Joel Miller | Pastor
I have been pastoring Columbus Mennonite Church since 2013. My wife Abbie and I have three school age daughters who keep us on our feet, and backyard chickens who miraculously turn compost into tasty eggs. As a pastor I have the honor of walking with people through the sacred events of life, and challenging us to recognize all of life as sacred. I’m grateful for all the ways this congregation lives out its calling to be a community of grace and peace.
I grew up on a farm in Bellefontaine, Ohio but have lived my adult life in urban areas. Before moving to Columbus I pastored for seven years in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a graduate of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. I have also lived for briefer stints in St. Louis; Philadelphia; Cairo, Egypt; and Atlanta. All these places and the life they hold have shaped me. I enjoy running, home improvement projects – of which there are many to do, and being amazed at trees.
We would love to have you get to know our congregation.
Mark Rupp | Pastor of Christian Formation
I joined the staff in 2014. A large part of my role at CMC includes working with Christian Education and Small Group ministries, and I am honored to be able to walk with people and help them grow deeper in their understanding and practices of faith.
I am a graduate of The Methodist Theological School in Ohio where I earned a Masters of Divinity with a specialization in Feminist and Womanist Studies. I previously graduated from Bluffton University with a degree in music with a concentration in ministry. Before beginning seminary, I also spent 3 years with Mennonite Voluntary Service volunteering full-time with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hutchinson, Kansas. When I am not working, I like to spend my time reading, staying physically active through running, swimming, and yoga, and sitting on my porch with a crossword puzzle. There are few things I enjoy more than good conversation over a cup of tea, so feel free to contact me if you have questions or would just like to talk about life.
Gwen Reiser | Church Administrator
I began working at Columbus Mennonite in 2006, serving in various positions in the office. I enjoy my job and am grateful to be a part of a great team and a wonderful congregation.
I am a graduate of Goshen College and spent my early career in medical labs as a technician. My husband, Peter, and I are the parents of 3 adult children- Hannah, Jacob, and Nathan and in-laws to Hannah’s husband, David and Nathan’s wife, Janny. We also are grandparents of two adorable little ones.
During my free time, I enjoy baking, gardening, and googling.
You can contact our church staff by using the email or phone number listed at the bottom of this page. Please call or write if you have additional questions about our congregation.
Miriam Halterman | Administrative Assistant
Columbus Mennonite Church (CMC), formerly Neil Avenue Mennonite Church, quickly became my home church while attending Ohio State University in 1987. I previously had attended Goshen College, 1981.
I have enjoyed raising my two children, Logan & Emma, in this beautiful city and wonderful congregation.
I have variety in my work life as I work two days at CMC and three days with OhioHealth hospice. At CMC, I administer the Keeping CMC Safe (KCMCS) program, support our awesome church administrator as well as Christian Ed and Worship commissions. At OhioHealth hospice, I work in the intake department.
For hobbies, I continue to enjoy gardening, walking with friends, and always up for some good fun with others. I am so blessed working here.