Dr. Brink was born in Kittanning, Pennsylvania and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He graduated from Gulf-Coast Bible College in Houston, Texas in 1974. It was there that he met and married Debbie Dade. They have two daughters: Lori, a science teacher in Florida, who is married to Jeremy Van Valkenburg and Robin, a fifth grade teacher in Florida. Robin has two wonderful daughters named Hannah and Haley. While the girls were growing up, and during his pastoral ministry, Dr. Brink earned his Master of Divinity degree at Anderson School of Theology and his Doctor of Ministry degree at Asbury Theological Seminary. He and Debbie enjoy travel, reading and visiting their family. After pastoring in several mid-western states, the Brink’s began their ministry at DCOG in February 2001.
Rev. Sandra A. Hildebrand, Pastor Congregational Life
Pastor Sandy is our minister of Congregational Life. Sandy was born in Indiana and was raised in the small town of Westfield. Sandy met her husband, Steve, at Purdue University and they were married in 1969. They have three sons: Mike, Tim, and Matt. Mike married a lovely lady from our church, Tamber. Both Mike and Matt work in Fort Wayne. Mike works at Brotherhood Mutual Insurance and Matt is an electrical engineer at I.T.T. Matt recently married Melissa, the third of Sandy’s three wonderful daughter-in-laws. Tim is now a teacher and coach at Lapel Jr. High School. He is married to Alyssa. Steve is a farmer and bi-vocation pastor at Woodview COG in Fort Wayne. While ministering together with Steve in Shelbyville, IN. COG, Sandy attended Anderson Seminary. After graduation she served two years as a Lutheran Hospital Chaplain Intern before coming on staff at DCOG. Sandy recently graduated from IWU’s Graduate School of Counseling and is a part-time counselor with Adams Care and Counseling. Sandy enjoys reading, needlework, flower gardening and spending time with her family and grandchildren, Silas, Jaren, and Adia. Sandy joined the DCOG pastoral team in 1992.
Pastor Ed Lovelace is our Minister of Worship Arts and Senior Adults Ministry.
Ed was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. His ministry began at the age of 16, leading worship for his father, who was a Church of God pastor in Indianapolis for 25 years. Ed continued to lead worship as a layman for the next 18 years, first at East Tenth Street Church and then at Meridian Street Church of God, both in Indy. Ed received his first full-time position as Minister of Music and Youth in 1982 at the Vero Beach Church of God in Florida. Since then, he has been on staff in several other churchs: Decatur, IN; Sarasota, FL; Denver, CO; Middletown, OH; and now presently back at the Decatur Church as part time Worship Leader. Ed is married to Suzi. They met in 1981 after the death of Ed’s first wife, Linda. Suzi is a registered dietitian and is a regional manager for Extendicare Long Term Health Care. They have three sons; Brian, Scott, and Todd; and four grandsons with another grandchild on the way. Ed and Suzi enjoy spending time hiking, biking, and traveling when possible. Pastor Ed rejoined the staff here at Decatur in February, 2005.
Pastor Andrew Burch was born in Beckley, West Virginia and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 2005. It was there that he met and married Jessica Coggin. They have one son, Kohen (9 months). Pastor Andrew loves playing guitar and singing. He and Jessica enjoy sports, music, movies and visiting their family. After pastoring in South Charleston, West Virginia and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the Burch’s began their ministry at DCOG in November 2009.
R.O.C.K. Theme
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
