Lead Pastor
Gennie Schneiderhahn, Executive Assistant : Lead Pastor & Operations
314.909.9197 x 115
If you had more time to do something, what would it be?
I wish I had more time to quilt and be with my grandchildren.
What is your passion and what breaks your heart and God's heart?
If we could convince the young adults of today that the elderly have as much value or worth as they do, it would change the world.
If you could take any trip, what would it be?
I would take a trip on the Delta Queen, traveling up and down the Mississippi River. The problem is that, as of 2009, it will no longer be used for these types of excursions.
Tom Ricks, Lead Pastor
314.909.9197 x 115
Do you have a nickname?
Several.
Any you would allow in print?
When I was in 6th grade and playing Hockey, they called me "Peewee", and when I was at Covenant College, I was called "Ranger", after Ranger Ricks on the TV show, "Flipper."
How old were you when you realized you were destined to be a Pastor?
I never really wanted to be a Pastor. I knew in High School that I wanted to be head of the FBI. However, I got a job as a Youth Director when I was 22 and engaged; so, I felt it was a good job to have. By the time I was 28, I realized that God meant for me to be a Pastor.
What are your favorite movies?
Lonesome Dove, Young Frankenstein, Road to Perdition and anything John Wayne.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have 2 hole-in-ones in golf with a 12 handicap.
Congregational Care
Anton Hoffmann, Assistant Pastor of Care
314.909.9197 x 117
What is the strangest job you have ever held?
During Seminary I worked as a Security Guard part time. I would pick up and deliver payroll. We would stand in line and be assigned a .38 revolver and bullets. I would put the gun in one pocket and the bullets in the other. Because I wasn't a permanent worker, I had to ride in the back with a huge cash box. I held my knees up so the cash box wouldn't bash into me as it slid around with each and every turn.
What is the one thing you know no one would guess about you?
I am very outdoorsy and love to backpack in the wilderness. At least once a year I go into the wild of South Africa and do a 5 day backpack where you have to survive on what you take in on your back. I like to go to a place and see the highest point and say, "I am going to climb it."
Favorites:
Book: I love well-written history like "Mississippi Rising" which I have just finished. One of my all time favorites is "City of Joy" by Dominique Lapierre.
Movies: Jean de Florette and Manan of the Spring
Sport: Rugby!
Vacation: Maui
Craig Walseth, Counselor (part time)
314.909.9197 x 151
Who did you want to be when you grew up?
Jim McMahon: quarterback of the Chicago Bears in the 1980s
What is one thing that has challenged you lately?
Since having a baby, I am learning how to love my wife all over again. Having a baby creates changes in your relationship. I try to do the small things for her consistently.
What are a few of your favorites?
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite restaurant: Chili's
Favorite food: chicken fingers
Hobbies: Xbox 360; doing things outside
Doug Herrman, Prayer Ministry Leader
Karen Lovell, Stephen Ministry Leader
314.909.9197
What is something about you that not everyone would know?
I am an avid genealogist, part Native American, and I was in a hot air balloon in France the day Princess Dianna died.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to scrapbook and for 30 years I was part of a singing and dancing group called, "Pitch Piper."
Mary Ann Griffith, Director of Counseling
314.909.9197 x 152
What is your favorite movie?
Actually I have two favorite movies; The Shawshank Redemption and
A Walk to Remember
What is you Bachelor's degree in?
I started in Accounting which isn't my personality at all, and decided to go into counseling, so I changed to Communications. I recently received my Masters in Counseling from Covenant.
How many kids do you have?
Katie, 12 and Jack 7.
Spiritual Formation
Diana Simonpietri, Associate Director to Spiritual Formation & Cares
314.909.9197 x 119 
What would you do if you had more free time and more money?
Travel more, read more, scrapbook more, garden more, eat out more, re-learn to play the piano, learn to dance!
How many kids do you have?
Three. Marie is married to Ike and they have a "miracle" baby daughter, Meika Grace Ensey, and another baby on the way. Marc-Andre' is a junior at Wheaton College, majoring in Political & Military Science. Claire is a freshman at Valparaiso University, majoring in Civil Engineering.
What are some favorite things?
Mothering, Grandmothering, Spring, XM Radio Music from the 60's, The "Wiener Family", movies that make me laugh.
If you could pick a color that describes your personality, what would it be?
RED! Red has a lot of energy!
Jeremy Bedenbaugh, Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation
314.909.9197 x 109
With what person, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner and a conversation?
Pontius Pilate, because although he ultimately condemned Jesus to death, he asked insightful questions about Jesus' kingdom, His authority, and the nature of truth. I would like to continue those conversations, ask if he watched the crucifixion, and get his post-resurrection take on Jesus.
The GTCC staff likes to tease you about being hyperactive. As a child, were you hyperactive?
If you're asking was I ADD, the answer is yes. I can remember always being in trouble with the teachers for talking, moving around, and acting up. Whenever the teacher would call me down for talking, I would always complain that everyone else was talking too. "But, I can hear your voice over everyone else's," would be the reply. Teachers moved me all over the room, but it didn't matter because I talked to anybody they put me beside. One teacher, in exasperation, finally faced my desk toward the back wall with no one else around me!
