After graduating from The Ohio State University with a degree in Agricultural Education and Agronomy in 1982, Pastor Keith had different plans in life. He began his professional career in the lawn care service, but soon moved into the company's marketing division. And for the next 17 years Pastor Keith worked as a manager of database and direct marketing for two major corporations. But sensing the God was calling him to full-time ministry, he left the business world to enter seminary in August of 2003. Together with his wife, Marilyn, and family, they relocated to Dallas, Texas.

     Soon after graduation from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2007, he pastored for a short time at an independent Baptist church near Paw Paw, Michigan. Then in December of 2010, he was called to Big Rock. Both Pastor Keith and Marilyn grew up on small farms. With their rural upbringings, Pastor Keith feels a special burden and calling for small rural communities. And his path of faith in Christ has led through several evangelical circles including Evangelical United Brethren, Church of Christ, Baptist and independent churches. For this reason, Pastor Keith appreciates the broad theological traditions that comprise the conservative congregational church movement. He has a passion for not only communicating God's Word, but for teaching others how to study it for themselves.

     A gifted teacher of young children, Marilyn graduated from Millerville University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She also holds a Master of Education from Elmira College in New York, and has taught in public and private schools in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

     Pastor Keith and Marilyn have been married for more than 30 years. Together they have four adult children. Each of their children has also been homeschooled by Marilyn. In their spare time, they enjoy numerous crafts and hobbies including antiques, country cooking and flower and herb gardening.

     Throughout his life Pastor Keith personally claims the hope expressed by Paul of the believers in Philippi, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Pjil 1:6 NIV). The path of life may take unexpected twists and turns, but those who know Jesus Christ can always be assured of one thing, He leads us every step of the way, and he won't give up or leave our side until he has led us safely to his Father's home. 

​

​