mejor para el Reino, especialmente el continuar promoviendo el ministerio de la mujer en todas las áreas de la iglesia. Rev. Johanna Chacon Rugh is an ordained minister of The Wesleyan Church. She currently serves as the Assistant to the District Superintendent of the Distrito Hispano del Suroeste of TWC.  As ADS she has been able to develop several projects for the advancement of the DBMD and she has been able to provide support to the churches and pastors within the district. Because of her work in the development of Ministerial Students within the district, she has been asked to serve as the Associate Chair of DBMD and Professional Formation along with a team of Hispanic leaders under the Division of Education and Clergy Development of TWC. In this way, she can provide help to other Hispanic Ministerial Students outside her district. Her passion is to serve the Lord in any way possible as an encouraging leader to each member, especially to continue promoting the ministry of women in all the areas of the church.