Meet The Thrive Church Team
Pastor
Rev. Dr. Kris S. Kappler
Kris Kappler serves as the Pastor of Thrive Church, bringing more than 35 years of ministry experience and a deep passion for helping people grow in their faith. He and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of three children: Hannah, Elizabeth, and John.
Known for his heart for people, Kris connects with others as a pastor, teacher, counselor, and friend. He often says he is the “greatest fan” of the Thrive Church family and is passionate about encouraging others to discover their place in God’s story.
Before coming to Thrive, Kris and Sarah spent 20 years serving as missionaries, helping disciple and equip church planters in South Korea, Kazakhstan, and Johannesburg, South Africa. Alongside his ministry experience, Kris holds a Bachelor of Accounting from Hillsdale College, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Doctor of Missiology from Asbury Theological Seminary.
Whether teaching from the pulpit, sharing coffee with a friend, or walking alongside someone through life’s challenges, Kris is deeply committed to the Great Commission and believes every person has an important role in the family of God.
In his free time, Kris enjoys walking, riding his stationary bike, watching great movies, and traveling with his family.
We’d love for you to meet Pastor Kris and experience Thrive Church for yourself this Sunday at 10:00 AM!
Sue Cole
Sue Cole, lovingly known by many as “Ms. Sue,” has been a faithful part of the Thrive Church leadership team since 1996. Over the years, she has served in several ministry roles including Christian Education Director, Youth Ministry Leader, and for the past 20 years, Director of Children’s Ministry.
Sue has a deep passion for helping children grow in their faith and experience the love of Jesus in meaningful ways. Through Thrive Kids, she creates a fun, welcoming, and Christ-centered environment where children can learn Biblical truths through weekly large and small group teaching.
Known for her warm heart and encouraging spirit, Sue loves partnering with families and helping every child feel seen, valued, and excited to come to church. Her desire is for each child who walks through the doors at Thrive to know they are loved by God and have an important place in His family.
Sue has been married to her husband, Dick, for more than 50 years. Together they enjoy summer camping, spending time with family, and cheering on local sports teams.
Sue would love to welcome your family to Thrive Kids this Sunday!
Karie Saunders
Karie Saunders has been a faithful and passionate part of the Thrive Church family for many years, serving in a variety of leadership roles with a heart for worship, community, and creating welcoming spaces where people can encounter God. She currently serves as Thrive’s Worship Coordinator and works alongside an incredible team of volunteers who help make each Sunday meaningful and Christ-centered.
Karie collaborates closely with the Pastor, church staff, music and tech teams, ushers, greeters, Welcome Center attendants, Communion stewards, coffee hour volunteers, and Thrive’s Sunday morning security ministry. She also helps coordinate weddings, funerals, and many of the behind-the-scenes details that support worship and church life throughout the year.
Before stepping into her current role, Karie faithfully served as Chair of the FAST Team for six years, continuing her long-standing commitment to serving the Thrive community with dedication, encouragement, and leadership.
Karie and her husband, Brian, have been married for nearly 25 years and are blessed with four children and five grandchildren. As a family, they love spending time outdoors — camping, kayaking, biking, sledding, and making memories together whenever they can.
Known for her servant’s heart and love for people, Karie is deeply grateful to be part of the Thrive Church family and looks forward to all God has in store for the church in the seasons ahead.
Children's Ministry Director
Worship Coordinator
Office Administrator
Pam Haskell
Pam Haskell serves as the Office Administrator at Thrive Church, faithfully overseeing many of the behind-the-scenes details that help the ministry run smoothly each day. Often the first friendly voice people hear when they call or visit the church, Pam serves with warmth, care, and a genuine heart for helping others feel welcomed and supported.
In addition to keeping the church office organized and running efficiently, Pam also helps ensure the church facilities are well cared for and functioning properly. Her dedication, reliability, and servant-hearted spirit have made her a valued member of the Thrive staff since 2008.
Before joining Thrive, Pam spent more than 20 years in management within mortgage banking for a national bank, bringing a wealth of experience and organization to her role.
Pam has been married to her husband, Dan, for many years, and together they have two grown children whom she loves dearly. Outside the office, Pam enjoys kayaking, riding Harley motorcycles with Dan, and proudly using her talent for finding the best deals in town!
Be sure to swing by the church office sometime and say hello to Pam — she always enjoys welcoming new faces to Thrive Church!
Mary Jo Oldford has been part of the Thrive Church family since 2020 and faithfully serves on the FAST Team as Secretary, where she helps keep accurate records of meeting proceedings. She also serves on the Finance Team as a counter, supporting the ministry with diligence and care behind the scenes.
With a true caregiver’s heart, Mary Jo pursued a career as a Nurse Practitioner, dedicating her life to caring for others both physically and spiritually. As her faith grew, she completed training in Stephen Ministry, allowing her to combine compassionate care with Christ-centered encouragement.
Mary Jo and her husband, Greg, live in Milford and enjoy spending time surrounded by God’s beautiful creation — one of her greatest joys. She is blessed with a stepdaughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren whom she loves dearly.
