About Woodruff Grove Church

Meet Chris Wild, pastor at Woodruff Grove Church since 2022. With a heart devoted to serving God and a passion for guiding souls on their spiritual journey, Chris leads our congregation with wisdom, compassion, and dedication.  Over 25 years of pastoral experience has led him to serve within various roles and contexts after earning a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.  He labors in the goodness and with the hardships of faith in Christ Jesus to deeply understand Scripture and grasp theology, hoping that all find biblical teaching and sermons engaging, inspiring and challenging.  Endeavoring in the Holy Spirit's gifts of pastoring, leadership, teaching and praise leading, he strives to foster a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels valued and accepted.

Chris and Susanne are empty nesters, having raised four children, being happily married since 1990.  

Beyond the pulpit, Chris is actively involved in the lives of our members, offering counsel, support, and encouragement in times of joy and struggle. His leadership extends into the surrounding community with involvement in organizations such as the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission and the school systems.

Outside of ministry, Chris enjoys spending time with his family, athletic activity, composing and playing music, exploring nature, and nurturing his own spiritual growth. 

We are blessed to have him as our shepherd, guiding us on our journey of faith and service.

Meet Karen Otterson, our talented and passionate Worship Director at Woodruff Grove Church. With a heart ablaze for worship and a gift for leading others into the presence of God, Karen brings a wealth of experience and inspiration to our congregation.

She is a skilled musician, using her talents to create engaging and transformative worship experiences that uplift spirits and touch hearts. Her dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of worship planning, from selecting meaningful songs to coordinating with the worship team and tech crew.

Beyond her musical abilities, Karen is a visionary leader with a heart for fostering a culture of worship in our church community. She encourages authenticity and creativity, empowering others to express their love for God through music and praise.

In addition to her role as Worship Director, Karen is actively involved in various ministries within our church, investing her time and energy in building relationships and nurturing spiritual growth.

Outside of church, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and finding inspiration in the world around her. We are blessed to have her leading us in worship and grateful for the passion and dedication she brings to her ministry.

Meet Stephanie Blake, our dedicated Worship Coordinator here at Woodruff Grove Church. With a deep love for God and a heart for creating meaningful worship experiences, Stephanie is the driving force behind our worship ministry.

She brings a unique blend of creativity and organization to her role, ensuring that every aspect of our worship services runs smoothly and glorifies God. From coordinating music selections and rehearsals to collaborating with the worship team and tech crew, Stephanie works tirelessly to cultivate an atmosphere of reverence and joy in our gatherings.

Beyond her organizational skills, Stephanie has a heart for nurturing the talents and gifts of others. She encourages and empowers members of our congregation to use their musical abilities and creative expressions to worship God wholeheartedly.

In addition to her role as Worship Coordinator, Stephanie is actively involved in various ministries within our church, pouring her time and energy into building up the body of Christ.

Outside of church, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her loved ones, exploring nature, and finding inspiration in the beauty of God's creation. We are grateful for her passion, dedication, and servant-hearted leadership as she helps lead us in worship each week.

Meet Sue Carter, the vibrant and dedicated leader of our Children's Ministry here at Woodruff Grove Church. With a heart full of love for children and a passion for sharing the message of God's love, Sue brings energy, creativity, and devotion to her role as Team Leader.

Sue's journey in children's ministry spans many years, during which she has touched the lives of countless young hearts with her warmth and wisdom. Her commitment to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children to learn and grow in their faith is truly inspiring.

As Team Leader, Sue works tirelessly to develop and implement innovative programs and activities that cater to the unique needs and interests of children in our congregation. From dynamic Sunday school lessons to fun-filled events and outings, Sue's leadership ensures that our children experience the love of Jesus in tangible ways.

Beyond her role in children's ministry, Sue is a cherished member of our church family, known for her kindness, generosity, and servant-hearted attitude. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and offer words of encouragement to those in need.

Outside of church, Sue enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, and engaging in creative pursuits. We are incredibly blessed to have Sue as our Children's Ministry Team Leader, and we are grateful for her unwavering dedication and passion for serving the youngest members of our congregation.

Meet Kristina McCulloch our dedicated Nursery Team Lead at Woodruff Grove Church. With a heart full of love and a passion for children's well-being, Kristina ensures that our youngest members feel safe, loved, and nurtured while their parents attend services. With her passion in early childhood education and her unwavering commitment to creating a welcoming environment, Kristina brings joy and creativity to the nursery every Sunday. She believes in the importance of laying a strong foundation of faith from the earliest age and is dedicated to supporting families on their spiritual journey. When she isn't busy caring for little ones, Kristina enjoys spending time with her own family and exploring the wonders of faith together. 

Meet Lauren Young, our dynamic and innovative Church Technology Specialist at Woodruff Grove Church. With a passion for leveraging technology to enhance worship experiences and streamline church operations, Lauren plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our congregation stays connected and engaged in today's digital age.

With a background in technology and a heart for ministry, Lauren brings a unique blend of technical expertise and spiritual insight to her role. She is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in church technology, always seeking new ways to leverage digital tools to support our mission and ministry objectives.

As our Technology Specialist, Lauren oversees the implementation and maintenance of all digital platforms, from our church website and social media channels to live streaming services and multimedia presentations. She works closely with our staff and volunteers to ensure that our technology infrastructure meets the needs of our growing congregation and enhances our worship experiences.

Beyond her technical responsibilities, Lauren is a valued member of our church community, known for her warmth, compassion, and servant-hearted attitude. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support to those in need, both within our congregation and beyond.

Outside of church, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new gadgets and software, and finding creative ways to use technology to impact lives for Christ. We are grateful to have Lauren on our team, and we look forward to seeing how her innovative ideas and passion for ministry will continue to bless our church community.