STAFF AND LEADERSHIP
LEAD PASTOR
Phillip and Becky McKinney
In 2011, what began as a small Bible study blossomed into Believers Christian Church, a thriving community of faith. At the heart of it all is Pastor Phil—a passionate communicator who loves Jesus and is dedicated to teaching others about Him.
With over 20 years in ministry, Pastor Phil has worn many hats— author, conference speaker, leadership coach, and entrepreneur.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry from the American
Evangelical Bible College and Seminary and has a deep passion for equipping both church leaders and marketplace professionals with wisdom and insight.
Beyond ministry, his greatest joy is his family. He's married to his childhood sweetheart, Becky, and together they've raised four incredible adult children and now adore their growing crew of grandkids—two granddaughters and one grandson.
Whether he's speaking from the pulpit, coaching leaders, or engaging in entrepreneurial ventures, Pastor Phils mission remains the same: to inspire, empower, and lead with faith and authenticity.
Bailey Horn
Associate Pastor
Bailey serves as the Associate Pastor at Believers Christian Church and is passionate about helping people grow into fully devoted followers of Jesus. Bailey earned bachelor’s degrees in Christian leadership and business finance from Bethel University (Mishawaka) before completing a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. In addition to serving at Believers, Bailey has been involved in church planting in Kenya, Tanzania, Myanmar, and Pakistan. He loves spending time with his wife (Aden) and daughter (Emery).
Anna Thurmond
Accounting Specialist
Anna came to Believers as an attender in 2021 and joined the staff in 2025. Anna was born and raised in Brighton, MI alongside her two sisters. She attended Alma College where she studied Business Administration and Mathematics as well as played on the basketball team. She met her husband, Malcolm, in 2011 while attending Alma. Anna and Malcolm have been married for 10 years and currently reside in Grand Ledge with their dog, Minnie. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature with Malcolm and Minnie. Anna enjoys using her strengths to serve others in conventional and unconventional ways. She enjoys serving the staff, leadership, and attenders here at Believers.
Steven Hunt
Director of Media
Steven Hunt is the Graphic Designer at Believers Christian Church, where he combines creativity and purpose to help share the Gospel through visual storytelling. Originally from Bay City, Michigan, and now living in Lansing, Steven holds a degree in Graphic Design and is passionate about being a digital evangelist—using art, media, and technology to reach people with the message of Christ. Outside of work, Steven enjoys playing musical instruments, reading, and experimenting with new artistic mediums to expand his creativity. An avid traveler who has explored countries around the world, he draws inspiration from different cultures and experiences, bringing a unique perspective to his work and ministry.
Sandee Engardio
Food Pantry Director
Danielle Robertson
Children's Director
Since December 2021, Danielle has had the privilege of serving as the Director of Children’s Ministry at Believers. With a deep passion for teaching children about Jesus, she is dedicated to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment where young hearts can grow in faith. Before joining the ministry team, Danielle owned and operated a preschool for 11 years and worked as a home childcare provider for 6 years. These experiences have shaped her approach to teaching, always emphasizing the importance of modeling patience, love, and kindness in all interactions. Danielle has been married to her husband, Jared, since 2000. Together, they share a love for ministry. They are also proud parents of 2 adult sons, whom they adore. Outside of ministry, Danielle loves being with her family and friends or doing anything outdoors, whether it’s kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, or simply exploring the woods and marveling at God’s creation.
Gavin Burns
Youth Ministry Resident
Gavin Burns has hailed from the great lakes state his entire life. His personal mission is to "incite godly curiosity and facilitate authentic community that prioritizes intimacy with Jesus." He is currently finishing his bachelor’s of Christian Leadership at Bethel University Online while serving the Youth at Believers.
Nancy Moore
Nancy Moore came to us from Novi (Oakland Co) in March 2017. Pastor Phil married her and her husband Ken that same month. Nancy spent most of her life in Oakland Co. In Novi she worked in the accounting department at a Food Broker. She attended Oakland Community College while working. Nancy raised her 2 sons (now 35 and 30), in Holly and changed her career to driving a school bus for Holly schools for 15 years until she retired. She found her why and/or her purpose in serving others. “It’s just in my DNA; I love being able to serve others”. Whether it’s her family, church, community or our staff, she is offering a “How can I serve you?”.
Executive Assistant
MINISTRY SUPPORT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Phillip McKinney
Founding Pastor and President
In 2011, what began as a small Bible study blossomed into Believers Christian Church, a thriving community of faith.
At the heart of it all is Pastor Phil—a passionate communicator who loves Jesus and is dedicated to teaching others about Him. With over 20 years in ministry, Pastor Phil has worn many hats-author, conference speaker, leadership coach, and entrepreneur. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry from the American Evangelical Bible College and Seminary and has a deep passion for equipping both church leaders and marketplace professionals with wisdom and insight. Beyond ministry, his greatest joy is his family. He's married to his childhood sweetheart, Becky, and together they've raised four incredible adult children and now adore their growing crew of grandkids—two granddaughters and one grandson. Whether he's speaking from the pulpit, coaching leaders, or engaging in entrepreneurial ventures, Pastor Phil's mission remains the same: to inspire, empower, and lead with faith and authenticity.
Lee Armstrong
Vice President, Board of Directors
With over 40 years of ministry experience-35 of those at Victory Life Church, a thriving multi-campus ministry-Lee Armstrong brings deep wisdom and leadership to every role he undertakes. As Vice President of our Board of Directors, Pastor Lee plays a vital role in guiding our organization with a focus on both fiscal integrity and spiritual vitality. He currently serves on the Senior Elder Team, providing oversight and support to ensure organizational health. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Pastor Lee regularly teaches as an Associate Pastor at the primary campus, where his insight and experience continue to impact lives. An accomplished author and certified John Maxwell Counselor, Pastor Lee has served as an officer on the Believers Board of Directors since 2019. Outside of ministry, he treasures time with his wife, Ginger, and their grandchildren. A passionate outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting and fishing whenever he can.
Seth Swindall
Board Member
Seth Swindall is a passionate husband, devoted father, seasoned pastor, and dynamic leader with more than 25 years of ministry experience. Since 2002, he and his wife, Kim, have built a life rooted in faith and family, raising five vibrant, intelligent daughters who keep their home full of energy and joy. Seth currently serves as the Lead Pastor of Church on the Move West in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he is known for his powerful communication, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to developing leaders. A leadership development expert, Seth equips others to grow in both character and calling. Beyond the pulpit, Seth is an avid bow hunter and a dedicated Oklahoma University football fan, embracing life with passion and purpose in every season.
Allen Piper
Board Member
Allen Piper, alongside his wife Jennifer, has devoted his life to helping vulnerable children and families heal, grow, and thrive. Their journey began in the 1980s, serving as direct care staff and house parents in residential treatment centers. Their compassionate and hands-on approach quickly distinguished them as trusted leaders in child and family care. Later, they joined a team of child-care specialists to launch a family-based treatment center in Texas—an innovative step in transforming how care was provided. In 1993, Allen and Jennifer founded Hope for Tomorrow (HFT) with a focus on stabilizing children transitioning from institutional care into family-based homes. In June 2020, they re-launched the ministry as Hope for Tomorrow Child & Family Ministries, opening the Bridge to Hope, a transitional home dedicated to creating lasting change in the lives of youth and families. By the grace of God, Allen and Jennifer continue to live out their mission: helping the orphan find a home and a future filled with hope.
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