Mary Jo has long dreamed of opening an animal rescue and currently shares her home with her beloved rescues, including a dog named Theodore and her Peking ducks affectionately known as the “Quackson Five” and Roberta Quack.
Her warmth, compassion, and servant-hearted spirit are a blessing to the Thrive Church family.
Jill Crawford serves as the Co-Chair of the FAST Team at Thrive Church and is excited to continue growing and serving alongside the team. With a heart for supporting others and learning new ways to serve the church, Jill looks forward to helping strengthen and support the ministry in her role.
Many at Thrive recognize Jill from Sunday mornings, where you can often find her ushering or warmly welcoming people at the Welcome Desk. Her friendly spirit and welcoming smile help make Thrive feel like home for both longtime members and first-time guests alike.
Jill is a devoted wife, mother of three boys, grandmother to two girls, and proud pet owner to two dogs and a cat. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys traveling whenever she has the opportunity.
As she steps into this new season of leadership, Jill is excited to learn all aspects of serving on the FAST Team and continue supporting the Thrive Church family with joy and dedication.
Secretary
Mary Jo Oldford
Vice Chair
Jill Crawford
Treasurer / Finance
Andy Persons
Andy Persons has faithfully served as Treasurer at Thrive Church since 2001 and has been a dedicated member of the Thrive family alongside his wife, Sabina, since 2000. Together they raised their three children — Samuel, Anabel, and Tommy — within the Thrive community.
With a strong background in finance as a former C.P.A. and current small business owner, Andy brings wisdom, integrity, and steady leadership to his role. As Treasurer, he oversees the church’s bookkeeping, budgeting, payroll, bill payments, and financial reporting, while also helping establish and maintain financial policies and internal controls that support the ministry’s long-term health and accountability.
Beyond his financial responsibilities, Andy has faithfully served Thrive in many different ways over the years. He is a former Co-Chair of the FAST Team, has facilitated small groups, supported Kids’ Church audio/visual ministry, participated in multiple Mexico Mission Trips, and currently leads a Men’s Bible Study and Cornhole Group.
Known for his servant-hearted leadership and commitment to the church family, Andy continues to use his gifts and experience to help Thrive Church grow and thrive for future generations.
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John Welch currently serves as Chair of the SPRC Team at Thrive Church and has been a faithful member of the Thrive family alongside his wife, Mindy, since the early 1990s. Over the years, Thrive has been a place where their family has grown in faith, built lasting friendships, and created many cherished memories while raising their two sons within the church community.
John has served in a variety of ministries throughout the years, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. His involvement has included working with youth, facilitating Adult Bible Studies, serving as an Upward referee, and currently being a proud member of the Thursday morning church clean crew.
Known for his servant’s heart, steady leadership, and dedication to the church family, John continues to faithfully support the mission and ministry of Thrive Church in both visible and behind-the-scenes ways.
Lay Leader / SPR
David Schwaninger
SPR
John Welch
FAST TEAM: Thrive Church's Governing Body
The Finance, Administration, Staff-Parish and Trustees (FAST) team is the single-board governance for Thrive Church. Members are nominated and elected at our yearly church conference. Finance, Trustees and Staff-Parish serve three year terms. Click here to view the 2025 roster.
Meetings are held monthly on the fourth Tuesdays at 7pm and are open to members and friends of the church. Bring your ministry ideas here and participate in our planning.
Finance / SPR
Marc Plizga
Marc Plizga has been a faithful member of the Thrive Church family for more than 20 years and currently serves on the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), which functions as the church’s human resources team while also supporting the Finance Team when needed.
Over the years, Marc has volunteered in several different capacities throughout the church, always willing to serve wherever help is needed. Known for his steady faith and servant-hearted attitude, he is passionate about supporting the ministry and helping the church continue to grow and thrive.
Marc enjoys studying the Bible, serving his community, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. His dedication and willingness to faithfully serve behind the scenes continue to be a blessing to the Thrive Church family.
Jon Cohen faithfully serves as a Trustee at Thrive Church and has been part of the Thrive family for more than 25 years. Over that time, his faith journey has grown from simply “tolerating” church to deeply loving God and actively serving others through ministry and leadership.
Jon has been involved in many areas of church life over the years, including Youth Group leadership, the FAST Team, Men’s Fellowship, Bible Studies, Mexico Mission Trips, and Youth Retreats. His heart for serving and willingness to jump in wherever needed have made him a valued part of the Thrive community.
As a Trustee, Jon helps oversee the care and maintenance of the church building and grounds, ensuring everything is functioning properly while being good stewards of the church’s resources. From coordinating lawn mowing volunteers to helping manage building projects and repairs, Jon brings practical knowledge and professional experience working with contractors and construction processes to support the team.
Jon is the husband of Jenni, father to Brent and Kara, and is excited to soon become a grandpa to baby boy Cohen. Outside of church, he enjoys swimming, cornhole, pickleball, and spending quality time with his family.
Known for his servant’s heart and dedication to Thrive Church, Jon continues to faithfully use his gifts to support the ministry both inside and outside the walls of the church.
