Leadership & Staff
Daniel Athas Holly
Preacher
Daniel came onboard Living Word Fellowship as Family Pastor in 2022 after having worked an English Professor at UW for seven years, and stepped into the pastoral role in early 2023. He writes science fiction, builds furniture, 3D prints, and does just about any handyman work. Daniel lives here in Whitewater with his beloved wife, Elizabeth, and their three girls.
He and Elizabeth have been actively involved ministering to kids for many years, having served as youth pastors, Awana directors, and VBS organizers at prior churches. Daniel particularly loves Christian apologetics, which he engaged in at his years at UW-Whitewater, prior to founding Axis Academy to train up believers in defense of their faith. Daniel is a lover of antiques, folk music, and along with his wife and daughters, lives a fairly "counter-technological" lifestyle in a time of fast-paced and digital interaction.
Owen Cooper
Outreach Pastor
Since the founding of Living Word Fellowship, Owen has provided leadership for the small but growing church. With his wife, Staci, this is the third church plant they have been a part of- the first two being in Ometepec, Mexico and St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Owen loves to see people grow in their gifts and service for the Lord as they mature in their faith. He has a heart to see the people of Jesus (i.e.-the Church) grow in Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, Wisconsin, our nation, and especially out to the groups of people who have never had a chance to hear about the good news of Jesus Christ. Owen graduated from Taylor University in Upland, IN with a degree in Biblical Studies & Christian Education. Since then, he has served as a camp counselor, youth director, cross country coach, substitute teacher, school bus driver, church planter, real estate professional, young adult minister, campus minister, and local church pastor. When he's not leading at Living Word Fellowship, Owen also serves with Tentmakers Ministries in various leadership roles, often orchestrating partnerships with our local church body. Staci has the meaningful and eternally significant full-time job of raising their seven children.
Blake Scharine
Elder
Blake and his wife Kim are founding members. Kim loves monster movies – old school Frankenstein, vampires, werewolves. Blake has a long history with youth ministry, a heart for evangelism and shepherding and enjoys motorcycling with the “Banner City Bikers”
Greg Cooper
Elder
Greg Cooper and his wife Julie joined Living Word Fellowship in 2020 and have served ever since. Greg is a handyman and our resident "Apostle of Common Sense," and spends most of his time working with his hands. His wife Julie's cooking is legendary in our church, and it is often present at most of our functions and gatherings.
Don Sorenson
Elder Emeritus
Don and Mary Sorenson have been with Living Word Fellowship since its start in 2012 and he served as an Elders for ten incredible years. Though he has stepped down from active Eldership, he will continually be an Elder emeritus at our church. His wife Mary loves playing Cribbage every afternoon and Don enjoys suspense novels and most anything else on his Kindle.
Nancy Comstock
Church Treasurer
Nancy is a senior in her 70's, but has the soul of a much younger person. Her husband passed away a number of years ago, but God has been faithful in being her constant companion. She keeps active and goes on many brisk walks. Her three most favorite things to do are baking (especially cookies), scrapbooking, and being with her church family.