Brandon Rickard, M.Div
Lead Pastor
Brandon’s history with Ogden Church dates back to his days as a student at Adrian College when he would attend church while at school. Following his graduation with his Bachelor’s in Religion in 2003, Brandon interned at Ogden before continuing his education by pursuing his Master’s of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL which he completed in 2007. Over his career in vocational ministry, Brandon has served as Director of Student Ministries at Willow Creek’s North Shore Campus in Chicago, and served variously as Campus Pastor and Director of Family Ministries at Orchard Hill Church in Pittsburgh. Brandon returned to Ogden Church in 2015, which in many ways felt like coming home, and in 2018 Brandon assumed the role of Lead Pastor.
Brandon and his wife Wendy have two children, Abigail and Paul, who keep them both busy and fill their lives with joy.
Brandon and his wife Wendy have two children, Abigail and Paul, who keep them both busy and fill their lives with joy.
Jack Hickly, M.Div
Associate Pastor
After growing up as a city boy in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Jack accepted the invitation to join the team at Ogden in 2016 and come out to the country, and he hasn’t looked back. Jack completed his Master’s of Divinity from Liberty University in 2017 after having completed degrees in Communication Studies from Grove City College (B.A. ’13) and Duquesne University (M.A. ’15). While pursuing his Master’s in Communication, Jack faithfully interned at Orchard Hill Church in Pittsburgh which ultimately led to him going on staff as a member of the Student Ministry Team before coming on board at Ogden in 2016 to head the Youth Ministry. In the Spring of 2022, Jack began to shift focus towards Adult Ministries as an Associate.
Ogden Church is where Jack met his wife Katie, and they have three beautiful daughters: Maezie, Merritt, and Millium.
Ogden Church is where Jack met his wife Katie, and they have three beautiful daughters: Maezie, Merritt, and Millium.
GJ Myers
Director of Worship Arts
Before GJ joined the Ogden Church team in the Summer of 2018, he already had plenty of experience with and love for Ogden Church from his time interning with Student Ministries after high school. GJ’s love for music and performance led to dynamic opportunities throughout his career. GJ’s work make him a sought after sound technician in the Nashville area, and he had the opportunity to spend several years touring with the Christian rock group Disciple, where he continued to hone his eye for sound and production. After stepping away from touring, GJ recognized God’s call on his life to minister through music. This led to his time as worship leader at a church called the Bridge in Blissfield before accepting the invitation to come onboard with Ogden.
GJ Is a proud and loving husband to his wife Jenni and equally proud and supportive father to his daughter Giuliana, and Grayson.
GJ Is a proud and loving husband to his wife Jenni and equally proud and supportive father to his daughter Giuliana, and Grayson.
Christian Aurand
Pastor of Student Ministries
Christian joined the Ogden Church team freshly upon his graduation from Adrian College in May of 2022 with a B.A. in Religious Studies and a minor in History. Christian is continuing his education virtually through Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, pursuing a Masters of Divinity. Born and raised in Troy, Michigan, Christian is an avid sports lover—having been a varsity athlete in both Football and Lacrosse during his time in college at Adrian. Christian was instrumental in the foundation and success of Young Life College on the campus of Adrian College and is excited to bring evangelistic love and discipleship oriented care to the young men and women of Ogden in this next season.
Christian and his wife Erin are recently married and so excited to be beginning their marriage in the town and community where they fell in love.
Christian and his wife Erin are recently married and so excited to be beginning their marriage in the town and community where they fell in love.
Le Ann Porter
Coordinator of Ogden Kids Preschool
Born and raised in Lenawee County, Le Ann always seems to find her way back to the home she loves. After earning her degree in Education from Spring Arbor in 2015, Le Ann has had various opportunities to pursue her passions coaching basketball at Montreat College in NC, and then working for her alma mater, Lenawee Christian School, where she gained valuable experience in the classroom, on the court, and in the advancement office. Le Ann came onboard with Ogden Church in December of 2020 and is blessed to have the opportunity to utilize a gifts for loving and investing in the youngest of lives here at Ogden.
Kaylie Simpson
Coordinator of Ogden Kids Elementary
In the Fall of 2023, Kaylie Simpson was welcomed onto the Ogden Church Staff Team. A graduate of Adrian College, Kaylie received an advanced degree in Athletic Training and captained the Dance Team during her senior year. But perhaps the most meaningful part of Kaylie's college years was hearing the good news of Jesus Christ and finding salvation through His blood at Adrian College Young Life. Kaylie is deeply passionate about being an ambassador for the Gospel wherever she is, and is excited to help kids understand the depth of God's love for them on offer through the blood of Christ.
Peggy Thompson
Office Administrator
Peggy joins our Ogden staff after retiring from Lenawee Christian Ministries. She served 37 years at Lenawee Christian Ministries, the last 22 holding the position of Human Resource Director. As she retired, she knew God still had a way for her to minister to people, which is her passion. Her family was a member of Ogden for many years from 1981 to 1999. She has been a regular attender at Ogden for the last couple of years and is excited to see how God will use her in the role of Office Manager. She was born and raised in Blissfield, Mi and she and her husband, Larry, moved to Adrian, MI in 2015. Peggy and Larry have three married children and six grandchildren, which she loves spending time with.
Interns & Associates
Chris Harper & Amanda Swaney
Ogden Kids Elementary Associates
Alexis Torres Rodriguez
High school & College Intern
Sydney Taylor & Casey Craig
Ogden Kids Preschool Associates
Drew Price
Production Intern
Lay Leadership
Ogden Church is an Elder led church in line with what we believe to be the teaching of Scripture. Elders are men selected by a nominating committee using the qualifications found in 1 Timothy and Titus, and are approved by a congregational vote.
Ogden Church Elder Board
- Tom Bossard—Chairman
- Steve McComb—Vice Chairman
- Brandon Rickard—Lead Pastor
- Dan Maloy—Treasurer
- Dave Daniels
- Roger Lovell
- Matt Miller
- Case Ryzebol
- Blaine Sanford
- David Sluss
- Tory Terrill
- Derrick Yatzek
In addition there is a Women's Leadership Council that helps in serving and supporting the ministry of the church.
Women’s Leadership Council
- Geri Benko
- Kathy Eisenmann
- Shanda Keiser
- Lisa LaRose
- Pam Neuroth
- Candy Harper
- Jennifer Yape
- Tina Zimmerman—Chair