Responsible for pastoral leadership by proclaiming the Word of God and serving on the Elder Board.

Jay Childs, Senior Pastor

Jay grew up in Southern California, and then in Northern Michigan. He is a graduate of Cornerstone University (B.A. in Comparative Religion and Philosophy), and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.Div) and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) in homiletics. Jay is married to Becky and they have three young adult children. Before coming to Midland Free in 1990, Jay and Becky pastored a church in rural Minnesota for three years and loved it.

Besides their passion for the local church, Jay and Becky love to walk, travel, rollerblade, and read. They also have a burden for encouraging workers on the mission field. They have both traveled to numerous countries to this end. Some favorite countries they’ve visited: Bosnia, India, Malaysia, Ireland, China, Egypt. Jay has taught at a seminary in Kerala, India, and helped train pastors in central Russia. He has also taught in the Perspectives Class on World Missions in several states.

Some of Jay’s favorite authors are: Michael O’Brien, John Grisham, Philip Jenkins, Louis L’Amour, C.S. Lewis, Tim Keller, John Piper, R.C. Sproul and Martyn Lloyd Jones.

Jay has published articles in the: Evangelical Missions Quarterly, Leadership, The Beacon, Preaching, Engage, and The Leading Edge.

Pastor Jay's Top 10 Reading Lists

Pastor Jay also has a blog - Pastoral Ponderings

jaychilds@mefchurch.org
Phone: 989.631.4411 Ext.1020

Responsible for leadership and oversight of the pastoral and professional staff and oversight of the administrative and business affairs of the church. Also responsible to ensure implementation of the church vision mission, strategic objectives and core values. Also serves on the Elder Board.

David J. Jebaratnam, Executive Pastor

Pastor David Jebaratnam grew up in a village in Sri Lanka. He is a graduate of the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. He is also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1986, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity in 2003, and a graduate of Northwood University where he earned an MBA in 2009. David seeks to lead people and teams through vision discovery and strategy development.

 

Before coming to Midland Free in August 2006, he served as Pastor of Missions & Outreach Team Leader at Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts. David and his wife, Gem, have two daughters.

davidjebaratnam@mefchurch.org
Phone: 989.631.4411 Ext.1019

Responsible for oversight and leadership development of musical, dramatic, and technical arts to support worship services and various special events.

Rod Lyon, Worship Arts Pastor

Rod Lyon became Worship Arts Pastor in June 2004 after serving as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church Sweetwater in Longwood, FL. He has also served churches in similar capacities in Alabama and Kentucky. Rod and his wife, Carol, have two adult daughters, one son-in-law, one granddaughter and one grandson. Rod graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master Church Music, Minor Counseling & Biblical Studies) and Jacksonville University (Bachelor of Music).

Rod has a passion to know and make known the person of Jesus Christ and to see the people of God know Christ and make Him famous. Seeing and savoring Jesus Christ is our highest aim. These things flow out of our vision to Make, Mature and Multiply disciples. It is also Pastor Rod’s desire for himself and those who minister within Worship Arts to be these things:

Passionate about the Person of Jesus Christ through a vital, faithful and authentic daily life of faith

To love each other without reserve or condition

Teachable and hungry to be taught the Scriptures

Humble in attitude toward God and others

Eager to disciple others in the work of ministry

Willing to admit weakness so that God may be glorified and His strength will be magnified

Seeking for ways to join God in His work to bring worshippers into His Kingdom

rodlyon@mefchurch.org
Phone: 989.631.4411 Ext.1021

Responsible for developing ministries and providing leadership, in order to support Midland Evangelical Free Church in its goal of shepherding the church family toward spiritual health, growth, and maturity.

Gib Giblin, Connections/Care Pastor

Gib became Connections/Care Pastor in June of 2001 after serving churches in Austin, Texas and Grandville, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Texas (BS) and Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM). Gib and his wife, Caroline, have four children.

ggiblin@mefchurch.org
Phone: 989.631.4411 Ext.1016

Responsible for oversight of ministry to children from birth through grade 5 and to their families. Primary objectives are to partner with parents to evangelize and disciple children.

Kim Goodnight, Children's Director

Kim became Children’s Director in June 2012 after serving as the Women’s Ministries Director for three years at Midland Free, in addition to serving in many other areas, including Pee Wee Church Supervisor, Mom to Mom Children’s Leader, Church Clerk, Ministry Mobilization Coordinator, Stephen Minister and the Family Ministries Team and Single Moms Class Co-leader. She has also served in Bible Study Fellowship as a Children’s Leader, Assistant Children’s Supervisor, and Discussion Leader. Kim has volunteered in several other organizations, including Royal Family Kids Child Placement Coordinator, Moms In Touch Area Coordinator, National Day of Prayer Committee, Pregnancy Resource Center and Junior Achievement.

Kim worked for The Dow Chemical Company for 15 years, and taught computer classes through Delta College Corporate Services for three years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Business Administration and is currently working toward a Master’s in Human Services with a Marriage and Family Specialization. She and her husband, Jeff, have 2 daughters.

kimgoodnight@mefchurch.org
Phone: 989.631.4411 Ext.1034

Responsible for the middle school programs and staff. The goal of middle student ministries is to build disciples in 6th through 8th grade students so they can love and serve the Lord with all of their heart, mind and strength not only during their school

Chuck Lloyd, Middle School Pastor

Chuck became Youth Pastor in October, 1995 after serving a Methodist Church in Brick, New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Missouri (BA in Math Education). Chuck and his wife, Nicole, have three children.

clloyd@mefchurch.org
Phone: 989.631.4411 Ext.1033

Responsible for Senior High programs and staff.

Jeff Andridge, High School Pastor

Jeff became High School Pastor in January, 2004 after serving at Brethren Church in Elkhart, Indiana. Pastor Jeff has been involved in youth ministry for 25 years. He graduated from Michigan State University and Wheaton Graduate School with an MA in Educational Ministry. He and his wife, Kassie, have four children.

jeffandridge@mefchurch.org
Phone: 989.631.4411 Ext.1031