Ultimate responsibility for the church belongs to a team of church elders, who serve as overseers for God’s flock, under the direction of the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ (I Peter 5:2-4). 

The elders are responsible for commissioning ministries among the church, guarding the flock, overseeing the finances and exercising church discipline, where necessary. The church is also cared for by recognized deacons and small group leaders—capable men and women who lead ministries, equip lives, and serve in various ways.

Leadership Team

Dave and Sam Prince

Dave and Sam live in St. John, Indiana and have three children, Abby, Luke and Elisabeth.

Dave graduated from Wheaton College in 1990 with a degree in Biblical and Theological Studies and Communications.  After finishing a practical pastoral training course in England, he worked in the graphics and printing industry in Chicago for eight years.  He has been a member of Living Word Church since 1986.  After Dave and Sam had been serving as youth pastors in a volunteer capacity for five years, Dave was recognized as a church elder and was hired on staff as Youth and Children’s Pastor in 1998.  In 2001 he became the lead pastor and in 2014 he completed his MA in Biblical Studies from Wheaton College. 

Sam grew up in Yorkshire, England.  After she graduated from Bible College she was hired in 1992 as the church secretary and youth leader.  Sam served the church in a full-time capacity until the birth of their first child in 1996.

Their passion is to serve the local church and see God glorified in families and in the church community.

You can email Dave at dave@livingwordchurch.cc

Andy And Michelle Smith

Andy and Michelle live in Lansing, Illinois with their two children, Autumn and Malcolm. They helped to raise their spiritual son, Illya who is now 25.

Andy and Michelle have been an integral part of Living Word for over 10 years now and have helped us develop a number of new initiatives in the church including a basketball ministry and Grace & Truth racial discussion group. They served as youth pastors in the church for many years and have a huge love for young people. They are also Licensed Foster Parents in Illinois. Andy and Michelle have a heart to reach the broken and see our church become a diverse community on fire for Jesus.

You can email Andy at andy@livingwordchurch.cc or Michelle at michelle@livingwordchurch.cc 



Todd and Pam Pals

Todd and Pam live in Crete, IL and have three grown children Brittany, Brooke and Mark.

Todd serves the church as an elder and has been an integral part of Living Word Church since it's beginning in the 1970's.  Todd oversees the legal and financial affairs of the church and is active in the care of the church and in overseeing the worship teams.  He and his wife Pam are currently leading our young adult group.  Todd works for Visible Music College.

BILL AND JOYCE PRINCE

Bill and Joyce have been a part of Living Word Church for many years and they live in St. John, IN.

Bill was recognized as a church elder in March of 2005.  He and Joyce are active in pastoral care of the church and the point person for assessing local community needs with a view to develop community outreach ministries. Joyce serves as co-leader of the GEMS Girls Ministry.  Bill is a co-owner of a local business and Joyce works as a part-time teacher.

Bill and Joyce's passion is to see a unified and growing church, with each person loving and serving the Lord with all their hearts.

You can email Bill at billp@livingwordchurch.cc