LIFECHURCH 1416 Larkin Williams Way Fenton, MO 63026
Leadership
This page is just a fun way for you to get to know our pastoral staff a little bit better. We'd love for you to take the time to see what makes each of our pastors tick and discover why we are so blessed to have each and every one of them serving at LIFECHURCH (LIFE). Please don't hesitate to contact any one of us. At LIFE we serve the Lord alongside you.
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Pastors Rick and Donna Shelton
I'm Pastor Rick Shelton. My wife, Donna, and I started this Church in 1980 following a vision I received from the Lord in March 1979 (click here for more about the vision). We are the senior pastors at LIFECHURCH. In addition to preaching at LIFE, we are also responsible for raising-up the next generation of leaders–both here, in our Church, as well as in the churches abroad where God has given us supernatural influence. The Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to travel to many nations of the world, encouraging leaders and pastors, helping to build the local churches there, and to engage in life-transforming mission work.
Donna and I met and fell in love while we were in Bible College. Donna was promised by God that she was to marry a preacher. I assured God I would do anything BUT preach. After a string of circumstances that only He could orchestrate, I fell across my bed one day and committed my life wholly to Him and His will for me. Of course, He immediately spoke to my heart and said, “Preach my Gospel.” Since I gave up my plans for His, we have been blessed with a vibrant congregation of Christ-followers, many of whom have been raised up and sent out as pastors, missionaries, worship leaders and world changers.
Both Donna and I were raised in loving, Christian homes and God has given us the privilege of continuing that legacy. We have four sons—Jeff, Josh (married to Tori), Gabe and Garrett—and four grandchildren—Miles, Lila, Ansley, and Monroe. We are truly blessed.
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Pastor Josh Shelton
jshelton@lifechurch-stl.com
I'm Pastor Josh Shelton, senior associate pastor at LIFECHURCH. I have had the privilege of being mentored by Pastor Rick, who also serves as my dad. It has been an amazing journey to where we are now, and every season has had great purpose.
My wife, Tori, and I have known each other most of our lives, so we've had the unique advantage of "growing up together". After a year of marriage, we moved to Los Angeles, California and attended ministry school together, followed by an internship at USC doing campus ministry. After our time there, we knew we were called back to St. Louis to serve here at LIFECHURCH. We've now been married 11 years and have four children, whom we consider to be our number one ministry: Miles (eight), Lila (six), Ansley (four) and Monroe (two).
I have been in this role for almost three years now, and it is such an honor to serve our church and community as a pastor of LIFECHURCH. It is my role to assist Pastor Rick in the overall visionary leadership of the church to help lead us into all that God has planned. I do this by communicating God's word in our services and by instilling vision in the various ministries here so we can all bring the purpose God has given to the church to fulfillment. Tori and I love where God is taking us in the church and she also has a passion for helping lead women into all that God's called them.
A scripture I have always loved and stood on is Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
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Pastor Mike Lemp
mlemp@lifechurch-stl.com
I'm Pastor Mike Lemp, and I'm the executive pastor at LIFECHURCH. I have served as executive pastor since October 2009, and I've been attending LIFE since 1992.
My beautiful wife Kristi and I have been married for 15 years, and we have three wonderful children: Brooke (12), Michael III (10), and Jack (7). God has truly blessed me with the most incredible family I could imagine. I was born and raised in St. Louis, and I worked in the corporate world for 15 years before the Lord called me to the ministry. It is truly humbling and an incredible honor to be able to serve God and play a small part in what He has designed for the people of LIFECHURCH.
My primary responsibility at LIFE is to support Pastors Rick and Donna by helping to carry out the vision of this church and lead it into the future. I'm responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the church staff along with planning, directing, and carrying out the day-to-day activities of the church.
A couple of my favorite scriptures that carry me through the day are; Jeremiah 33:3. Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know. and Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
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Pastor Mike Goodberlet
mgoodberlet@lifechurch-stl.com
Hi, I'm Pastor Mike Goodberlet. My wife, Amy, and I are the children's pastors (grades 1st-6th) at LAUNCH. I've been attending LIFE since 1999 and have been the children's pastor since February 2007.
I live in the Fenton area, and I have been blessed to be married to my beautiful wife for the last 16 years. We have two wonderful children, Molly and Kate. Molly is 13 and Kate is 9. I've actually lived in the St. Louis area all of my life, and I've worked with kids in various capacities for more than 20 years. I absolutely love it!
It's truly an honor to be able to minister to God's children. My primary role as children's pastor is to impart the Word of God and the love of Jesus Christ into His children. Amy and I, along with the assistance of our faithful volunteers, hold children's church every Tuesday night and Sunday morning. Additionally, we have many special events that we offer to kids and families, such as vacation Bible school, family nights out, kids' nights out, and summer camp. We are always seeking new ideas and fresh ways to touch the lives of children so that they can become the disciples that God has called them to become.
My power scripture is Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse is important to me because it gives me strength in my moments of need. It reminds me that I do not face things alone, but I have Jesus Christ on my side who will help me to do all God has for me to do in my life.
