Staff

The Brethren Church National Office Staff team seeks to Mobilize existing congregations and Multiply new ones in keeping with the vision and values of the Brethren Church.  Additionally they coordinate strategic relationships with twelve Global Partner countries in North America, South America, Asia, and Europe.  Together, they exist to serve the mission of the church, and encourage each local congregation to be in conversation with them about how to impact their communities.

Executive Director - Ken Hunn

Ken Hunn has been serving as Executive Director since July 2003. Ken gives visionary leadership, guiding and coordinating staff in fulfilling the priorities and ministries of the Brethren Church.  In his role Ken draws upon twenty-three years as a lead pastor in two congregations, as well as his experiences in working with our Global Partners.  He is a graduate of Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, and Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio.  Ken and Nancy are the proud parents of son Andrew and wife Ashley, daughter Carol, and son Jonathan and wife Stefanie.  The Hunn's enjoy antiquing, traveling, fishing and spending time "at the lake."  Contact Ken

Administrative Assistant - Paula Strickland

Palua Strickland is the Administrative Assistant at the Brethren Church National Office.  Paula and her husband Ed have been married fifteen years.  They have three children, Zack 19, Naomi 13, and Hanna 11.  They attend Park Street Brethren Church. Paula coaches gymnastics and works with the Jr. High youth at Park Street.  She enjoys cooking in her spare time.  Contact Paula

Director of Administrative Services - Stanley Gentle

Stanley Gentle is the Director of Administrative Services.  He is responsible for maintaining the financial records of the Brethren Church National Office since 1979 after working in administration at Brethren's Home in Flora, IN, for three years.  Stan and his wife Judi will celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary this summer.  They have three married sons and five grandsons.  He is active at Park Street Brethren Church as Sunday School teacher and Deacon.  He is also active in the local Kiwanis Club where he is secretary.  Stan is a graduate of Ashland University and took graduate work at the University of Arizona.  Contact Stan

Church Planting Coordinator for MissioChurch - Bill Ludwig

Bill Ludwig is a 2006 graduate from Ashland Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity and a 2003 graduate from University of Akron where he was a double major in Psychology and Sociology.  He has worked at the National office since June 2006.  Bill is involved personally in planting churches in Northeast Ohio and providing leadership development and internship opportunities for ministry leaders in the region.  He also sits on the board of an international mission organization.  Bill has been married to his wife Jennifer for over ten years and together they are the proud parents of Noah, 9 and Emily, 7.  In his moments of freedom he enjoys backpacking.  Contact Bill

Church Health and Resource Specialist - Gary Diehl

Gary Diehl serves the Brethren Church as Church Health and Resource Specialist.  He enjoys helping pastors, leaders and churches ask and answer the right questions based on their unique circumstances and context of ministry.  A member of First Brethren of North Georgetown, he has served as a teacher, choir director, worship leader, moderator, financial secretary, deacon and leader of various other teams, task forces and boards.  Gary worked as a product manager in a business setting before joining the national office staff, and earned his B.A. in business from Malone University.  He also serves churches beyond the Brethren context as a lead consultant and coach with Living Stones Associates.  He and his wife Nancy have four children and four grandchildren.  Contact Gary

Operations Manager - Tony Van Duyne

Tony Van Duyne has worked at the National Office since 2005 and now serves as Operations Manager.  He attended Five Stones Community Church since its beginning in 2003 and serves numerous roles within the church body.  Tony and his wife Jillian have been married for 7 years and have one son.  Tony is a graduate of Ashland University (2005) with a degree in Business Administration.  Contact Tony

Communications Intern - Jason Barnhart

Jason recently served for seven and a half years as Associate Pastor at Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland, Ohio. Jason graduated from Ashland University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, Ethics and Psychology. He graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2008 with a Master of Divinity. He will be returning to graduate school next year to begin work for his PhD.
Jason brings his experience as a freelance professional writer and speaker to work with all things communication for the Brethren Church. He has contributed to several books and journals and is an invited speaker to numerous churches, camps and conferences. Jason resides in Ashland, Ohio with his wife, Allison, and their two children, Miles and Clementine.  Contact Jason