URSHAN MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE
urshan ministerial alliance (UMA)
The Urshan Ministerial Alliance (UMA) is a student-led organization that partners with local churches in the Missouri District of the UPCI, as well as neighboring states, for ministry opportunities and evangelistic outreaches. The UMA enables students to put their education into practice through preaching, singing, leading worship, playing instruments, and teaching Sunday School.
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URSHAN OUTREACH DIVISION
urshan outreach division
The Urshan Outreach Division (UOD) is a student-led ministry that seeks to serve communities within the St. Louis Metro. The UOD is actively involved in local high schools, community food banks, an orphanage, a battered girls’ home, a nursing home, homeless ministries, home Bible studies, block parties, and the St. Louis Children’s Hospital
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URSHAN CHOIR
urshan CHOIR
The Urshan University Choir is a vehicle for ministry and sharing the unique spirit and heart of Urshan with surrounding churches and our community. It is an experience that is open to all Urshan students. The choir is an environment of learning and ministry growth. Students will enjoy the chance to grow musically and work collaboratively, but will also be encouraged to personally examine their own worship ministry model.
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URSHAN CHORALE
urshan CHORALE
The Urshan Chorale is a select musical group, chosen by audition, from the larger Urshan University Choir. Students who are involved in chorale are asked to not only demonstrate musical competency, but also excellence of character. The chorale travels throughout the year and also represents Urshan to church communities across the nation in an end-of-the-year tour. Chorale students enjoy opportunities to develop their leadership, minister to congregations and learn how to work with peers for a common purpose.
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URSHAN UNITED
urshan united
United is a select ensemble that represents Urshan College at churches and events across the nation. This group of talented singers and musicians are chosen from the chorale through a closed audition process.
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REQUEST AN URSHAN MINISTRY TEAM
The Johnsons
Our Senior Pastor Matthew Johnson has been involved in ministry for more than 25 years. Prior to full time ministry the Johnsons both worked in the healthcare field. Pastor Johnson is an Ordained Minister of the UPCI, received his MBA summa cum laude from William Woods University, received his specialty MBA summa cum laude in healthcare administration, and is board bertified in ambulatory surgery management.
Pastor Johnson serves on the Board of Trustees for Compassion Services International (CSI) as well as the UPCI Stewardship Advisory Council.
The Johnsons formerly served the executive team for UPCI Youth Ministries and also served as members of the Missouri Youth Ministries leadership team.
They are the proud parents of Abriah & Jace who are the joy of their lives, along with their two Goldendoodles, Opie Taylor & Ginger Lou. The Johnsons enjoy family time together kayaking, exploring the great outdoors, and also searching for new coffee shops wherever they travel.
The Venturinis
Nathan and Larkin Venturini have been married and serving in ministry together since 2018. They are looking forward to welcoming their first child in August of 2023. Outside of his involvement with The Sanctuary, Nathan is an Operations Analyst for Toyota Material Handling, and Larkin is a Speech Language Pathologist for Bartholomew County Schools. Larkin is a member of The Sanctuary Kids Ministry Team, participates in The Sanctuary Choir, and is involved with Bible Quizzing. They are glad to have made Columbus their home, and are excited about what is happening in the community and church.
Vaneesa McCreary
Vaneesa McCreary and her husband, James McCreary, married in 1998. Together they have one son, Jameson. Throughout the years Vaneesa has helped in a Private Christian middle/ high school office doing anything from state reporting to substitute teaching in various classes, as needed. In 2021, Vaneesa relocated and started working part-time in The Sanctuary daycare. Later on she was asked to fulfill the role as the new daycare director. From June 2022 to December 2022, she worked in each classroom to better understand the schedule and responsibilities as well as completed director specific job training. In December 2022, she officially became The Sanctuary Church Daycare Director.
The Gordons
Matt and Tamera Gordon have been married and have served in music ministry since 1997; as well as teaching music for many years. They have one daughter, Ava. The Gordon's have been a part of The Sanctuary since 2015.
The Ortizs
Jorge and Amy Otiz serve as our Spanish church pastors. Prior to their pastorship, they along with their 3 children, have helped in several missions works in various countries around the world.
The Vailes
Jonathan and Tori got married in 2014, have one daughter named Nora, and one dog named Gus. The Vailes have served as Children's Pastors at The Sanctuary since 2015 while also serving in many administrative capacities and other ministries. Prior to his transition to a full-time ministry position, Jonathan was a music teacher within the BCSC school corporation. Now, with his Master's degree in Business Administration, Jonathan is the Finance Coordinator and Children's Pastor. Tori is a 3rd grade teacher in the BCSC school corporation and serves part-time at The Sanctuary to support administrative needs.
The Sizemores
The Sizemores have served in youth ministry for over ten years, the past seven being the youth pastor's here at The Sanctuary. They lead our thriving youth and young adults group and are passionately serving in many other areas of the church. Mikayla earned her Bachelor's in Education from Indiana University and has been a special education teacher for nearly a decade. Austin earned his Bachelor's in Economics from Marian University where he won two national championships as a football player. They have been married for 7 years and recently had their first daughter Jade in 2021.
The McLaurines
Gwendolyn McLaurine MS, LMHCA, NCC completed her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is a licensed mental health counselor in Indiana and a licensed professional counselor in Michigan. She is the owner of Living Water Mental Health LLC where she provides office and teletherapy services and specializes in helping individuals overcome the effects of childhood trauma. She has ten-plus years of individual, family, and crisis counseling experience. Gwendolyn is eclectic in her approach to therapy and seeks to use the most effective and appropriate method to address her clients' needs.
Gwendolyn is a wife, mother of two, and lover of shopping malls. She and her husband Reggie attend The Sanctuary in Columbus, Indiana, serving on the leadership team as assistant pastors
The Mullins
Assistant Pastors at The Sanctuary; Rebekka and Matthew Mullins have been married, and served together in ministry since 2004 and have 4 beautiful children. Matthew is Vice President at a global fortune 500 company and a partner and CEO of Equipping Leaders. With 20 years of pastoral experience, he also teaches global audiences, and offers coaching in strategy, human resources management, and leader development.
