Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Shawn Smith

Lead Minister

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Shawn is an Ohio native, being born in Columbus. He spent his elementary years in Cincinnati before moving to the Southwest.

He grew up in New Mexico, but moved to Illinois for college where he graduated from Illinois State University (B.S.) and Lincoln Christian University (B.S. and MDiv.) He lived and ministered in Illinois for 23 years before returning back home to minister with us.

He married the love of his life in 2005 and together they have four children. He is a family man, but when he has a few hours to spare you will find him riding his bicycle on the Loveland Bike Trail, relaxing at the movies, or enjoying the great outdoors. He is also a die hard sports fan cheering on the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, or the Ohio State University.

Shawn's Life Verse:
"I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." - Acts 20:24

Donovan Gregory

Family Minister

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Donovan was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. Before Donovan decided to pursue ministry, he studied for two years at the University of Kentucky, which is where he met his now wife, Kaylee Gregory. They Got married in April of 2023. Donovan is the baby of 5 with 3 brothers and 1 sister. The whole family grew up in the church together and still share a lot of time together which has impacted Donovan’s faith, and call to ministry.

Donovan loves cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats but prefers to watch Soccer. He is a big FC Cincinnati fan, and often wakes up early on Saturday mornings to watch his favorite team play in England.

Donovan began his first full time ministry at his home church in Nicholasville, Kentucky where he ministered there for 2 years as the youth minister. Donovan also completed the 4C Ministry Institute the summer of 2023 with a certificate in Ministry studies. Donovan serves LCC as Family Life Minister and works with children and families from birth through high school.

Donovan's Life Verse:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." John 3:16-18

Dan Ponchot

Associate Minister

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Coming from a background in business, Dan joined our staff in 2005. However, Dan is no stranger to the church and his need for it.

He is the son of a preacher, though he refers to himself as the black sheep.

He serves in several different roles at LCC. He is a graduate of Milligan College and previously served with several other congregations in the greater Cincinnati area.

Dan married his high school sweetheart Julie and they have three children - Jacob, Nathan, and Kaitlyn.

He fancies himself a sport-minded person and has a secret (well, not really a big secret) passion for Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Dan's Life Verse:
"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:7,8

ELDERS

TEACHING • GUIDING • SERVING

Elder Areas of Purview

An elder’s purview refers to the ministries that each elder will specifically take personal responsibility to support & serve as the liaison for the entire leadership team. It is not expected or assumed that each elder has to lead or directly oversee an area of ministry. The goal is for each one to shepherd & care for the individuals who serve within their particular ministries and to be the immediate leadership contact for those same individuals.