West Independence United Methodist Church
Staff & Leaders

  • Justin Gill

    Justin Gill
    Director of Youth Ministry

    Director of Youth Ministries Justin GillJustin joined the West Independence UMC team when he became our Director of Youth Ministries (July of 2012) and is joined by his wife, Dana. He studied and graduated from Spring Arbor University out of Michigan, getting his Bachelor's Degree in Youth Ministry. Justin has a strong passion for not only leading today's youth to Christ, but also helping nurture those relationships as the youth continue their spiritual walk through today's culture. One thing he enjoys about youth ministry is relating Scripture to the everyday life of today's youth, in a way that inspires them to live their faith out loud. Justin is inspired by the reminder of God's presence and His encouragement that comes from Joshua 1:9, which says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." In his daily life, Justin has a passion for living out a lifestyle in which God has called him to: Continuously growing in faith, spreading God's love to all people, and being a positive example for the youth of our church.

  • Michele Clark

    Michele Clark
    Children's Ministry Coordinator

    Michele Clark has attended West Independence UMC her entire life, but became our Children's Ministry Coordinator in December of 2009. Michele knows that God has planMichele Clark for her. She makes it her mission to let each one of the kids that comes through our door know that God has a plan for each one of them, as well. If we stay on the that God has for us, things are much easier. When we stray we make it a bit more difficult for ourselves to get back on His path so that we can receive God's best for our lives. That's probably why Michele's favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know that plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Michele's favorite part of teaching children is when they are able to bring part of a previous lesson and apply it to a lesson that they are learning at the moment. She enjoys watching them marvel at why Christ died on the cross for our sins and then explaining that it is because He loves us more than we could ever understand.

  • Conni Little

    Conni Little
    Church Secretary

    Conni Little has held her part time position as the WIUMC Church secretary since 2010. She is also First Communications Group's Vice President, Senior Account Executive, and office manager since October 1984. She was director of the Lorain County Arts Council before joining First Group. She was a community arts consultant for the Ohio Arts Council, a founder of the Ohio Citizens Committee for the Arts, a founder and the first president of the Alliance of Ohio Community Arts Agencies, and secretary of the Cleveland Area Public Relations Society of America Chapter. She has an extensive background in public relations including association and special events management, fund-raising, and broadcasting. She earned her PRSA accreditation in 1990.

  • Steven Fisher

    Steven Fisher
    Senior Pastor

    Rev. Steve Fisher became our Senior Pastor July 1, 2011. Pastor Steve received his undergraduate degree from Tiffin University, Tiffin OH and the Master’s of Divinity from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware OH. He was ordained a Deacon and probationary member of the West Ohio Conference in 1998 and ordained an Elder in full connection in 2000. Pastor Steve has served as Pastor of Waldo UMC, Waldo Ohio (1994-2001) and four assignments as an Air Force Chaplain (2001-2011). He believes his ministry call is to support and encourage people in the journey of life, through the Grace and Love of God, as witnessed in Jesus Christ. His life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Pastor Steve and his wife of 30 years, Sharon, have four grown children and five grandchildren. They are both graduates of Findlay High School and have returned home after living in Florida, the Philippines, Ohio, Wyoming, England, Texas and Alaska during Pastor Steve’s enlisted and commissioned service with the US Air Force. In their spare time they enjoy the outdoors, traveling, hiking, fishing, camping and Ohio State Football.