Leadership & Staff

Zach Allen

Tech and Media Director

Being a technical director for a church has been a dream of mine. At Trinity / NE Indy I work with great volunteers to provide sound, lighting, video and media for worship services and other events.

On staff since: October 2017
Married to: Ana Allen
Previous work: Sports Associate for WIWU TV 51
Favorite verse: Psalm 51:12 (MSG)
Favorite food: I REALLY like Italian food!
Favorite vacation spot: Captiva Island, Florida
Favorite sports teams: New York Yankees and Liverpool Soccer team
Favorite activity: Playing music whether by guitar or piano

Don Cady

Business Administrator

I head-up Shared Services which provides leadership and support for all of our campuses in the areas of finance, operations, facility management, HR and child care ministry.

At Trinity since: 1964
On staff since: 2014
Married to: Sharon
Children: Same ones Sharon has
Previous work: Publisher
Favorite Food: Pizza, Lasagna, Eggplant Involtini
Favorite activity: basketball, golf, listening to blues, visiting kids in LA and Dallas
Childhood nickname: Mug

Sharon Cady

MSW/Licensed Clinical Social Worker

I’m grateful for the opportunity to extend God’s love and care to individuals and families who desire assistance with a broad range of counseling needs.

At Trinity since: 1982
At Turning Points since: 1993
Married to: Don
Children that used to live at home: Stephen (Jill), Sarah (Josh)
Favorite verse: Isaiah 43:10
Favorite restaurant: Any, especially locally owned. Want to go now!?
Favorite activity: Gardening, Goodwill, Reading, Ultra-Triathlons

Leslie Colaw

Director of UpFront Ministry and Culture Development

Job Description: Oversees the UpFront Ministry, which includes hospitality and connections, as well as staff culture.

At Trinity since: August 2011
On staff since: 2012-2015 before taking a hiatus after our beautiful daughter Cara was born, then rejoined the team in 2018.
Married to: Mike Colaw, the hunkiest pastor around
Children: Two boys and two girls: Noah, Nate, Emma, and Cara
Favorite verse: "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus Christ, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24
Favorite food: Mexican, anything chocolate
Favorite book: The Solace of Fierce Landscapes, anything by Henri Nouwen or Thomas Merton
Favorite movie: Lord of the Rings

Mike Colaw

Lead Pastor

I am the Lead Pastor at Trinity Church. I am also the primary teaching pastor on the weekends at Trinity / NE Indy and along with the Lead Team oversee the staff and serve as Chair of Trinity’s Board of Administration.

At Trinity since: 2011
Married to: Leslie
Children: Noah, Nate, Emma, Cara
Previous work: Certified personal trainer
Favorite Activity: Lifting weights, playing guitar, Sooner football
Favorite Food:  Cow
Favorite Authors: C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Timothy Keller

office@encountertrinity.com

Kelly Combs

Graphic Designer

I serve part-time as the graphic designer for Trinity. My role is to communicate our vision and promote the ministries of Trinity creatively and clearly, whether in print, screen, or other forms of media. 

At Trinity since: May 2016
On staff since: August 2016
Married to: Tyler Combs
Favorite verse: Philippians 1:6
Favorite food: Guacamole
Favorite movie: The Rear Window
Favorite sports team: Green Bay Packers
Favorite activity: Hand lettering
Childhood nickname: Seddy

Ty Combs

Family Ministry Director

As Family Ministry Director at Trinity / East Fishers, my role is to provide strategic leadership for multiplying disciples through family (children and youth) ministries. It’s an awesome opportunity to share God’s love with kids and to see them grow in their love for Jesus.

On staff since: July 2016
Married to: Kelly Combs
Previous work: Youth Pastor & Construction Laborer
Favorite verse: Acts 4:20
Favorite restaurant: State Fair Vendors!
Favorite movie: Cinderella Man
First car: 2001 Ford Ranger named “Rosie"
Childhood nickname: Tyroney Bologna

Marcus DePeal

Director of Awaken and Young Adult Pastor

Job Description: I serve as the Director of Awaken, Trinity's college and young adult ministry, giving me the joy of overseeing all of our college and young adult campus ministries. 

