STAFF
Come Join Us
The ConneXion Church is designed to be “a place for you!”
Connecting people to God, each other, and our world
The ConneXion Church has a casual dress code and relaxed atmosphere where you will find friendly people and a relevant message for today. Weekend services last about an hour and include music and Bible-based teaching.
The early Sunday service begins at 8:45am with 10 minutes to sing requested hymns and then a 5-minute organ prelude.
The 10:30 Sunday service music is a modern blend of music led by our Praise Team with guitars and keyboard instruments.
Our Mission & Vision
The mission of The ConneXion Church is
to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ
who worship passionately,
love extravagantly,
and witness boldly.
Our church vision: We will build relationships by connecting with the people of Kokomo and beyond,
to share the truth of Jesus Christ, so that He may restore lives throughout our community.
Leadership Team
Our leadership team recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We desire to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Our passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry until we all attain maturity in the fullness of Christ.
The Connexion Church Staff
Pastor Sam Padgett
LEAD PASTOR
-
Sam Padgett is our Lead Pastor.
He is an ordained elder in the Global Methodist Church.
He has been married to Melissa…
Jenny Hancock
FAMILY MINISTRIES DIRECTOR
-
Jenny is the Family Ministries Director.
Jenny has a Master of Arts degree in Ministry: Children, Youth and Family (2016).
Her husband is Chris Hancock. Her children: Justin, Madison, Ian and Ava. Also considered to be part of the family: pets—way too many to list, but made up of horses, mini horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, dogs, chickens, rabbits, peafowl and one very spoiled cat.
Her life scripture is “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matthew 6:21).
Favorites include: Movies & books – Lord of the Rings trilogy
Food – Pasta.
Hobbies – crafting, gardening, hanging with my animals is my favorite of all.
Julie Householder
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
-
Julie is our Office Administrator. She has been married to John for over 35 years. They both grew up in Ohio and moved to Indiana in 1991. They have 3 adult children, Drew, Jared, and Lauren. Drew is married to Cheyenne, Jared is married to Lane, and Lauren is married to Payton. “All three of our children live in the Indianapolis area, so we are blessed to have them all so near.”
They have a dog named Sophie, who was rescued from a gas station dumpster.
Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11.
She loves to read Christian romance books, eat pizza, and spend time with family. She also enjoys baking.
Rebecca “becca” Short
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES
-
Rebecca Short has been the Director of Music Ministries since June 2005.
Olivet Nazarene University is where Rebecca received her B.A. in Music Education (minor: French). This included many Bible-based courses. Her M.A. work was through IUPUI for Music Technology. She has all-grade certification and achieved designation as a Highly Qualified Teacher during her 20+ years of teaching in public & private schools. She teaches piano lessons. In addition to teaching, Rebecca served as director of numerous choral and instrumental ensembles (community and faith-based), and as a judge/evaluator for musical competitions. She presented workshops on her specialty: choral choreography.
Robert Short proposed after many long conversations and knowing Rebecca for 3 weeks. They married a year later, finished college, pastored 3 different Nazarene churches, and started a family. It was a busy decade. Nathan & Ashley Short are parents to Gabriel, Jaden, Naomi, & Lily. Noah & Kristi Short are parents to Andrew, Cameron, Isaac, & Elizabeth. Grandson Andrew & Monique Short are parents to the first great-grandchild, Luna Noa Grace Short. All live in Kokomo except for Cameron.
Robert’s mother moved up from Alabama in 2019 to join the household. She has a dachshund, Cocoa, who must be reminded regularly that she is NOT top dog. Robert & Rebecca have a miniature schnauzer, Schalom, who IS top dog, but always asks first. The kids usually bring their own dogs on Christmas. It is a noisy celebration.
Romans 8:28 is one of Rebecca’s life scriptures because it has proven true over and over again in her life. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
Rebecca likes McAlister’s Sweet Tea, any style of music done well, Janette Oke novels, organizing, puzzles that require brain usage, and talking with friends. Someday, she plans to finally organize all her photos.
Rebecca believes that music communicates like nothing else can because it is so multi-faceted and reaches people at an emotional level. It is a gift from God and is in each of us for use to glorify Him and to encourage and teach one another as fellow believers. She is convinced that it is a privilege to serve in this area of ministry.
Rhoda Barkman
ORGANIST/PIANIST/CHOIR ACCOMPANIST
-
Rhoda had music lessons for approximately 8 years. She accompanied Sunday School at age 10, high school choir and County music festivals, Purdettes (while attending Purdue University), and weddings and funerals at several churches.
Dennis Barkman is her husband. Her son, Bart, is a physical therapist in Fishers; her son, Brad, is a physical therapist in Palm Harbor Florida. Her daughter, Denise, is a food scientist in Michigan. She has six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Rhoda’s life scripture is Jeremiah 29:11.
Her favorite things include teaching home economics and color/design classes, listening to music, playing games and coloring on her iPad, word seek puzzles, Hallmark movies, sewing, decorating, entertaining, playing and cooking with grandchildren.
Ginger Phillips
TREASURER
-
Ginger grew up in Peru, Indiana.
Her husband is John Phillips. They have two young children: Carter and Allison.
Ginger founded and directs Rainbow of Life Ministry to support families of miscarriage, infant loss, infertility, and adoption loss. The ministry walks with families through their grief journey and connects them with resources for healing.
Paula Shrock
DIRECTOR OF PRAYER
-
Paula Shrock serves as Prayer Ministry Director at The ConneXion Church, organizing various facets of prayer throughout the congregation. She and her husband Bruce have been married for 47 years and are very proud of their children Gayle (husband Ryan) and Trent (wife Heather), along with their six grandchildren. Paula holds a B.A in Communications from IU Kokomo and enjoys cooking, gardening, working out, mission travel and playing games with grandchildren. Her favorite Bible passage is II Corinthians 1:3-7, which says in part, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
Bruce Shrock
TECHNICAL SERVICES LEADER
-
Bruce is a retired electrical engineer. He loves to enhance worship with visual cues, lighting, great music and sound.
His wife of 48 years is Paula, the Prayer Ministries Director.
Son, Trent, and his family live near Greentown. Daughter, Gayle, and her family live in Colorado. He and Paula have six grandchildren, ages 11-17 (2023).
His life scripture is Romans 8:31b: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Favorites: “I am always seeking fruitful ways to use technology to connect to/glorify God and proclaim his Word. I also enjoy preserving history by serving at the Greentown Historical Society.”