Category: WorshipMusicBIOS

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

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.