Staff

  • Steve Petroelje - Specialized Transition Pastor

    Steve is currently serving as the Specialized Transition Pastor during this season of a pastoral vacancy. During this time, along with fulfilling regular  pastoral roles like preaching and leadership; Steve will conduct a church health assessment, work with leadership on any agreed upon action steps, and coach the pastoral search team. Steve received his Bachelor's degree from Hope College, Master of Divinity degree from Western Theological Seminary, and Doctorate of Ministry from Covenant Theological Seminary.

         Steve grew up in Zeeland, Michigan. He and his wife Joy have three sons and a daughter-in-law. Steve enjoys beekeeping, gardening, travelling, and woodworking,

  • Chris Bentz - Director of Assimilation

    Chris has been the Director of Assimilation at MCRC since 2022. As the self-proclaimed “Director of Fun,” she uses her amazing creativity to bring together our church family and engage our community. Chris was born and raised in Ludington and went on to receive her BA in Sociology from Olivet College. Chris has attended MCRC with her husband, Larry, for 6 years and has 4 children. If you’re looking for Chris, just take a moment and listen for the loudest person in the room - you’ve probably found her!

  • Christine Duran - Office Manager

    Christine (Chris) served as the Director of Children’s Ministries at MCRC from 2012-2025. She grew up in Mason County and has attended MCRC since she was a kid. She received an associates in Elementary Education from West Shore Community College and an associates Medical Assistant degree from Davenport. Chris and her husband, Carey, have 4 sons. Next time you see her, ask Chris about living with a clan of boys for the last 20+ years - she has some good stories!

  • Sara Ewing - Ministry & Business Manager

    Sara has served as the Ministry & Business Manager at MCRC since 2021. Sara received her BA in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University. Sara plays a crucial behind the scenes role that helps each ministry run more effectively and to their fullest potential. Some might say that she is the “real boss” of the office. Sara considers herself a Ludington native being that she has lived here since she was young. She has three children with her husband, Matt. Next time you see her, ask her about her “cantankerous” cat. (It’s okay, we have no idea what that means either.)

  • Mark Swanson - Director of Music & Technology

    Mark has served as the Director of Music & Technology at MCRC since 2020. Mark studied at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and has worked in several different capacities over the years, from leading worship at his previous church for 15+ years, to being a music performer on a cruise ship. Mark grew up on the east side of Michigan and has been married for 33 years to his wife, Kristine. They have 2 children. Mark enjoys an early cup of coffee, which is just code for being out on the golf course! (However, the man can also drink an exceptional amount of coffee.)