 Randall Updegraff Spleth
Senior Minister
I have the privilege to lead Geist Christian Church, a growing, dynamic community of faith. I am passionate about caring for people, nurturing children and youth and reaching out to bring people closer to Christ. These passions were nurtured in my childhood homes in Tulsa and Dallas. I graduated from Texas Christian University and the School of Theology at Claremont, California. While in California, I met and married my wife, Ann. I have served congregations in Texas and California.
I moved to Indianapolis in 1985 from the Los Angeles area to become the founding pastor of Geist Christian Church. Ann and I have two children, Andrew and Claire. I am an avid reader and enjoy baseball, traveling and family time, especially time spent watching my kids play sports.
I look forward to learning more about you and how Geist Christian Church can become a part of your life.
 Ryan Hazen
Senior Associate Minister
I am delighted to be back at Geist Christian Church, since 2006, after having served as a student associate in my seminary days in the late 1980’s.
My primary responsibilities include, building development oversight, worship leadership, and special events and projects. It gives me energy in my ministry to be a part of a church that is always looking forward, looking for new ways to serve a growing community of faith.
I am most proud of the ways in which the congregation cares for and supports one another in times of need. I am married to Ruth Weaver and we have two boys, Will and Matt.
 Courtney Richards
Minister for Congregational Growth
Thanks to deeply faithful parents and a wonderful family of faith at First Christian Church, El Paso, TX, realizing a call to full-time professional ministry was a process of discovery more than a lightning-bolt moment. After an undergraduate degree and seminary education, I was invited to join the staff of Geist Christian Church in September 1996.
Encouraging church growth through membership, education,and mission and service. . . plus working with deacons and elders, and sharing pastoral care and worship responsibilities. . . Geist Christian Church is a dynamic church to serve, a passionate community that welcomes and cares for others in the name of Christ. I remain grateful for colleagues who challenge me to serve God and God's people with joy, through the gifts we are given and the gifts we share. .
Associate Minister for Small Groups
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 I was delighted to join the ministerial staff at Geist Christian
Church on May 1, 2011 in a half-time position. My primary areas of
responsibility include small groups, assimilation and spiritual
formation. I enjoy assisting persons in their faith journey and
connecting them through small groups to the larger faith community. It is
my great please to be working in this vibrant, growing congregation.
I have served on the staff of the Christian Church in Indiana
since May 1999 and continue this work on a half-time basis. I have also
served as a congregational pastor at First Christian Church, Chico, CA as well
as ministerial positions at Southside Christian Church, Kokomo, IN and
Southport Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN.
I am a graduate of the University of Indianapolis and Christian
Theological Seminary. My husband, Bill, is a math teacher at Hamilton
Southeastern High School and we have two adult sons, Ryan and Zach.
Minister for Youth and Young Adults
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 My family and I are so excited to begin a new chapter with
the community at Geist Christian Church. My philosophy of ministry is one
of Paul’s attitude for the church in Thessalonica. “We loved you so much
that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our
lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thes. 1:8). I
cannot wait to not only share the love of God with everyone, but to share my
life.
I
was born in Gary, IN and moved to West Lafayette when I was in 8th
grade. I graduated from Lafayette Harrison High School in 1998. I
attended the University of Indianapolis and earned a Bachelor’s degree in
Criminal Justice and Spanish. Later, I attended Cincinnati Christian
University and received an Master’s of Arts and Divinity. Words cannot be
written or expressed on this website to how enthusiastic and eager I am to
start at Geist. I am currently transitioning to Geist from Clayton
Christian Church where I have been an Associate/Student Pastor for the past 5
years. This is going to be an amazing ride as we journey TOGETHER
and share life with one another.
Dustin Hite
North Campus Pastor
 I am excited to be a part of the
wonderful team, both clergy and lay people, here at Geist Christian Church as
the North Campus Pastor. My wife, Allison, and I are delighted, along
with our two children, to make Geist Christian Church our church family. I have previously served
at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ (Shelbyville, IN) as Associate Minister and at
Mt. Pleasant Christian Church as both Preschool Coordinator and Home Groups
Pastor.
I graduated from Cincinnati
Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in 2006 and from Christian
Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 2010. I am currently
completing coursework and research for a Master of Theological Studies.
I look forward to serving as your North Campus Pastor, and I know that
this journey together will be a blessing to me and my family
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