Elders

David Brincks

I was raised Catholic and always had a heart for God. I drifted away during my college years, but the Lord keep reaching out to me through those He placed in my path. My wife and her family helped me to understand what a deep, personal relationship with Christ was like. My daily devotions serve to anchor me each and every morning to the love and eternal hope found only in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Over 30 years of people leadership and coaching experience has developed a perspective which I am able to share with my fellow elders. I have a passion for helping people in business and in life.

I have attended Heritage since 2001 and my favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 because it keeps me pointed towards the hope we are assured of in Jesus. My wife is Linda and we have two wonderful children. In my spare time, I enjoy baseball, football, cooking on the grill, biking, and traveling.

Steve Clark

When I was in the Navy during Vietnam, a young sailor witnessed to me and led me to surrender my life to Jesus in 1973. Since then, I have tried to serve Him by serving others the best I can; blessing others because I have been blessed. I have been at Heritage for 8 years.

I have tried to practice servant leadership throughout my career. There are many wonderful principles in the Bible to apply in the work place. On the other hand, many experiences that I had in executive management, such as team building, apply even in the church. My favorite verse is 1 Peter 3:15. I pray that my life is such that others will ask me about the hope I have in Jesus.

I have been married to Barb for 39 years and we have three grown kids and six grand kids. Anytime we get together makes another precious memory. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, & Ohio State Football.

Mike Horner

I accepted Christ at the age 13 at a church retreat but it wasn’t until a life-changing event at the age of 18 that my feet were firmly on the solid rock of Christ. Since that time I’ve served in a variety of ministries, with different focuses for different seasons of life, viewing all that is around me as a mission field. One of the most important things I’ve learned in my walk is to trust Christ one step at a time whether things are going well or in periods of trials and trouble.

Years of leadership has taught me that effective leading is really about serving with humility even in the corporate world. It is not coincidental that scripture lists humility and serving as some of the characteristics required of elders. I’ve found that what works for His church is often a designed formula applicable to all walks of life.

Cindy and I met in high school, dated and have now been married for 32 years with 4 adult children who are in their 20’s. We have lots of memories of family vacations and some of the simplest and least expensive were the most memorable. Now we are learning to cherish the moments when all of us can spend time together as an entire family. My favorite past time is all things related to music, whether listening or playing an instrument. I also enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and kayaking where I can enjoy and experience nature.

Dave Lehman

I grew up in Westerville and then went to Otterbein College where I majored in business. I was raised in the Methodist Church, going on a regular basis and attending Sunday School, so I can’t remember not believing. However, I began to grow in my faith after college as some of my runners drew me into FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). We first started visited Heritage on Easter 2004 and have been active ever since.

No matter what your position we are all called to serve others and being an elder is another opportunity that God has given me to do that. I like 1 Corinthians 9:24 where Paul talks about only one runner wins in a race but all should run in such a way as to get the prize. We may not be the best at what we do but we can strive to be the best with God’s help.

Claudia and I have been married 46 years and have 3 kids (2 adopted) and 6 grandkids. Two of our grandchildren live with us and attend Heritage. My favorite memories of family are our summer vacations to Northern Michigan to various rivers and lakes. I enjoy watching all sports and love to be active. I play a little golf, walk, jog and still shoot baskets on my back yard court.

Eric Niemeyer

I repented of sin, made my profession of faith and was baptized when I was 11 years old at First Christian Church in North Canton, OH. I really started walking with Jesus when my son, Max was born in 1999. As my family grew and life happened, I really started to go deeper with Him. I work daily at being a disciple of Christ, which to me, is the ultimate goal of life on earth.

My family has attended Heritage for the past 18 years, and I have served as a chaplain at Heritage ministering to the sick & dying and their families since 2004. It is truly a blessing to serve in this role, especially when it involves a decision for Christ! Psalms 121 is a constant reminder that my help comes from The Almighty, The Creator of Heaven and Earth. He constantly watches over me, never sleeps!

