MEET THE TEAM

CHECK OUT OUR STAFF BIOS

RICK HAYS

YOUTH PASTOR

Rick joined Orchardville Church as the Youth Pastor for Modified Youth in January of 2017. He spent his early years growing up near Chicago (loves the Cubs) and moved to Southern Illinois with his family when he was in junior high. He gave his life to the Lord at a young age, but didn’t grasp the relationship Jesus wanted with him until he was out of high school. It was at this time he felt called to ministry. His passion for working with youth began when he began volunteering to help out with the youth group at his church. He volunteered as the youth pastor at a local church for eight years. During this time, he enrolled in college and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education/Special Education. He taught in the area for a few years before beginning his ministry here at Orchardville Church. 

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Rick is married to Sara, his partner in ministry, and they have two children; a son named Jaxon and a daughter named Brylin. He enjoys spending time with his family, his students, movies, reading, and coaching sports. Rick knows youth ministry is his calling and his heart is for as many students as possible to come to know Jesus as their Savior and best friend.

GEORGE THOMASON

INTERIM PASTOR

My name is George and I am the Executive Pastor. My wife’s name is Sam and we have five kids, two daughter-in-laws, and two grandkids. I am a semi-professional food critic and a great fish fryer. I also have a fear of dogs that I am slowly working to overcome with the help of God. I joined the team at Orchardville Church in 2005. It feels like a family here and I love getting to build and strengthen relationships – both with people and with God.

ERIKA YATES

OC KIDS DIRECTOR

Erika joined our team in February of 2018 alongside her husband of four years, Joshua, and their two children, Liam and Marlee. She is a graduate of Saint Louis Christian College {2016} and loves all things creative arts and animal related. She finds passion in leading kids to discover and strengthen their relationship with Christ in exciting, interactive, and new ways.

Her number one priority is to help your children experience the wonder of knowing and worshiping God. Her desire is for them to grow in knowledge by being immersed in God’s truth, find their sense of purpose through serving the Lord, and ignite the fire that burns when they extend their faith out to the world!

JUSTINE LOKER

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Justine Loker has been married to Karlyn since 1983. They have 3 children, Kris, TJ, and Amanda, two daughter-in-laws, Deanna and Ashley, and 1 son-in-law, Canyon. They also have 5 grandchildren, Graceland, Javen, Kinley, Kaelynn, and Kylar. She has been on staff at Orchardville Church since 2005. Her hobbies include camping, 4 wheeling, spending time with her family and friends, reading, singing, and many other fun things! Her passion is serving with her husband on the worship team and seeing lives being changed because of the love of Jesus.

MARK MILLER

FACILITIES MANAGER

Hi, My name is Mark Miller and I am the Facilities Manager here at Orchardville Church. My job is to maintain and make improvements to the buildings and grounds as needed. I prepare the buildings and grounds before and after services and events. I also help other staff members prepare their areas of ministry.

I married my high school sweetheart Jennifer in 1990. We have two boys and two girls and have recently begun our adventure as grandparents. We have been attending Orchardville Church since 1998 and love being apart of this church family. I have been employed here since the spring of 2016. The outdoors is where I like to spend most of my time. I enjoy working with my dad and my sons on our farm. I also enjoy riding my dual sport motorcycle and four wheeler, but spending time with my family is at the top of my priority list.

Working at Orchardville Church is something I feel God has prepared me for through previous jobs and experiences. I love the atmosphere here and am blessed to be a part of the ministry of this church. It’s exciting to see people as they grow in the Lord by reaching, teaching, and serving others.