Category: Staff SubMenu

Biblical Counseling Pastor

Born and raised: New Baltimore, MI

Education: CCEF Essentials of Biblical Counseling Certificate; Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv, concentration in missional studies); Ferris State University (BS Criminal Justice and graduate of the police academy)

Ministry Experience: 2015-2025 Sr. High Pastor; Youth Pastor in the Chicago area; ministry residency for a church plant called Paseo Christian Church in El Paso, Texas

Spouse: Cariann

Children: Ariyah, Willow

Hobbies: Lifting weights, running, and being outdoors

Testimony: It was in my middle school years that I really had my first exposure to the Gospel and to church, through a youth group bowling event. That was the start of my attending church to hear God’s Word (even though I was the only one from my family to do so). It was on a Sunday morning that I responded to an altar call and made my commitment to follow Christ. Soon after, as I grew as a Christ-follower, I also became a key leader in my youth group, encouraged and mentored by my youth pastor and a couple of the key volunteers in the youth ministry. During the summer between my junior and senior years of high school, I worked with a ministry called Mission Arlington (in Texas), an experience that challenged me spiritually and physically, teaching me to rely on God more deeply than I ever had before. It was during that summer of ministry that I sensed God’s call to full-time pastoral ministry.

nnagy@southlife.org

Lead Pastor of Student Ministries – Middle School

Born and raised: Holland, MI, spent time living in Seattle, WA and Kijabe Kenya, East Africa

Education: Moody Bible Institute (BA Youth Ministry; secondary education Bible teaching certificate)

Ministry Experience: Jr. High student ministries at South since June 2002

Spouse: Shannon Wayner

Kids: Maliya, Joshua, Avery, Rylie, and Tate

Hobbies: All sports, especially golf

Testimony: I was raised in a Christian home, with parents who were deeply committed to Christ. From the time I was born, church was a major part of my life, as was Bible study and worship. I remember praying for salvation when I was 3 at our home in Seattle, WA. As much as I could understand what Christ had done for me, I believed with all my heart at that time. As I grew older and my parents and the church continued to teach me, my understanding of Christ and his death and resurrection as a substitution for my sin (so that His righteousness could be given to me) continued to grow. I’m a work in progress, but continue to understand more fully each day the depth of Christ’s love for me, and the depth of my sin which he has saved me from. The teaching of pastors Don, Doug, Ben and others continue to challenge me, along with personal Bible study. South has been an incredible place of growth for me, and I am excited to be a part of the ministry team here at South which is having such an impact on so many lives.

jwayner@southlife.org

College Pastor

Raised: Reynoldsburg, OH (near Columbus)

Education: Ashland University (Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Business Administration)

Ministry Experience: 25 years of experience with The Navigators (since 1997)

Spouse: Laura Parks (married since 2001)

Kids: Dawson, Mary-Elizabeth, Anna, Elijah, Lincoln

Hobbies: Cooking

Testimony: I came to faith at a Rick Cua concert at age 15. When i was in college is where I really became rooted in my faith and realized my call to colligate ministry. My life verse is I Thes. 2:8 “so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

travisandlaura@gmail.com

Worship Pastor

Raised: Woodstock, IL

Education: University of Southern California (MA Music Composition); Eastern Illinois University (BA Music Composition); Ministerial License from the Evangelical Free Church of America

Ministry Experience: Pastor of Worship Ministries at South since February 2011; Worship Pastor in an Evangelical Free church in Cleveland, OH for seven years; Cornerstone Community Church in Pasadena, CA from 2002-2003; For Heaven’s Sake—vocalist for non-profit music ministry that performed music workshops in high schools and performed concerts and led worship in churches throughout the Midwest, from 1993-1998.

Other Musical Endeavors: Conductor/Artistic Director of the Steiner Chorale, Contributing Arranger for PraiseCharts.com and Sovereign Grace Music.

Spouse: Carol Felgenhour (married since 2000)

Kids: Son Ari, daughter Kiran, son Asher

Hobbies: Paintball, camping, reading, WWII Naval history and gaming, sport shooting, Frisbee

Honors: Commission, Co-composed underscore for Hall of Crucifixion-Resurrection, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale California (2006)

Testimony: My mother introduced me to Jesus Christ when I was nine years old. I grew up Lutheran, but stopped attending church soon after my Confirmation. When I arrived at Eastern Illinois University, I was welcomed by several believers, among them Dave John, an aggressive evangelist and student leader in Campus Crusade. He took me through the Four Spiritual Laws, and I dedicated my life to Christ in my dorm room in October of 1991.

cfelgenhour@southlife.org

Outreach Pastor

Education: Youth Pastor in St. Paul, Minnesota (5 years); English Teacher and Pastor in Japan (9 years); Bible College Administrator in Owatonna, MN (4.5 years), Senior Pastor in St. John’s, Michigan (5 years), Chief Operations Officer at Student Statesmanship Institute (3 years); Pastor for Outreach at South Church since 2018.