Jenni Cohen has been a faithful member of the Thrive Church family since 2001 and currently serves as a Trustee on the FAST Team. Alongside her husband, Jon, she has helped raise their two children within the Thrive community and is deeply grateful for the many friendships, mentors, and “church family” relationships built over the years.
She especially treasures the support and encouragement she has received from generations of Thrive members, including her parents, Denis and Marcia Stevens.
Throughout her years at Thrive, Jenni has served in a wide variety of ministries and leadership roles. Her involvement has included Mom’s Group, Women on Wednesdays Bible Study, Upward Basketball leadership and coaching, Confirmation leadership, Youth Group volunteering, Ad Council leadership, Thrive Groups, Fellowship and Outreach, and the Women with Scissors Ministry.
As a Trustee, Jenni brings a valuable perspective to the team through her creativity, organization, encouragement, and ability to connect people. While her role may not always involve the physical side of building maintenance, she enjoys helping keep the church welcoming, functional, and beautiful while also recruiting others to use their gifts and talents to serve.
Jenni loves cooking, traveling, hiking, playing games, watching true-story movies, spending time with family and friends, and studying God’s Word. Known for her joyful spirit and heart for serving, Jenni continues to be a meaningful part of the Thrive Church family and ministry.
Trustee / Finance
Jon Cohen
Trustees
Jenni Cohen
FAST TEAM: Thrive Church's Governing Body
The Finance, Administration, Staff-Parish and Trustees (FAST) team is the single-board governance for Thrive Church. Members are nominated and elected at our yearly church conference. Finance, Trustees and Staff-Parish serve three year terms. Click here to view the 2025 roster.
Meetings are held monthly on the fourth Tuesdays at 7pm and are open to members and friends of the church. Bring your ministry ideas here and participate in our planning.
Trustees
Brian Drake
Brian Drake has been a faithful member of the Thrive Church family for more than 25 years and currently serves as a Trustee on the FAST Team. Alongside his wife, Julie, Brian has been deeply involved in the life and ministry of the church for many years.
Julie previously operated Discover Preschool for 12 years and has actively served in Kids’ Church and American Heritage Girls (AHG). Together, Brian and Julie raised their two sons, Daniel and David, within the Thrive community, where both participated in many youth activities over the years. Today, their son David continues serving by supporting Thrive’s AV Team.
As a Trustee since 2022, Brian helps oversee and maintain the church property and parsonage, ensuring the buildings and grounds are well cared for and functioning properly. His role includes coordinating maintenance and repairs, helping manage insurance coverage, overseeing building usage, and assisting with budgeting and planning for property improvements and future needs. Brian also works closely with the FAST Team to help steward the church’s resources wisely and responsibly.
Brian and his family have been residents of Milford since 1985 and are grateful to be part of a church community they have called home for decades. Known for his steady leadership and commitment to serving behind the scenes, Brian continues to faithfully support the mission and ministry of Thrive Church.
Glen Betts faithfully serves Thrive Church as Financial Secretary and Lay Representative to the Annual Conference, bringing decades of dedication, leadership, and service to the church community.
Glen’s roots in the Methodist Church go back to his youth in Milford, where he served as President of the Youth Fellowship and participated as the youth member of the building committee for their church on Atlantic Street. At 17 years old, he began attending Highland Methodist Church — then the “little yellow church” down the road — where he and his wife, Linda, were married in 1971. Together they raised their two children within the church family, and today their daughter serves as an ordained pastor in another denomination.
After college and military service, Glen and Linda returned to active ministry at Thrive, where Glen has faithfully served in countless roles over the years. His involvement has included serving as Director of the Chancel Choir, member of the Men’s Chorus (“The Khaki Pants Boys”), Sunday School teacher for high school students, Adult Bible Study facilitator, member of the church “Name Change” team, Chair of Stewardship, Chair of Staff Parish Relations, Co-Chair of Finance, Church Finance Auditor, and two-time Chair of the Administrative Board. He also played an important role in multiple building projects, from the church’s original construction phases to the design and development of the Family Life Center.
As Financial Secretary, Glen oversees the recording and processing of church offerings, including Vanco Giving, helping ensure proper handling, deposits, and financial accountability. He also manages giving envelopes and prepares year-end giving statements for church members.
In his role as Lay Representative, Glen attends the Annual Conference on behalf of Thrive Church, helping represent the congregation through voting, policy discussions, and conference matters before reporting back to the church family.
Known for his faithfulness, wisdom, and lifelong commitment to the church, Glen continues to be a tremendous blessing to the Thrive community through his servant-hearted leadership and dedication.
Christy Powell
Member of Annual Conf (MAC) / Finance
Glenn Betts
SPR Consultant (As Needed)
FAST TEAM: Thrive Church's Governing Body
The Finance, Administration, Staff-Parish and Trustees (FAST) team is the single-board governance for Thrive Church. Members are nominated and elected at our yearly church conference. Finance, Trustees and Staff-Parish serve three year terms. Click here to view the 2025 roster.
Meetings are held monthly on the fourth Tuesdays at 7pm and are open to members and friends of the church. Bring your ministry ideas here and participate in our planning.