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Pastor Matt Heck
mheck@lifechurch-stl.com
I'm Pastor Matt Heck, and I'm an associate pastor at LIFECHURCH. I've been attending LIFE since 2002, and I became a pastor on-staff in January 2011. I am blessed with a beautiful wife, Kati, and three precious daughters: Isabella Grayce (three), Annalise Mae and Alyssa Caroline (both one an a half years old), and Evelyne Lou (born last May).
My responsibility is to oversee all outreach ministries and all of our LIFE Groups. I also work with mentoring and training people who want to become leaders in the church.
My favorite book of the Bible is Proverbs and my verse of choice is Proverbs 3: 5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
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Pastor Pat Krepps
pkrepps@lifechurch-stl.com
Hi, I'm Pastor Pat Krepps, and I am an associate pastor at LIFE. I've been a pastor at LIFE since 1994, and I first started attending the church in 1986. I am married to my youth group crush, Susan Boll, and have been blessed with four wonderful children: Caleb, Deborah, Simeon, and Shepherd.
As a family pastor, my role is to oversee the nursery, children's ministry, and our youth ministry. The vision of our youth is to create common thread, or a growth-line, of identity and foundations within a child's life. We are also to make learning fun and powerful so, not only are these kids are growing up spiritually, but they're enjoying our church family as well.
I am also the ministry of helps leader, which encompasses the first-impression teams. These teams include the ushers, greeters, security, hospitality, communion, baby dedication, and baptism teams. In addition, I lead premarital and marital counseling.
Two of my favorite scriptures are; 2 Peter 1:3. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. and Ps. 71:17-18. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
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Pastor Carlos Sánchez
csanchez@lifechurch-stl.com
Hi. I’m Pastor Carlos Sánchez, and I’m the pastor of student ministries. I come from a small city in the southern part of Mexico, Comitán, Chiapas. I am the oldest of three. My sister, Cecy, is 22 and my little brother, José Pablo, is 16. My parents, Ismael and Cecy, were blessed with a pastoral calling on their lives and they have tremendously impacted mine. I had the opportunity to come to the States at the age of 18 and serve under Pastor Eddy Brown’s ministry while learning the language and attending Bible School. I played tennis all throughout college (Lewis & Clark Community College and Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville). Eventually, I became the head tennis coach at Lindenwood University, in Belleville, IL, until I graduated with my Masters.
My role at LIFECHURCH is to build the middle school, high school, and college-age groups by reaching out to schools in our area. I also lead the Hispanic group, which makes our church an even more beautiful and diverse place to be. I joined the staff in November of 2011 and I look forward to helping carry out the vision God has given to our senior pastor, Rick Shelton.
The scripture God spoke to my heart at a young age was: “But Seek First The Kingdom Of God And His Righteousness And All These Things Will Be Added Unto You” Matthew 6:33
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Pastors Vernon and Esther Shackelford
eshackelford@lifechurch-stl.com
We are Pastors Vernon and Esther Shackelford, and we lead our seniors ministry—the JOYs (Just Older Youth). We are also leaders over LIFE's pastoral care ministry and the hospital team. Both of us have been attending LIFE for over 30 years! Between the two of us, we have 6 children, 21 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.
Some of the responsibilities we have include our senior adult fellowship meetings, planning and organizing day-trips to places of interest, outreach activities, and prayer meetings. We also organize the hospital team by providing support, training, and various other things. In addition, we also help provide services such as funerals, bereavement dinners, and general support for those in need.
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Pastor Don Travis, Sr.
dtravis@lifechurch-stl.com
I'm Pastor Don Travis, and I am an associate pastor here at LIFECHURCH. I've been attending LIFE since 1999, and I've been a pastor on-staff since October 2009. I have been blessed to be married to my incredible wife, Glenda, for 37 years. We have three adult children and two granddaughters.
Some of the responsibilities I have at LIFE include teaching and leading our foundations and membership ministries. I'm also actively involved in our benevolence and visitor welcome ministries.
My two favorite scriptures are; Jeremiah 31:31-34. "The time is coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new document with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the Lord. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the Lord. "For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more." and Isaiah 46:9-10. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I made know the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
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Pastor Shaun Williams
swilliams@lifechurch-stl.com
I'm Pastor Shaun Williams, and I'm the worship pastor here at LIFE. I've been attending LIFE since 2002, and I have been the worship pastor since May 2006. I am married to my lovely wife, Kristen, and we have two children: Joshua and Josiah. I absolutely love spending time with my family, and I also enjoy watching sports. I was born and raised in St. Louis, I grew up in a Christian home, and, starting from a early age, I was actively involved in church ministry.
My responsibilities as worship minister are to lead praise and worship, research and develop all praise and worship music, as well as choose appropriate music for each service and all special events. I am also responsible for song development, team management, training and incorporating new musicians, platform presentation, coordinating all creative activities for special services (drama & music), and preparing for weekly rehearsal. In addition, it is important to me to mentor, encourage, and develop worshippers.
My favorite scripture is Col.1:14. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
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