2022 - Evangelists
Steve Schellin
Steve graduated from Ohio Christian University and entered the world of politics, working for an Ohio congressman. Eventually he returned to his call to ministry and has served over 35 years as a college administrator, youth pastor and administrative pastor as well as other leadership positions with national and international ministry organizations.
Steve and his wife, Stephanie sensed God calling them to something new. With nine other couples, the decision was made to start Southland and what we see today is the result of that calling. In addition, Steve travels the globe providing training to Christian leaders throughout Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Steve enjoys hobbies like golf (really bad at it), basketball (loves to set a good pick) and reading (not sure if this is a hobby or work). Of course, his greatest love is his amazing family. Steve and Stephanie have been married for 35 years and have two children. Meredith lives in Washington D.C. and Landon lives in Lancaster, Ohio. Both are gainfully employed (phew!) and heavily involved in ministry in their local churches.
Most of all, Steve is very passionate about knowing and serving Jesus. He always says, "If I could say only one thing to the world, it would be 'Meeting Jesus is the best thing that will ever happen to you.'"
Steve graduated from Ohio Christian University and entered the world of politics, working for an Ohio congressman. Eventually he returned to his call to ministry and has served over 35 years as a college administrator, youth pastor and administrative pastor as well as other leadership positions with national and international ministry organizations.
Steve and his wife, Stephanie sensed God calling them to something new. With nine other couples, the decision was made to start Southland and what we see today is the result of that calling. In addition, Steve travels the globe providing training to Christian leaders throughout Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Steve enjoys hobbies like golf (really bad at it), basketball (loves to set a good pick) and reading (not sure if this is a hobby or work). Of course, his greatest love is his amazing family. Steve and Stephanie have been married for 35 years and have two children. Meredith lives in Washington D.C. and Landon lives in Lancaster, Ohio. Both are gainfully employed (phew!) and heavily involved in ministry in their local churches.
Most of all, Steve is very passionate about knowing and serving Jesus. He always says, "If I could say only one thing to the world, it would be 'Meeting Jesus is the best thing that will ever happen to you.'"
Bert Jones
Bert Jones serves as the Director of Leadership & Church Relations for the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) in Bristol, TN. In this role, Bert oversees the Center for Wellbeing and church ministries. Bert also serves as the Chaplain of the CMDA.
Since 1988 Bert has led multiple teams across the street and around the world. Bert has traveled on 5 different Continents and to over 33 different Countries to teach and preach the Gospel. He has engaged in Leadership development nationally and internationally throughout his ministry.
Bert co authored the book “Servant Leadership Proverbs” in 2017, with Dr. David Stevens, published by the CMDA. Prior to this project, Dr. Stevens and Bert coauthored the book “Leadership Proverbs” published by the CMDA as well. Bert is also the author of “Practical Youth Ministry” published by Bristol books.
Bert holds his ordination through the Missionary Church USA. The Missionary Church is an evangelical denomination committed to Church planting and world missions. Bert is under special appointment from the Missionary Church to CMDA.
Prior to rejoining the staff of CMDA, Bert served as the Senior Pastor of Woodburn Missionary Church (from 2014-2021) and as the President & CEO of GO InterNational. Bert previously served on the CMDA staff as Chaplain and Director of Leadership & Church Ministries. In 1998 Bert planted Harvest Community Church in Kittanning, PA and served as its Lead Pastor. Bert has served both in the local church and in Para church organizations throughout his ministry.
His father and grandfather were both involved in full-time ministry and evangelism. Bert grew up traveling with his family in music and evangelistic ministries. Bert was active in their family radio ministry that was on the air for over 50 years on more than 50 different radio stations around the country (a ministry that his grandparents started). His grandmother was the author of the Hymn “In Times Like These.”
Bert graduated from Asbury University in 1989 with a degree in Bible and completed 2 years of Seminary at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Bert and his wife Cheryl have been married since 1989 and have three children: Joshua, Allyson and Aaron. His wife Cheryl is a teacher and is very active in their ministry.
Bert Jones serves as the Director of Leadership & Church Relations for the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) in Bristol, TN. In this role, Bert oversees the Center for Wellbeing and church ministries. Bert also serves as the Chaplain of the CMDA.
Since 1988 Bert has led multiple teams across the street and around the world. Bert has traveled on 5 different Continents and to over 33 different Countries to teach and preach the Gospel. He has engaged in Leadership development nationally and internationally throughout his ministry.