At Trinity Since: October 2017 (staff since March 2018)
Favorite Verse: Matthew 10:39
Favorite Food: Ribs
Favorite Book: Lord of the Rings
Favorite Movie: Harry Potter

Amy Dillow

Child Care Administrator

As Child Care Administrator I provide leadership and direction for Trinity’s two childcare operations, Trinity Child Care located on the NE Indy campus and Kids Kastle located near 116th Street and Allisonville Road.

At Trinity since: 1999
On staff since: 2011
Married to: Brian
Children: Abby, Nicole, Bethany, Blake
Previous work: VP Operations, St. Vincent Health
Favorite verse: Galatians 6:9
Favorite food: anything someone else makes and chocolate
Favorite book: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Favorite movie: Blindside and Sound of Music

Cheryl Elff

Ministry Coordinator

I serve part-time as Ministry Coordinator at Trinity / East Fishers.  In my role, I manage church office operations and assist in facilitating administrative processes for Pastor Matthew and the ministry team, with an emphasis in the area of children’s ministry. 

At Trinity since: Approx. 30 years
On staff since: Two tours; mid-90’s and again since June 2017
Married to: Ron
Children that used to live at home: Devin, Bryce
Favorite vacation spot:  Siesta Key
Favorite movie: The Shack
First car: 1968 GTO

Jorge Escalante

Hispanic Ministries Pastor

I lead the Hispanic Ministry at Trinity / NE Indy. Our goal is to be a place where all are welcome and encouraged to be involved as we create a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural congregation to serve the Hispanic/Latino community of Fishers and Indianapolis.

On staff since: November 2016
Married to: Zulema Escalante
Children: Jorge, Elizabeth, Emma
Favorite verse: Hebrews 10:22
Favorite book: "Ardiendo para Dios" by Wesley L. Duewel
Favorite movie: Hacksaw Ridge, Harry Potter  
Favorite sport: Baseball, KC Royals
Favorite activity: Watching movies with family

Matthew Hines

Next Gen Pastor

On staff since: 2016
Married to: Carin
Children at home: Ian, Silas, Jesse
Previous work: Spanish Teacher
Favorite verse: Isaiah 26:3
Favorite book: Anything by John Grisham, Dallas Willard, or a well-written biography
Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs
Childhood nickname: "Mateo"— because I grew up in Honduras

Anita Holmes

Trinity Child Care Financial Director

I am primarily responsible for the accounting functions related to Trinity Child Care and also assist with other accounting related needs for Trinity Church including processing of all payroll. . .for which everyone is grateful! 

At Trinity since: 1991
On staff since: August 2001
Married to: Phil
Children at home: Jennifer and Jeremy
Children that used to live at home: Jason and Megan
Favorite verse: Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite food: pizza
Favorite sport: gymnastics
Childhood nickname: Peanut

Cathy Howie

Campus Pastor

I am campus pastor at Trinity / Garfield Park. I love the city and believe God has given us a great opportunity to create a dynamic urban ministry for people to encounter Jesus and his life-changing grace. 

At Trinity since: 2000
On staff since: 2010
Married to: Tomas Howie
Children that used to live at home: Jon, Chris (Deanne)
Previous work: Director of Halcyon Arts, Keynote (Cru)
Favorite verse: Isaiah—the whole book!
Favorite vacation spot: my hometown—Grand Marais, MI
Favorite movie: Schindler's List
Favorite activity: reading, writing, photography, quilting

Jennifer Kitterman

Trinity Child Care Director

I am director of Trinity Child Care where we offer a safe, warm, Christian environment for toddlers through Pre-K. I love kids and for over thirty-years have enjoyed seeing hundreds develop, grow, and most importantly. . .know that Jesus loves them!

On staff since: 1984
Married to: Ladd Kitterman
Children that used to live at home: Samantha, Micah
Favorite verse: Galatians 2:20
Favorite food: All things Mexican
Favorite vacation spot: Marco Island, FL.
Favorite movie: What About Bob?
Favorite activity: Spending time with grandkids!

Josh Lavender

Worship Director

I serve as worship arts director and worship leader at the NE Indy campus. God continues to reveal His love to us in so many ways, I'm grateful that I have the privilege to lead our people in responding to His kindness.

