Sam Barber, Senior Pastor

Rev. Sam Barber, his wife, Jill, and their son, Ross, came to Shepherd in April 2007. His pastoral ministry began in 1989, and includes churches in Ohio and North Carolina.

Pastor Sam is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, with a Master of Arts, Christian Ministries & Church Leadership from Malone University. In 2000, he was awarded the Master of Theological Studies from Duke University.

Pastor Sam enjoys preaching and finding creative ways to engage the community and culture in the things of God.

Tim Swanson, Pastoral Care & Administration

Tim Swanson is the Director of Pastoral Care and Administration. Tim has a heart for missions, and is anxious to help others know Christ, and to find their place in the church. Tim and his wife, Debbie reside in Gahanna, and have two sons, Garrett and Blake.

Scott Jones, Youth Pastor

Scott Jones began at Shepherd as our full-time Youth Pastor in December 2004. As the full-time Senior High and Junior High Youth Pastor, Scott spends the week building relationships with our teens and their parents, and leading the Youth Staff in ministry to our teenagers.

Scott is also the pastor of the Gathering on Saturday evenings at Shepherd.

Scott and his wife, Tiffany, and their two sons, Kidron and Kasen, came to us from New Holland, Pennsylvania.

Julie Stevens, Children's Pastor

Rev. Julie Stevens began in full-time ministry in 1992 in inner city Nashville, TN. Julie has previously served as a Children's Pastor in Nashville, Houston, San Diego and Cincinnati.

Pastor Julie earned both her Bachelor's and Master's of Religion degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University. She has been an Adjunct Professor at Point Loma Nazarene University and is currently serving at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in that capacity.

Pastor Julie loves building relationships with families and encouraging kids to passionately engage in a growing relationship with Christ and His ministry.

Amy Fisher, Worship Leader

Amy Fisher began serving as the Worship Leader at Shepherd in October 2007. Amy is responsible for directing and coordinating the Worship Arts ministry at Shepherd. She is responsible for leading weekly worship services, service planning, rehearsals, and managing many administrative needs of the ministry. Amy also helps with the skill and spiritual development of those who serve in the Worship Arts ministry.

Amy graduated from the Ohio State University in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Amy has led worship in various venues since 1995 and has spent 5 years in the education field. She is an accomplished flutist, pianist and vocalist.   

Amy is married to her very supportive husband, Scott, and they reside in Orient, Ohio. 

Bob Stewart, Senior Adult Pastor

Bob Stewart and his wife, Dorothy, have been worshipping at Shepherd for many years, but in 1997 Bob joined the Shepherd staff as the Senior Adult Pastor. Before coming to Shepherd, Bob was in full time pastoring for 25 years, and did some evangelism work.

Bob and Dorothy lead the Tuesday Prayer & Praise Service for Senior Adults at Shepherd and around the community. Bob also assists with special services and hospital visitation. Their ministry with our senior adults and their servanthood to the entire congregation and community is extraordinary.

Gerri Nugent, School & Daycare Administrator

Gerri Nugent currently serves as the Administrator/Principal for Shepherd Christian School, our elementary school, and as Administrator for Little Lambs Children’s Center.  She joined the Shepherd staff on January 1, 2006. 

Gerri is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene.  In addition to her Bachelor of Arts in Ministry degree (Bible & Theology, Pastoral Ministries), she has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree.  Gerri and her husband, Herb, are active in a small group as well as many other areas of the church.