Did it affect your academics? It does for some ADD kids but receiving multiple stimuli at the same time is not only ok for me but preferable; so I had no problem talking to my neighbor while also taking in the class content.
What was your favorite subject in school?
History, especially military history, WW II and the Civil War.
What are your top 5 T.V. shows?
Wonder Years
Seinfeld
King of Queens
Ugly Betty
Gray's Anatomy
Lauren Hunsinger - Administrative Assistant to Spiritual Formation, Cares & Community Connections
Details soon to follow.
314.909.9197 x 108
Youth Ministry
Brad Lucht, Director of Student Ministry
314.909.9197 x 114
Age: 27
Hometown: Cissna Park, IL (Yes, he is a Cubs fan)
Undergraduate: Illinois State
What are your favorite movies?
Sister Act II
You Got Served
What is an interesting fact about you?
I taught Kindergarten for two years and was a reading specialist for 1/2 a year.
I have been bungee jumping, hang gliding, and I have sung at the Grand Ole Opry.
You sang at the Grand Ole Opry?
Yes. Jessica and I, not yet married, traveled to Tennessee to visit her parents. This was only the second time I had met them. During the visit, we went to an evening at the Grand Ole' Opry. Now, Jessica's dad is a minister and the evening was a part of their denominational convention with lots of "big wigs" present. In front of 3,000 people, I was chosen to come up on stage to lip sink an Elvis Presley song. Dressed like Elvis, I not only impressed my future in-laws but I also had the ladies swooning.
Who do you admire most?
My wife.
What is the weirdest job that you have had?
I come from a small farming community and I worked the corn fields as a corn detassler - pulling the tassles off of the corn.
Sarah Holley, Associate Director of Student Ministry
314.909.9197 x 103
Why do you like working with youth so much?
I love where they are in their journey through life. High Schoolers, especially, have a remarkable ability to trust those who pursue relationships with them. I love getting to know them and encouraging them right where they are. Plus, they keep me young and hip as I live so much of my life in their “world.”
If you had more time to do something, what would it be?
Run! I would also spend more time dabbling in photography. I am such a visual person and especially enjoy capturing images of people in their everyday life.
What is a quirky habit you have?
I chew ice — even though I am cold most of the time. And I must have coffee every morning - my favorite is Kaldi’s. And don’t forget chocolate … especially dark chocolate.
Do you have any phobias?
I have a terrible fear of whales. Even just seeing pictures of them or seeing them on TV makes my heart beat faster. Planet Earth, disc 2, is like a horror film to me because it is full of whales.
What is something you have learned that has changed the way you live your life?
I’ve learned to value the process more than the result. I find in my own life that fruit seems to happen in the process of getting to the end result. I think this has helped me meet students where they are at today rather than look for where they may be down the line. Personally it has helped me to focus less on planning and to enjoy the messiness of now.
Children’s Ministry
Beth Bohlmann, Associate Director of Children's Ministry
314.909.9197 x 126 
What your favorite thing about each of your sons?
Mason - his tender heart
William - his zeal for life
What's your one guilty pleasure that people may not know about you?
If tennis is on TV, I'll sit for hours and watch a match. I love it!
What's one appliance you cannot live without?
My Kitchen-Aid Mix Master!
What family traditions do you maintain?
I like to write my husband and my two sons hand-written letters and cards often.
Ellen Stream, Director of Children's Ministry
314.909.9197 x 105
What are your top five movies of all time? 
Ben Hur
It Could Happen to You
Rear Window (Hitchcock)
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
True Grit (John Wayne)
What is one thing that you would want your family to say about you?
I would want them to say, "She loves the Lord and she loves us, and she works hard to have a happy home."
What is one thing you would say to parents at GTCC if you could only tell them one thing?
Never stop praying for your children...never.
Have you ever won any type of contest or competition?
No, not really. I did come in second place for best dressed in high school, though. Nobody knew it, but I sewed all my own clothes!
Administrative & Communications
Cia Whittaker, Receptionist / Administrative Assistant to Children's and Student Ministries
314.909.9197 x 112
What are your favorite movies?
Father of the Bride
Wizard of Oz
Sound of Music
The Italian Job
Field of Dreams
What is the dumbest thing you have ever done?
Perhaps the dumbest thing I've done was hitchhike in Israel. In 1979, while studying abroad in Athens, Greece, I visited Israel. I was with a part of the group that got separated from the main group and we had to hitchhike from the outskirts of Jericho into Jerusalem.
What TV character do you most identify with?
Lucy Ricardo because she has a real zest for life and laughter.
Hannah Edwards, Administrative Assistant to Communications & Worship Arts
What is the strangest job you've ever had?
In high school I bottled barbecue sauce in an elderly couple's basement (Show-Me-BBQ Sauce in Columbia, MO). I'd have to shower as soon as I got home each night because I reeked so badly of barbecue.
What is one thing about you that would surprise people?
