We've noticed a trend, among some new churches with a post-modern bent, to shy away from the concept of human leadership. While we would agree with them that Jesus is the only true head of the church, we also believe that he calls and equips certain people to exercise leadership under his authority. However, we also believe that the formation and growth of a new fellowship should be a team effort. So please allow us to introduce the team:

Ryan Wiksell, Pastor - Ryan and his wife, Christina, are the founding couple of The Core, and first heard God's call to make it all happen in April 2005. Ryan was born and raised in greater Tulsa, Oklahoma, and moved with his family to the Kansas City area at the age of 13, which is now his home away from home. In 1997 he moved to Springfield to attend Evangel University, and in 2002 graduated with a degree in Music Performance & Composition with a minor in Bible. He currently works full-time as a Graphic Designer / Gallery Director, and lives in the historic Grant Beach neighborhood. E-mail Ryan

Christina Wiksell, Front Porch Director - Christina first met Ryan in Kansas City, in June 2000. Christina was born and raised in the Kansas City area, and moved to Springfield in 1999 to attend Baptist Bible College, where she graduated in 2003 with a degree in Cross-Cultural Missions and a minor in Education. Through 2006 she worked as a ballet instructor and office aid, and subsequently gave it up to pour all her energies into The Core as Front Porch Director, and Administrative Coordinator. E-mail Christina

Michael "Mik"Mikulan, RN, BSN, Recovery and Men's Ministry Coordinator  - Mik and his wife, Robin, hail from Baltimore, Maryland, but have lived in Springfield for the past 15 years. Mik has an intriguingpast, and an incredible testimony. Among his worldwide experiences was a stint as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam in 1969, and a few months living, working, and finally accepting Christ at Francis Schaeffers's legendary L'Abri community in Switzerland. Although he is now retired after 27 years Federal Uniformed Service, Mik spent 11 years as a Medical/Surgical Charge Nurse at the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners, and now has a passion to see the hearts of former inmates, and recovering addicts transformed by Christ. Since the Front Porch's conception, Mik has poured countless hours into coordinating the remodeling project, from hole-in-the-ground, to community destination. We eagerly look forward to his new outreach role in the downtown area utilizing the Front Porch venue and The Core community. E-mail Mik

Amy Scoggins, Art Coordinator - Amy coordinates the rotating monthly art exhibits at the Front Porch. Bio coming soon... E-mail Amy

Phillip Scoggins, Socrates Cafe Moderator - Phillip leads Thursday night's Socrates Cafe. Bio coming soon... E-mail Phillip

Andrew Nash, Maintenance Coordinator - Andrew is in charge of facility upkeep and maintenance. Bio coming soon... E-mail Andrew

You Can Be a:

team member
host
barista
event leader
coordinator
mentor
helper
partner