Pastor Shane Bengry

Shane Bengry is the lead pastor of John Wesley Free Methodist Church.  Shane grew up as a pastor’s kid, and working in a church setting has always been his “dream job.”   He is a Christ-follower and enjoys sharing the Biblical message of hope, life, and freedom. 

 “I believe in the power and presence of the local church,” says Pastor Shane.  "Knowing many have been turned off or hurt by churches, here at John Wesley FMC, we want you to know that God wants good things for you; that there is nothing you can do to make God not love you.  Our church tries to show that.

Before coming to John Wesley in the summer of 2011, Shane had served at churches in Michigan (Alpena, Midland, and Brighton).  You can often find Shane sharing stories, and he likes to laugh, read, and watch movies.  He is a big sports fan and dominates the church fantasy football league.  He also likes to boast about his family (wife Mary and two kids: Hannah and Joshua).  Shane loves meeting new people; he would love to meet you, too.

 If you would like to know more about our pastor, you can follow him on twitter: @ShaneBengry or read his blog: http://shanebengry.blogspot.com/

Jeff Gillespie - Director of Music

Jeff has more than 35 years' experience serving as a church musician, starting with his first position in seventh grade, as organist of a small Episcopal church in his hometown of Griffin, Georgia. He has served in a variety of church and denominations, primarily United Methodist, before coming to John Wesley Church.  He teaches music theory full-time at Butler University as Associate Professor of Music.  He has degrees in music performance and music theory from Birmingham-Southern College, Eastman School of Music, and Indiana University.  Jeff is married to Paula Gillespie, and they have two children, Kelly and Joshua, and a dog, Bailey.  When he's not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, working in the yard with flowers and vegetables, and going to movies.

Anne Class - Family Life Director

Anne Class is our Family Life Director. She brings the conviction that "Every life is a gift from God and should be celebrated!" to her ministry,  and that every child ( and adult) will only find their unique way in life through a relationship with Jesus Christ and the study of the truths of the Bible. She is also here to support, encourage, and provide tools for parents as they guide their children on their spiritual journey and support each other as parents. Anne brings educational background and experience in child development, teaching, drama, and working with special needs children to her ministry, as well as the practical side of being a wife and  mother to two and stepmother to three grown children.

In her free time, Anne likes to do water aerobics, read, see local plays and musicals, bargain hunt at garage sales and clearance aisles, and laugh with family and friends.   

Dorothy Thompson - Administrative Secretary

Dorothy finds that working for the church has its own rewards. It's a very supportive, encouraging atmosphere.  She enjoys working in a place where she has an opportunity for creativity and where people stop in or call with an uplifting message.

Having lived in six states, she has met a lot of people, but family will always be the most important to her – her own family (loving husband, three beautiful children, four super grandchildren,) her church family, and being part of the family of God. In the rare leisure times, she enjoys activities with family and friends, sewing, reading and playing piano.