OUR TEAM
Matt and Claudia Stephens live a truly redeemed life in Christ, each with their own stories of trials and triumphs that they are glad to share with others. Together they have raised eight children, five boys, and three girls. God has used their lived experiences to equip them to share the message of hope with others. Matt has been a corporate leader in the telecommunications industry for nearly 30 years while also serving the local church over the last 20+ years in music ministry, teaching, preaching, and discipling. Most recently Matt served as a bi-vocational Men’s pastor developing and administering curriculum to enable men to become the priests of their home and a blessing to their wives and families.
Matt trained in biblical studies at Indiana Wesleyan University and has recently enrolled in the Vineyard Institute as he leads our church in discipleship, growth, and spiritual toughness. Matt’s vision for our church is that we will be a healing hub for the mind, body, spirit, and soul. He and Claudia are excited to develop opportunities for church members and our local community to heal and experience the love of Jesus in a safe and inviting environment.
Claudia is a licensed practical nurse working on her Psychology/Social work degree. She volunteers her time as a national advocate for domestic abuse survivors and is a certified family peer support specialist. She holds a trauma-responsive care certification and volunteers as a crisis life coach. Claudia is a trained Stephen minister and the founder and President of Steps of Hope Inc. a not-for-profit ministry dedicated to serving women and children. She leads a weekly peer support group called H.O.P.E - Healing Our Past/Present Experiences. She does all of this so that others can experience the freedom that only comes from Jesus Christ.
Sandy was born in the great state of Ohio and has lived in the Columbus area all her life. Growing up Sandy’s mom made sure the family attended church, but it wasn’t until she was a senior in high school that she accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Sandy has been the secretary in this building for more than 25 years. Now as Administrative Assistant, she counts it a privilege to serve God and the Vineyard Community. Sandy is a Stephen Minister and graduated from the School of Kingdom Ministry. On a personal note, Sandy and Harry celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in June of 2023. They have two amazing adult children Missy and Ben.