Mark Hayward top

Even before Mark was baptized, he was determined to pursue the full time ministry so he could share with others what he had found in following Jesus. Mark was baptized in March of 1979 and an active member of the campus ministry at SMSU in Springfield, Missouri. Following a year of post-graduate studies in religion, he then completed the training program at the Crossroads School of Ministry in Gainesville, Florida. Mark fell in love during his internship at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois and married Jodi Frahm in 1986. The couple has been blessed with three amazing children, Nathan (Nate), Mallory, and Ariana. Having grown up in Kansas City, Mark often visited his family and the church and developed a vision to serve here. Moving to Kansas City in 1990 and then joining the church ministry staff in 1992, Mark was selected to lead the church in Wichita, Kansas in 1993. Mark then returned back home to Kansas City in 1996 and served as an Associate Evangelist for the next 7 years. Currently employed as an Inventory and Purchasing Manager, Mark serves voluntarily as an Elder. Mark is also the President of the church Board of Directors.

Mark has a great vision for the church to fulfill God’s call for us as disciples to take the Gospel to the world. His prayer is that every member of the church would be active in sharing their faith to experience the joy of seeing God use their time, talents and treasures to inspire others to embrace an eternal relationship with God and his Son Jesus Christ. Mark believes it is crucial to pass this ministry of reconciliation to the next generation by mentoring, educating and training our children to love God and dedicate themselves to this great commission as stated in Matthew 28:18-20.

Mark Mitchell top

Mark Mitchell started studying the Bible in his senior year of high school and was baptized six months later in July, 1975. While a freshman at Kansas State College of Pittsburg, he was asked to lead the youth ministry part-time. In June, 1976, Mark married his high school sweetheart, Kay Brazell. They moved to Williamstown, West Virginia in January, 1977 and attended Bible College. Excited to hear that a church modeled after the 1st century church was started in Mark's home town of Kansas City, Mark, Kay and their three children (Josh, John and Tracy) moved to Kansas City, Kansas in the fall of 1986. They immediately made a difference by leading the children's ministry and adding to its number! After having three more children (Natalie, Cassy and Jacob) they bought a house Kansas City, Kansas, where they still live today. Mark has been actively involved in the Kansas City church for nearly 22 years. He has lead Bible discussion and family groups. Mark has served as a sector administrator, deacon, and as Wyandotte County Sector leader. In 2005, Mark celebrated his 30th spiritual birthday and saw his youngest two children become born again disciples! Mark and Kay's oldest two sons have also married Christians (Regan and Katie).

Mark is a firm believer in ministering to others. His dedication to serving the community led to his election as a Unified Government Commissioner in 2003 and again in 2007. His dream is that every disciple would use their talent in sacrificing to give to others.

Mark wanted to remind everyone of one of his favorite verses… 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal.” (John 12:24-25 NAS) Hopefully, we are all willing to lay down our lives for others.

Mike Roberts was introduced to true Christianity through the Campus Ministry at Kansas State University in the summer of 1981 and was baptized into Christ a few weeks later. The amazing fellowship and love the disciples had for each other, left a lasting impression on Mike. While not part of the initial planting of the Kansas City church, Mike and his wife Carol, were not far behind, being some of the first visitors. Mike, a Kansas City native, was excited to see a church of disciples in his home town with the goal evangelizing the entire city. In his years of involvement, Mike has seen God use the church in amazing ways. The church has had a positive impact both locally and throughout the world. During this time, he has served the church in several capacities; including bible talk leader, deacon, family group leader, regional leader, and media ministry leader.

One of Mike's greatest joys was baptizing his two daughters, Alicia and Heather. Alicia is a college junior, and worked the summer of 2007 as a Ministry Intern for the Greater St. Louis Church. Heather is a senior in High School and participated in the church’s recent mission trip to Juarez, Mexico. Both ladies are active in their church campus and teen ministries.

Acts 2:24-47 provides us insight into the lives of the early Christians. It tells us that the early Christians were devoted to the fellowship. Mike has seen how devoted Christian fellowship has an impact on others, and brought joy in each person’s life. It is the desire of his heart to help the church continue to grow in this area of Christianity. To God’s Glory!

Charlie and Kathy Sawyer have been serving in the ministry for 15 years; Charlie as an Elder and Evangelist, and Kathy as a women's ministry leader. Both of their children are faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Their son, Ross, attends college in Kansas City, Missouri. Daughter Nikki is married and living in Indiana.

The Sawyers have served in numerous capacities and geographies through the years. They have directed or assisted in various programs including support groups for chemical recovery, substance abuse, adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and Always Daddy's Girl parental relationship dynamics. They have also been an integral part of both Heartland and Thousand Oaks youth camps. The Sawyers are passionate about following Jesus and building family and invite you to come along with us!

Malvin and his wife Kim became baptized disciples of Jesus in the fall of 1991 while living in St. Louis, Missouri. Originally from Kansas City, Malvin and Kim have also lived in Sacramento, California and Cincinnati, Ohio. They had the pleasure of many relationships and enjoyed the opportunity to serve the churches in those cities. The family then moved to Kansas City in 1998. The Warricks have three children, Malvin, Brittney, and Bethany.
Malvin (son) is in college at Baker University. Brittney is a budding journalist. Bethany is a multi-talented entertainer and competitive basketball player. The family enjoys time together vacationing, spending time with extended family, and logging fun times with sports and movies. Malvin coaches basketball, and is involved with several commuity organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, Leadership 2020, and 100 Black Men of Kansas City.

Kim is a teacher in the church preschool and is involved with the Jack and Jill organization. Malvin started a career with Hallmark Cards in 2004 after 22 years with Procter & Gamble, a move that allowed him to remain in Kansas City and serve the Lord here.

Malvin was appointed an Elder of the church in October 2005. His dream is for the Kansas City church to have maximum impact and be an inspiration to thousands of people. Malvin contributes to this in many ways, and enjoys it when he can see someone living at a high level because of their spiritual connection to God. Malvin is involved in shepherding the worship aspects of the church and enjoys his opportunities to preach, lead thoughts in communion, and sing in the gospel choir.