Pastoral Care Gary Johnson gary@sterlingchurch.com
Gary is the Senior Minister here at Sterling. He was raised in Louisville, KENTUCKY (go Big Blue) and Joanie grew up in Wilmington, Ohio. They met at Cincinnati Bible College (now Cincinnati Christian University). In May of 1978 Gary received his B.A. degree in Ministry and in June of 1978 Joanie received her "Mrs." degree.From 1978 to October 1987, Gary and Joanie ministered at the Hiseville Christian Church in central Kentucky. In October of 1987 they came to Veedersburg and have been here for 32 years. Their children are Abby (Brian) Harshbarger and Stephen (Leanne) Johnson. They have 5 grandchildren; Julia, Jacob, Josie Harshbarger and Liberty & Gwyn Johnson.
Youth Minister Dave Sims dave@sterlingchurch.com
Dave and Tara Sims have been a part of the Veedersburg community for nearly 14 years now. When he is not serving in ministry, Dave likes to hike, fish, hunt, farm, pretty much anything outside. He also enjoys playing guitar. Tara has taught at Southeast Fountain Elementary since fall of 1999. She enjoys being a mom, camping, hiking, has made recent attempts at running, and loves pretty much anything that has to do with people. Tara works as a Youth Sponsor for the Jr./Sr. High program at Sterling. Her favorite part is working with a girls discipleship group. Dave and Tara are blessed to have two children, Joey and Courtney. Joey loves anything to do with farming and animals and tractors of all colors. Courtney loves coloring, babies, and giving her dad a hard time. As a family, the Sims have recently started their own hobby farm, Green Acres. Only a few small barns and a handful of animals, but a life of lessons and fun.
Children's Minister Derrick Jackson derrick@sterlingchurch.com
Derrick is the Children’s Minister. When he is not at church or home he can be found on his parents farm, golf course, fishing anywhere there is water, or in a tree stand. Derrick has lived in Indiana all but 3 1/2 years of his life. Derrick’s wife, Emily, moved to Indiana in the 3rd grade. Their families attended the same church in Lebanon and the rest is history. Emily has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Services from Purdue. Derrick, after two years in the Ag Department at Purdue, transferred to Johnson Bible College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry/Preaching. They have two children, Wesley and Rya.
Preaching/Teaching Kevin Wildman kevin@sterlingchurch.com
Sterling has always been a part of Kevin and Lindsay’s lives. Lindsay went to Sterling her entire life, until she married Kevin, in 2006, and they began serving at Pine Village Christian Church while Kevin finished college. Kevin grew up attending Sterling when he was in town visiting family, and then attended youth group here in high school. After graduating from Indiana State with a bachelors in Elementary Education, Lindsay began teaching at Covington Christian School. Lindsay stayed at home with their five kids until the fall of 2019, when she began teaching at Southeast Fountain Elementary School. Kevin graduated from Lincoln Christian College (now LCU) in 2008 with a B.A. in Preaching Ministry, and in 2014 with a M.A. in Spiritual Formation. Kevin and Lindsay are excited for the opportunity to serve at Sterling, a church that has had a tremendous impact on them and their families throughout their lives.
Preaching/Teaching Jason Davis jason@sterlingchurch.com
Jason Davis is the youth minister here at Sterling Christian Church. Jason and his wife, Danette, grew up in rural Boone County, Indiana in a community much like Fountain County. After graduating from Western Boone High School, both decided to follow God’s call and attend Johnson University in Knoxville, TN. Jason graduated from the Youth Ministry/Preaching program in 2005. Jason and Danette were married during their time at Johnson and since their marriage in 2003 Jason and Danette have added Bryson (2007), Asher (2008), Lydia (2014), and Caleb (2016) to their journey. After graduating from Johnson, Jason was led to the Liberty Church of Christ and served there 11 years. Now, following the Lord’s call, Jason has come to serve the youth at Sterling. Jason’s passion is God’s Word (Jeremiah 20:9) and seeks to proclaim it to this generation as long as God gives him breath. It is his mission to strive to be a catalyst for spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social growth of the youth within the family, for the development of a lifelong relationship with Christ and a steadfast commitment to his call.
Administration Minister BJ Keeling bj@sterlingchurch.com
BJ is the Administrative Pastor at Sterling. He was born and raised in Fountain County. He attended Indiana State University in Terre Haute where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He worked for Sony DADC in Terre Haute for 24 years prior to being called here to ministry in 2019. Fourteen of those years he spent as a Supervisor over the Packaging Department. BJ’s wife, Lisa, is originally from Indianapolis. She has worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs since 1989. She originally moved to Fountain County in 2000, moved to Alabama in 2005 for 2 years and then back to Fountain County in 2007. She is currently a Project Manager in the E-Billing Solutions Department at the V.A. They have 4 children; Samantha, Rebekah, Katelyn and Jacob.