At Trinity since: 2013
On staff since: 2015
Previous work: Music Teacher
Favorite verse: Ephesians 3:21
Favorite food: Reese’s cups
Favorite book: The Drama of Scripture
Favorite vacation spot: The Smoky Mountains
Favorite sport: Soccer!
Childhood nickname: J-Lav

Barbara Nichter

Executive Assistant

I am the Executive Assistant to Pastor Mike at Trinity /NE Indy and also assist the other Lead Team members Pastor Jon and Don Cady with administrative, communication and scheduling tasks. 

At Trinity since: 1987
On staff since: August 2011
Married to: my wonderful husband, Don
Previous work: Occupational Therapist
Favorite verse: Acts 20:24
Favorite vacation spot: Beach
Favorite sport: Bowling
Childhood nickname: Barbie

Donna Raney

Trinity Childcare Director

I am Assistant Director of Trinity Childcare where we offer a safe, warm, Christian environment for infants through kindergarten. I enjoy seeing children grow and develop through creative, hands-on learning.

On staff since: September 1990
Children that used to live at home: Chad, Lindsey
Favorite verse: Psalm 34:6
Favorite food: anything Italian
Favorite vacation spot: Beach
Favorite sport: Baseball
Favorite activity: Hiking / Walking

Andy Riemersma

Awaken College Campus Coordinator & Student Ministry Pastor

Job Description: 
I am the Awaken College Campus Coordinator, and the Awaken Ball State Campus Pastor. I help oversee the multiplication and alignment of Awaken college campuses. As a Student Ministry Pastor, I am responsible for the NEI Student Ministry at Trinity Church.

At Trinity since: October 2017 (staff since March 2018)
Previous Work: Campus Planting Director of Awaken Ministries
Favorite Verse: Romans 8:28
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Book: Jesus Is ____ by Judah Smith
Favorite Movie: Creed II

Mike Schultz

Campus and Community Connections Pastor

I am the Campus Pastor at East Fishers. My role is to fulfill the mandate & mission of Christ through serving Trinity. This happens by pastoring on site at the East Fishers location and building connections within the greater Indy community.

At Trinity since: May 1, 2019
Married to: Reva
Three Adult Children - Heather, Jason & Christy.
Favorite Activity: Anything Outdoors
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Verse: Philippians 1:3-6 

Mike Summers

Senior Adult Ministries Pastor

It’s an honor to serve senior adults at this stage of their life and to help meet their spiritual needs as their pastor. I’m encouraged by their desire to be engaged in worship through the church services we’re privileged to offer at Brookdale-Castleton, Allisonville Meadows, and Northridge retirement and assisted living facilities.

At Trinity since: Eisenhower administration
On staff since: 2001
Married to: Sara
Children that used to live at home: Michelle, Matt, and Marie
Favorite verse: Isaiah 40:31
Favorite Book: "Hear Me When I Call" by Charles Swindoll
Favorite vacation spot: New Buffalo, Michigan (I enjoy Lake Michigan)
First car: 1965 Chevrolet Corvair
Childhood name: Mikey

Elisa Teller

Assistant Worship Leader

Job Description:  I oversee worship for ages 18 - under, assist in worship planning & leading at the NEI Campus, as well as oversees stage design and social media across campuses.

At Trinity since: Started attending in the fall of 2017 

On staff since: January of 2019
Favorite verse: Isaiah 43:1-2
Favorite food: Ice cream
Favorite movie: Lord of the Rings
Favorite sport: Soccer 

Khamh Tin Uk

Mizo Ministries Pastor

I am thrilled to be in Indianapolis and to be a part of the pastoral team at Trinity / Garfield Park. Indiana is home to the largest Mizo population in the United States, with approximately 20,000 Mizo living on the south side of Indianapolis and in Greenwood. In my role, I am responsible to lead the spiritual life, growth and development of this new Mizo congregation. 

At Trinity since: October 2017
On staff since: October 2017
Married to: Ca Hlei Par
Children at home: Khamh Bawi Thang, Khamh Bawi Thawng, Khamh Jeremy
Previous work: Evangelist in Myanmar and Malaysia
Favorite verse: 1 John 4:19
Favorite food: Chicken Fried Rice
Favorite sport: Table tennis, volleyball
Favorite activity: Travel, visiting interesting places