Stephanie and I have one daughter Madison (Maddy, 14 yrs, Freshman at Buckeye Valley High School). Our son, Max went to be with Jesus when he was 5 in September 2004. Sweetest family memory was baptizing my daughter after her repentance of sin and profession of faith in Jesus Christ. My favorite past times are farming, collecting & showing antique farm machinery, snowmobiling, boating (All with my family, of course!)

Joe Rimelspach

I was raised Catholic and witnessed my grandparents, parents and others walk with Jesus and be involved in the church. I drifted away from church until married Judy. We started to attend a small group Bible study and I heard the need for me to make a clear decision to follow Jesus. 21 years ago, we found Heritage Christian Church at the Westerville Heritage Middle School and have been here since.

I am very proud of my wife Judy and her many years in prayer and work in missions. She was the first Missions Coordinator for Heritage. All three of of my children were baptized through Heritage events. My favorite verse is James 1:19 because I need constant training to start with listening.

I have been married to Judy for 39 years and have three children and three grandchildren. The pastimes I enjoy most are gardening, dinners and parties with family and friends, and spending time with my grandchildren.

Doug Robinette

I did not come to know the Lord until I was 40, but once He got hold of me, it has been an incredible journey. My marriage, my parenting, my leadership and my life in general have all been radically changed for the better. I’ve been so blessed to be a part of Heritage – to work with such godly men and women in various ministries and as part of the elder board.

Clearly, both the leadership I learned at Nationwide, and the coaching skills I am learning as an executive coach have been very valuable in this role as an elder. Tim Scholten and I had the opportunity last year to use our leadership experience to develop and deliver a Christian-oriented leadership course here at the church.

I have now been at Heritage for 18 years and my favorite passage is James 1:2-3. It took me many years to realize that trials are not just A way that God makes us better, but THE way. That made me appreciate the joy part even more – especially looking back and seeing how He has grown me in those trials!

Tim Scholten

Being brought up in a Christian home, I knew Jesus at an early age. I confessed him as Lord and Savior at the age of 16 and I was able to journey with many teens to accepting Christ and have continued to serve in the church in some capacity since those days.

Being in leadership in large organizations requires caring a lot about people. Helping them make the most of their careers and becoming the best form of themselves through coaching and development is where I have found the most joy in my work. Our Christian journey is similar, by praying for and caring for others we get to see people meet Jesus in good and in difficult circumstances. It is a true blessing to see them grow in their faith and service to the Lord.

My wife Lori and I took our daughters on their first mission trip in 2012. It was wonderful to see their hearts impacted by those less fortunate and inspired by those that knew Jesus and how open they were about sharing him with others.

Pavi Thomas

Pavi has been at Heritage for 9 years and serves as a Lead Pastor of Heritage. Pavi grew up in India, came to the US for graduate school and earned a PhD from The Ohio State University.

Pavi loves discovering how the gospel of Jesus is being incarnated in new and creative ways while remaining deeply true to the faithful past. He finds the Biblical text endlessly generative and formative, and considers jazz a fascinating model for interpretation and incarnation.

Pavi and his wife Jeanne have 2 children, Micah & Hannah. Micah is a freshman at Juilliard, and Hannah is a 7th-grader at WCS.

Gary Vinson

I work as an Estate Planning Attorney and have had my own law firm since 2001. We’ve been at Heritage for 9 years now. My hope is to serve and to help others through the work I do or in my role as an elder.

In my quiet time, I talk “with” Jesus. My desire is to know Him more, and that comes through listening in my prayer time and meditating on His Word. My favorite passage of scripture is Isaiah 55:8-11 which reminds me that the Lord is in control and it is not always for me to understand His ways, rather to trust Him fully.

I am married to the love of my life for nearly 22 years. We are blessed with 3 amazing daughters. We are a tight-knit family and home is always where my heart is. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and walking/hiking.