I love college football. I even introduced my husband to it and even though he is a die-hard Ram's fan, I think he now likes college better than NFL.
What is your best memory?
Standing where Paul stood and seeing the hill where he worked as a tent-maker in Corinth. Walking the streets where he walked and seeing the town of Corinth was an unbelievable experience.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Greece. The history and significance of the country and her people are incredible. Just being there makes you feel like a part of history.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about compassion and I really enjoy serving others. I am also blessed to be a part of Greentree's church plant in St. Louis city. It is a huge part of my life and ministry.
What is one thing you'd want people to know about you?
I am so thankful for where God has brought me in life. I am continually striving to understand God's relentless, immeasurable and undeserved grace.
Michael Porter - Business Manager
Details soon to follow.
314.909.9197 x 103
Mindy Owens, Director of Operations/Communications
314.909.9197 x 102
Who is in your family? 
I have been married to my best friend, Bruce, for 25 years; we have 2 delightful daughters: Samantha (who is a student at Mizzou - Go Mizzou!), and Jessie (who rocks our house with her singing and dancing). Let's not forget our pets: Maggie, Oliver and Gabbie!
What lessons in parenting have you learned?
Two things: Don't get hung up so much on the behavior, it's a journey. Have a sense of humor when raising kids. Second, apologize. Ask for forgiveness. We make many mistakes in parenting; do not let pride get in the way of your relationship.
If a movie were made about you, who would play you and what would the title be?
Hmmm .... Sandra Oh (from Grey's Anatomy) and the title would be, "Tell It Like It Is"
Favorites:
TV- I don't watch much TV; but I do catch football, golf and March Madness, and my friends on the Weather Channel!
Food- Pizza and salad
Memory with my kids- My girls & I went to Chicago for the weekend. We had a tea party with our dolls at the American Girl store, ordered in room service, and had dinner and watched the crazy dancers at Ed Debevics. Just a fun girls' time!
Music & Arts
Chip Demetri - Director of Worship
Details soon to follow.
314.909.9197 x 118
Community Connections
Erin Wilkins, Director of Community Connections
314.909.9197 x 106
Where are some of the places you have traveled to?
Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Namibia, Poland, England, Czech Republic, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Jamaica! I love traveling the world and meeting the people of different cultures.
How did you meet your husband?
I was in Namibia and my visa expired. I had to leave the country for four weeks while my new visa was being processed. I was sent to South Africa and met Mark while I was there. God has a sense of humor. I love when He turns not-so-good situations around. Our first date happened to be a trip to Victoria Falls, in Zambia. He sure did set the bar high for future dates!
What is something that you fear?
Birds! I have a fear that they are going to come peck my eyes out.
Church Planting
Mike Werkheiser, Assistant Pastor - Church Planting
314.909.9197 x 114
29 years old
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA (suburb called Beaver)
Undergraduate: Penn State University
Graduate: Covenant Theological Seminary
How did you meet your wife?
I met my wife at a summer camp during the summer of 2002. We started dating at the end of August, got engaged mid-November, and were married the next May. We've been married for a little over 5 years and it's the best time I've ever had.
What are some of your favorites?
My favorite thing is my wife. Any chance I get to spend time with her is priceless. I also love movies. One of my new favorite movies is There Will Be Blood - though it's not for the faint of heart. A favorite book of mine is entitled Not The Way It's Supposed To Be: A Breviary of Sin by Corelius Plantinga, Jr.
Phil Woods, Assistant Pastor - Church Planting
Where are you from?
I spent the majority of my life between Ohio and Virginia.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Rebecca, and I have a five-month old daughter Kennedy Jane.
What are some of your favorite things?
Wine, Cigars, food, Xbox360, music, reading, time with my family and friends.
Do you have any hobbies?
Working on my house
What is your favorite St. Louis restaurant? Bar? Sports team? Place to visit?
I'm anal about eating out (that's what happens when you work in the restaurant business too long) but there are 3 things at Cyrano's in Webster Groves that I could eat almost every day.
Favorite Bar?
Brennan's in Central West End.
Sports team?
I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan.
Favorite place to visit?
I love Costa Rica!
What are you listening to on your iPhone these days?
Kanye West, Indelible Grace, Radiohead (always), Coldplay
Mac or PC?
Mac
Favorite candy?
Maple Nut Goodies
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Starting to plant a new church in the city.
Russ Mohr, Music & Arts - Church Planting
What TV personality best portrays you? How come? 
I'd like to think that I could be as cool and as fun as Will from
Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I'm not, but that's my final answer.
What are your 5 favorite movies of all time?
That's a tough one. I like tons of movies, especially comedies.
Here are some of my all time favs in no particular order:
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Dumb & Dumber
Best in Show
Shawshank Redemption
Christmas Vacation
What is your favorite road trip music to have and why?
I do A LOT of road trips, so this one is all over the place. It really depends. Is it sunny, rainy, cold, hot? Night or day? I digress.... I would say the CD that has been a road trip staple for the last couple years has been Marc Broussard's "Carencro" record. It makes me feel like I'm driving home.