Spouse: Naomi

Family: Isaac (and Brooke); Lily (and Alex plus their precious son, Xander)

Things I enjoy: Reading, Bible memory, following college football and basketball, playing backgammon, singing gospel songs with my grandson

Testimony: When the church doors were open, I was there; perched in the front row next to my brother. But after elementary school, I slipped into rebellion against both my parents and the church. Only the words of scripture could cure a cold heart like mine. “If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

The Bible continues to guide me and inform my choices as I move forward in my relationship with God. My passion is to use my education, gifts, and life experiences at home and abroad to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ and to inspire others to do the same.

tvanloh@southlife.org

Executive Pastor

Born and raised: Wilmington, Ohio

Education: Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary (MDiv); Cedarville University (BA)

Ministry Experience: Traveling gospel teams and student chaplain at Cedarville College (now University); chaplain in student affairs department of Cornerstone University; senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Okemos for 15 years; pastoral team here at South Church since 2004 and serving now as executive pastor for ministries

Spouse: Becky Phillips

Hobbies: Reading, golf, racquetball, extreme croquet

Honors: Graduated with honor with a Master of Divinity degree from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary (GRBS); ordained to the ministry of the gospel in 1999; review articles published by The Gospel Coalition website

Community Activities: Board member for the Lansing City Rescue Mission; leading chapel services at Grand Haven Living Center

Testimony: I came to faith in Christ as a freshman in high school, and my ongoing discipleship continued during my time at Cedarville. During that time also, I believe God called me to pastoral ministry, leading me to further preparation at GRBS.

dphillips@southlife.org

Lead Pastor

Born and raised: Wixom, MI

Education: Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (MDiv); Michigan State University (BA Political Science)

Ministry Experience: Associate Pastor (2016-2024); Lead Pastor since November 2024

Spouse: Kate Sova

Children: Owen, Isabel

Hobbies: Reading, hanging out with friends, watching sports

Testimony: I was raised by Christian parents. Growing up we attended a small Baptist church in the Metro Detroit area. While I had much exposure to the gospel it was not until I attended a baptism class that I first really understood it. At that point I realized Christ’s death on the cross was the only thing standing between me–a sinner–and the wrath of God. Since then God has continued to demonstrate His faithfulness to me by patiently but persistently convicting me of my sin and allowing me to repent and enjoy fellowship with Him.

keithsova@southlife.org

Audio/Visual Coordinator

Born and raised: McMinnville, OR

Education: Clackamas Community College

Hobbies: Writing and Recording Music, Cooking, Playing Video Games

Testimony: Born into a Christian household, I accepted Christ and was baptized at 8 years old. During my youth, I became aware of a calling on my life — to serve in worship ministry. After many years of serving in a number of different volunteer roles, my wife and I felt called to “step out of the boat” and follow where the Lord would lead us. Shortly thereafter, I accepted my first full-time ministry position and moved myself and my young wife to Haslett, Michigan. After 7 months, the Lord lead me to apply for and accept this position here at South. My life verse is Proverbs 16:9, ” The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

esimpson@southlife.org

Ministry Assistant to Pastor Corb

Born and raised: Leslie, Michigan

Education: School of Life

Hobbies: Composing & Recording, Story Telling, Gaming, Frisbee

Testimony: Raised as a “Pastors Kid,” I came to my senses by the age of 16 and embraced Christ as my everything. I have worked in various churches since that time as a worship leader and youth counselor. Through every trial, Christ has kept me and I will continue to thank Him for His unending, faithful care.

jlinsley@southlife.org

Web Developer

Born and raised: Grand Ledge, MI

Education: Michigan State University (Bachelor of Fine Arts – Graphic Design)
Western Michigan University (Teaching Certificate – Art)

Family: Sarah and our four children.

Hobbies: Music, sound & lighting production, and almost anything else.

Testimony: After a difficult time in high school, Christian friends brought me to youth group, and helped me find what was missing in my life. At MSU, Sarah and I joined the South Church college group, and have been part of South’s family since 1999 – serving as short-term missionaries, working with junior high, senior high and college students, playing music for services, running sound for services, and helping develop a new Bible community and worship service.