Leadership Team
At Living Water, we understand that a healthy leadership structure is meant to support the church in achieving its God-given vision and values. The Leadership Team and Staff focus on pursuing what Jesus calls us to become and faithfully carrying that out. We are dedicated to building the Kingdom of God as the local church. Together, we will continue our relentless pursuit of New Life.
The Leadership Team meets for four hours each month to seek God, review what is happening in the church, and help set the course for the future. They do this alongside the Lead Pastor as he guides the Staff in carrying out ministry. The Leadership Team considers the big picture, poses challenging questions, and is responsible for ensuring we have the right Lead Pastor in place to lead the church forward.
Here are the nine leaders nominated by the Nominating Team to serve in this role for 2025: Todd Braher, Michael Homula, Jen Martin, Matt Near, Jared Slabach, Jack Steiner, Jana Stober, Cheryl Sumser, and Ashleigh Weis
For this team to be empowered to lead,
we need the approval of the Living Water Owners.
The Leadership Team meets for four hours each month to seek God, review what is happening in the church, and help set the course for the future. They do this alongside the Lead Pastor as he guides the Staff in carrying out ministry. The Leadership Team considers the big picture, poses challenging questions, and is responsible for ensuring we have the right Lead Pastor in place to lead the church forward.
Here are the nine leaders nominated by the Nominating Team to serve in this role for 2025: Todd Braher, Michael Homula, Jen Martin, Matt Near, Jared Slabach, Jack Steiner, Jana Stober, Cheryl Sumser, and Ashleigh Weis
For this team to be empowered to lead,
we need the approval of the Living Water Owners.
Meet the Leadership Team:
Todd Brahler
Dalton Campus
LIVING WATER INVOLVEMENT: My wife and I have been owners of Living Water for 19 years. I am currently serving in EPIC as the 8th-grade boys' small group leader.
EMPLOYMENT: I recently semi-retired from Shearer’s Foods in 2024 to spend time in ministry. In addition to being active at Living Water, I am involved in other organizations such as OHuddle, First Glance, Christian Mentorship and Discipleship, and ATS.
FAMILY: I have been married for 24 years to my wonderful wife, Megan. We are blessed to have three children Todd Jr., Grace, and Zach.
FUN & HOBBIES: I enjoy all sports – both playing and watching. I am an avid fan of THE Ohio State University.
EMPLOYMENT: I recently semi-retired from Shearer’s Foods in 2024 to spend time in ministry. In addition to being active at Living Water, I am involved in other organizations such as OHuddle, First Glance, Christian Mentorship and Discipleship, and ATS.
FAMILY: I have been married for 24 years to my wonderful wife, Megan. We are blessed to have three children Todd Jr., Grace, and Zach.
FUN & HOBBIES: I enjoy all sports – both playing and watching. I am an avid fan of THE Ohio State University.
Michael Homula
Massillon Campus
Living Water Involvement: My wife and I have been attending Living Water since January of 2022 and owners since June of that same year. Together, we serve as leaders of an amazing home growth group while I serve in Men’s Ministry, occasionally teach at Celebrate Freedom and in Sunday service, launched and lead the Pure Freedom ministry at the Massillon campus, and serve on the security team.
Employment: I founded, own, and lead an executive search firm, RPM Search Group, where I am the Managing Partner.
Family: I am blessed to love and serve my wife, Erin, seeking to reflect Christ’s love for the Church in our marriage. We have 2 adult daughters Erika and Alexa, a teenage daughter Alivia, and a 10 year old son Joshua.
Fun & Hobbies: Erin and I love to travel together (mostly to Anna Maria Island) and explore new restaurants. I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf, cooking, reading, and I am an avid student of the American Civil War—specifically the Battle of Gettysburg.
Employment: I founded, own, and lead an executive search firm, RPM Search Group, where I am the Managing Partner.
Family: I am blessed to love and serve my wife, Erin, seeking to reflect Christ’s love for the Church in our marriage. We have 2 adult daughters Erika and Alexa, a teenage daughter Alivia, and a 10 year old son Joshua.
Fun & Hobbies: Erin and I love to travel together (mostly to Anna Maria Island) and explore new restaurants. I enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf, cooking, reading, and I am an avid student of the American Civil War—specifically the Battle of Gettysburg.
Jen Martin
Dalton Campus
LIVING WATER INVOLVEMENT: My husband and I have been attending Living Water for over 20 years. I enjoy serving on the Leaderhip Team as well as the Connect Team.
EMPLOYMENT: I am employed with AultCare Insurance, where I manage the Benefit Plan and Contract Configuration department.
FAMILY: I am incredibly blessed with an amazing husband of 27 years, Tony. We have two sons, along with two beautiful ladies who have joined our family; TJ and his fiancee Missy, and Trevor with his wife Reganne. We also have two fur babies, our Shih Tzus, Groucho & Gracie.
FUN & HOBBIES: I enjoy Jeep rides with my husband, traveling, and fun adventures with our friends. I love the sunshine, the mountains, and the beach. Blue skies and beautiful landscapes make me happy!
EMPLOYMENT: I am employed with AultCare Insurance, where I manage the Benefit Plan and Contract Configuration department.
FAMILY: I am incredibly blessed with an amazing husband of 27 years, Tony. We have two sons, along with two beautiful ladies who have joined our family; TJ and his fiancee Missy, and Trevor with his wife Reganne. We also have two fur babies, our Shih Tzus, Groucho & Gracie.
FUN & HOBBIES: I enjoy Jeep rides with my husband, traveling, and fun adventures with our friends. I love the sunshine, the mountains, and the beach. Blue skies and beautiful landscapes make me happy!
Matt Near
Dalton Campus
LIVING WATER INVOLVEMENT: Kristie and I have been attending Living Water for 20 years. I currently serve on the security team.
EMPLOYMENT: I am employed by VC999, as a service technician. It is an international company that produces packaging equipment mostly utilized in the food industry as well the medical field. VC999 = Vacuum Capacity 99.9%.
FAMILY: I am married to my amazing wife Kristie for 33 years. Kristie are originally from Lansing Michigan. We have three children, Alyson (Egbert), Madison (Drew), & Liam.
FUN & HOBBIES: I enjoy hunting and shooting: from groundhogs in the summer to deer and coyotes in the winter. I find many parallels with the Christian walk to hunting.
EMPLOYMENT: I am employed by VC999, as a service technician. It is an international company that produces packaging equipment mostly utilized in the food industry as well the medical field. VC999 = Vacuum Capacity 99.9%.
FAMILY: I am married to my amazing wife Kristie for 33 years. Kristie are originally from Lansing Michigan. We have three children, Alyson (Egbert), Madison (Drew), & Liam.
FUN & HOBBIES: I enjoy hunting and shooting: from groundhogs in the summer to deer and coyotes in the winter. I find many parallels with the Christian walk to hunting.