Bert co authored the book “Servant Leadership Proverbs” in 2017, with Dr. David Stevens, published by the CMDA. Prior to this project, Dr. Stevens and Bert coauthored the book “Leadership Proverbs” published by the CMDA as well. Bert is also the author of “Practical Youth Ministry” published by Bristol books.
Bert holds his ordination through the Missionary Church USA. The Missionary Church is an evangelical denomination committed to Church planting and world missions. Bert is under special appointment from the Missionary Church to CMDA.
Prior to rejoining the staff of CMDA, Bert served as the Senior Pastor of Woodburn Missionary Church (from 2014-2021) and as the President & CEO of GO InterNational. Bert previously served on the CMDA staff as Chaplain and Director of Leadership & Church Ministries. In 1998 Bert planted Harvest Community Church in Kittanning, PA and served as its Lead Pastor. Bert has served both in the local church and in Para church organizations throughout his ministry.
His father and grandfather were both involved in full-time ministry and evangelism. Bert grew up traveling with his family in music and evangelistic ministries. Bert was active in their family radio ministry that was on the air for over 50 years on more than 50 different radio stations around the country (a ministry that his grandparents started). His grandmother was the author of the Hymn “In Times Like These.”
Bert graduated from Asbury University in 1989 with a degree in Bible and completed 2 years of Seminary at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Bert and his wife Cheryl have been married since 1989 and have three children: Joshua, Allyson and Aaron. His wife Cheryl is a teacher and is very active in their ministry.
Bible Teacher
Dr. Joseph Dongell
- Dr. Joseph R. Dongell joined the faculty at Asbury Theological Seminary in 1989. He now serves as professor of Biblical Studies, with primary responsibility in the Inductive Bible Studies Department.
- He received a B.A. from Central Wesleyan College, 1978; a M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary, 1981; a M.A. from the University of Kentucky, 1986; and a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary, 1991.
- Prior to joining the faculty, he served as an instructor in various languages (Greek, Hebrew and Latin) at Asbury Seminary (1981-1983), Asbury College (1985-1986) and Union Theological Seminary (1987). His doctoral dissertation focused on the literary structure of Luke’s Gospel, a particular interest that has more recently extended into the Gospels of Mark and John. Dr. Dongell is the author of a commentary on the Gospel of John (Wesley Press).
- As an ordained elder in the Wesleyan Church, Dr. Dongell has maintained an active ministry in that denomination as an associate pastor, a regular adult Sunday school teacher; a one-time director and frequent advisor of the Wesleyan Seminary Foundation on Asbury Seminary’s campus; an instructor in regional Wesleyan ministerial training; and a representative to the annual Graduate Student Theological Seminary.
Song Evangelist
Ron Brendel - "Singer Guy"
Ron a returning Song Leader at Camp Sychar.
He's a fun-loving fellow! He’s been “doing music” since high school, when he sang in choirs and ensembles, and sang Charlie Dalrymple in “Brigadoon.” He went to college and kept singing…choirs, solos, festivals…then on to graduate school, and community and professional singing in opera, operetta (his first role!), oratorio, concerts, and recitals. He also has done significant work in choral conducting, coaching, church music seminars, and academic presentations internationally.
Ron is married to soprano Chery Brendel, and is dad to Anna Marie, a theatre girl. Along with singing, his responsibilities teaching, directing musical theatre, and directing the graduate programs in music at Lee University, he is the minister of music at Michigan Avenue Baptist Church.
Ron a returning Song Leader at Camp Sychar.
He's a fun-loving fellow! He’s been “doing music” since high school, when he sang in choirs and ensembles, and sang Charlie Dalrymple in “Brigadoon.” He went to college and kept singing…choirs, solos, festivals…then on to graduate school, and community and professional singing in opera, operetta (his first role!), oratorio, concerts, and recitals. He also has done significant work in choral conducting, coaching, church music seminars, and academic presentations internationally.
Ron is married to soprano Chery Brendel, and is dad to Anna Marie, a theatre girl. Along with singing, his responsibilities teaching, directing musical theatre, and directing the graduate programs in music at Lee University, he is the minister of music at Michigan Avenue Baptist Church.
