About Us

Our Core Beliefs

Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior of the world and the Lord of life.
Together, the 66 books of the Bible are the completed, inspired, infallible word of God. The New Testament is sufficient for Christian faith and practice.
Salvation and the forgiveness of sins are extended to all obedient people by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. Salvation is a free gift of God. The Bible teaches that we receive this gift by:

Hearing the gospel – Romans 10:17.
Having faith that Jesus is the Son of God – Mark 16:16; John 3:16; John 8:24; Acts 16:31.
Repenting from sin – Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 2 Peter 3:9.
Publicly confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God – Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10.
Being immersed (Baptized) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit – Matthew 28:18-20; John 3:3, 5; Acts 2:38, 22:16; Romans 6:3-11; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21.
Living faithfully and growing in Christ for the duration of life – Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 1:10; Hebrews 10:23-25; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 1:5-12.

Ministry Staff

Dave Jones became our preacher in 2006 following a career in business. His main focus is preaching, teaching and church administration. Dave and his wife Andrea have five children and two grandchildren. He is originally from Akron, OH where he was raised the youngest of seven children. He serves as a trustee with the Christian Restoration Association. Email Dave

Zach Rayburn became our Ministry Associate in 2020. He oversees our youth programs. He attended Summit Theological Seminary. Zach grew up in the country outside of Mount Vernon. He and his wife Emily were married in 2022. Zach enjoys being in the outdoors and helping others. Email Zach

Patty Thatcher works as our church administrator. She is active in personal discipleship studies and outreach. Patty and her husband Tom have 7 children, 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. For nearly 20 years, Patty owned and operated a scrapbook and crafting store. She remains active in a variety of ways, including pickle ball and connecting with friends. Email Patty

Elders

Randy Buckingham became an elder in 1994. As one of our "pastors," he shepherds and oversees the ministry of the church. He teaches an adult Sunday School class. He and his wife JoAnn have two adult children, six grand- children and two great-grandchildren. Randy worked in manufacturing until starting his own residential construction company, from which he retired. He enjoys time with his family, the outdoors and the Buckeyes.

Jeff McDonald became one of our elders in 2021. Besides pastoral work, Jeff teaches and oversees our jOURney Groups. He and his wife Amy own a business which offers guided deer and turkey hunts. Prior to that, Jeff was in the timber business. They have two daughters and 7 grandchildren. Besides being an avid outdoorsman, Jeff enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Gary Stone began serving as an elder in 2021. Gary teaches, preaches occasionally and oversees our Welcome Team ministry. He and his wife Rachel have three children and six grandchildren. They spend most of their days working around their home and assisting others with needs they may have. Gary worked in the sand and mining industry for a number of years. He is a United States Army veteran.

Mike Walters has served as an elder since 1994. Along with all of our elders, he shepherds and oversees the work of the church. Besides teaching an adult class, he is also known as the "Candy Man" to all the kids. He and his wife Brenda have two adult sons and five grandchildren. Mike retired from the phone industry after a long career in engineering. He and Brenda enjoy the outdoors together. He is a sports fan, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Deacons

Dusty Buckingham became a deacon in 2011. He teaches adult and youth classes. He oversaw the design and construction of our new building. Dusty and his wife Amy have three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Besides owning an electrical business, he has served on a number of corporate and community boards. He enjoys time with family, travel, hunting and sports.

Kyle Pelc serves as one of our deacons. He teaches, preaches occasionally and is actively involved in our discipleship ministry. He oversees the video production of our worship services. Kyle is married to Olivia and they have two children. Olivia is our education director. Kyle is a Nurse Anesthetist for a local hospital. He is a sports fan and enjoys hunting.

Doug Serverns serves as one of our deacons. He teaches in our Sunday School program and for a number of years served as the treasurer. He remains active in the Wakatomika Christian Service Camp, helping with various work projects and serving as a counselor. He and his wife Betty have four adult daughters. He has worked for a local natural gas cooperative for more than 30 years. Doug remains active with remodeling projects and serving others.

Larry Weckesser is one of our deacons. He teaches, preaches occasionally and oversees our on-site medical response needs. He is married to Kathy and they have three daughters. They have directed the Central Ohio Bible League and are active in a variety of roles with Wakatomika Christian Service Camp. Larry is a nurse practitioner specializing in endocrinology. He enjoys hiking and spending time with family and friends.

Dave Yeager has served as a deacon since 2004. Besides teaching on a regular basis, he preaches occasionally at Millwood and other local churches. Dave and his wife Bonnie have two adult children and six grandchildren. Dave has worked for a leading manufacturer of natural gas compressors for nearly 40 years. He is an avid golfer, enjoys fishing and traveling.

Missions We Support

Jesus instructed us; his disciples, to spread the word of God and to make disciples of all nations. One of the most important values of the Millwood Church of Christ is our dedication to support various missions throughout the world. The work begins at home in our own community and spreads overseas to remote locations across the globe.