Children's Evangelist
Charissa Buchanan
Bio Soon To Come
Bio Soon To Come
Children Crafts and Leadership Team
Tim and Laura McCoy have previously served as our Children’s Evangelist, from 2004-2014, and returned to lead the team. They are excited to be back this year to serve your family! Laura is currently the Minister of Children at Reynoldsburg UMC and Tim is on staff in the Episcopal office for the West Ohio Conference of the UMC, as the Episcopal Office Coordinator and the Event Producer for Annual Conference. Tim and Laura both have extensive experience serving, as both staff and volunteers, with children and youth at Stonybrook UMC and Reynoldsburg UMC. Laura has grown up at Camp Sychar and attended most of her life…and Tim has attended, off and on, for most of their married life (going on 31 years), before becoming the Children’s Evangelists full time. They are excited to be a part of the legacy that Camp Sychar instills in the next generation. Tim and Laura live in Reynoldsburg, Ohio with their 2 children: Ryan (23 and a Culinary student at Columbus State Community College) and Owen (17 and a junior at Reynoldsburg High School)
Craft Team: Angie Hogan and Carrie Smith
Craft Team: Angie Hogan and Carrie Smith
Tiny Tots' Evangelists (Pre K)
Carmalita Tyler and Nicola Clark will be partnering together to lead our Preschool Ministry this year
CARMALITA TYLER -
Carmalita is looking forward to returning to Sychar for her 6th year of teaching with the Tiny Tots. This year, she is excited to share the Good News of Jesus with the little ones - supporting, guiding, and encouraging them to receive His promises for them and to go on and share them with the world. With a Master’s degree in Elementary Education- Carmalita taught for 4 years but is currently working as a Stay-at -home Mom. In less than a year’s time, her family grew from 3 to 5 and with two new additions-she joyfully claims that while her hands are full, her heart is FULLER.
She currently lives in Suffolk, VA with her husband- Jeremy, 3 kids- Madelyn, Ralph, and Tobias, and her in-laws.
Carmalita is looking forward to returning to Sychar for her 6th year of teaching with the Tiny Tots. This year, she is excited to share the Good News of Jesus with the little ones - supporting, guiding, and encouraging them to receive His promises for them and to go on and share them with the world. With a Master’s degree in Elementary Education- Carmalita taught for 4 years but is currently working as a Stay-at -home Mom. In less than a year’s time, her family grew from 3 to 5 and with two new additions-she joyfully claims that while her hands are full, her heart is FULLER.
She currently lives in Suffolk, VA with her husband- Jeremy, 3 kids- Madelyn, Ralph, and Tobias, and her in-laws.
NICOLA CLARK -
Nicola is excited to be joining the preschool ministry team this year helping with crafts and other activities. As a stay at home mom to an energetic and curious 5 year old, she is looking forward to serving Camp Sychar and inspiring our smallest Christians about what the love of Christ means.
Nicola holds a bachelors degree in Finance from The Ohio State University and lives in Pataskala, Ohio with her husband, Drew, their son, John and their dog Lucy.
Nicola is excited to be joining the preschool ministry team this year helping with crafts and other activities. As a stay at home mom to an energetic and curious 5 year old, she is looking forward to serving Camp Sychar and inspiring our smallest Christians about what the love of Christ means.
Nicola holds a bachelors degree in Finance from The Ohio State University and lives in Pataskala, Ohio with her husband, Drew, their son, John and their dog Lucy.
Hill Service
DR. GARY COCKERILL -
Gary has a profound grasp of the scriptures spiritually, historically and linguistically.
Disciplined learnedness combined with an undying passion for Christ, a heart bursting with gratitude, yields a most unique combination of relevant wisdom, energy, enthusiasm, and cautious commitment to truth. Dr. "G" is proven most effective in this multi-generational setting.
Gary spent the 2018 off-season over-seas at a Mission work lead by his daughter and son-in-law, and in Jerusalem. We look forward to what he shares the "Basics of our Beliefs" on the Hill this year!
Gary is legit -- labelled as "The bomb dot com" by our 20 somethings. He's a sold out believer with a disciplined and exemplary adherence to well researched precepts in the Bible coupled with an uncanny heart and appreciation for the real world revelation of Christ and God's Love found within scripture and history.
Gary has a profound grasp of the scriptures spiritually, historically and linguistically.
Disciplined learnedness combined with an undying passion for Christ, a heart bursting with gratitude, yields a most unique combination of relevant wisdom, energy, enthusiasm, and cautious commitment to truth. Dr. "G" is proven most effective in this multi-generational setting.
Gary spent the 2018 off-season over-seas at a Mission work lead by his daughter and son-in-law, and in Jerusalem. We look forward to what he shares the "Basics of our Beliefs" on the Hill this year!
Gary is legit -- labelled as "The bomb dot com" by our 20 somethings. He's a sold out believer with a disciplined and exemplary adherence to well researched precepts in the Bible coupled with an uncanny heart and appreciation for the real world revelation of Christ and God's Love found within scripture and history.