OUR STAFF

MEET

Christen Piatt

Lead Pastor

Pastor Christen came to D1Naz in 2019 as the Youth Pastor and became Lead Pastor at D1Naz in May 2022 and is honored to be the first female to fill this position. Christen hails from the great state of Indiana, (Go Hoosiers!) and is a 2009 graduate of Olivet Nazarene University where she majored in Pastoral Ministry. Christen is a former youth pastor and social worker, specifically working with teens, children, and adults with trauma in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. Christen is married to Jared, and together they have 3 dogs, 2 cats, and are expecting their first child. She’s also an avid sports fan (Colts, Cubs & Hoosiers), loves anything competitive, and genuinely loves spending time with people and doing ministry. Despite all this, her trek to be a Lead Pastor and GOD’s faithfulness in her life is what you’ll find unique about Christen, so be sure to ask when you meet her!

Contact at pastorchristen@d1naz.com

Ryan Roberts

Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director

and Worship Director

Ryan was once told to be the bigger man and he took it literally! Not just in his size but with his personality as well. Ryan grew up in the church, and student ministry played a huge role in his love for Christ. He feels called to student ministry to help develop students in the same way he was so that they can grow in their walk with Christ and impact the future.

Contact at ryan@d1naz.com

Darcy Morr

Office Manager

Darcy felt called to be our Office Manager in 2009, shortly after her family started attending D1Naz and they enrolled their daughter in our daycare. Her job involves event coordination, communications, and facility oversight. She describes her roll somewhere between “Air Traffic Controller” and “Staff Mom.” Darcy is eternally grateful GOD called her away from a corporate setting to serve alongside some incredible pastors and staff, feeling blessed to have had a front row seat on the life-changing power of Christ in the lives of so many who call D1Naz home. She and her husband Dave have two wonderful teenagers, Tessa and Drew, who can often be found helping out around the church.

If you have questions about an upcoming event, contact at darcy@d1naz.com

Rollan Gongwer

Minister of Pastoral Care

Rollan graduated from Indiana University in 1968 with a Dr. of Optometry degree then practiced optometry for 16 years in Cassopolis, MI. During that time, he spent eight years as Chaplain of the Cass County Jail. In 1984, he joined the Indian Health Service and spent 20 years in active duty on several Indian reservations treating the optical needs of Native Americans. In 2004 he retired to Tucson, AZ, where he and his beloved wife, Carol, attended the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene for 13 years. In 2017 they moved to Decatur to be closer to family and joined D1Naz soon after. In July 2021, he received a call to ministry by the Holy Spirit and received his local minister’s license two months later, becoming our Minister of Pastoral Care. He is incredibly humbled that God called him into ministry at this stage of life.

If you are in need of pastoral call or visit,

please contact Rollan at 217.970.0159 or

email rollang40@gmail.com

Ethan Nuefeld

Worship Assistant

Ethan is a graduate of Decatur Christian School (Go Warriors!) and is wrapping up his senior year at Millikin University, where he is majoring in English Writing. He began serving at D1Naz in 2021 as a volunteer worship leader in our Youth Department, where his joy and warmth were immediately evident. In 2024 he became our Worship Assistant under Pastor Ryan and began leading many of our adult services, while continuing to serve in Youth Ministry. Ethan loves using music to help others understand the depth of God’s love for them and the freedom and peace found in that love. He credits being raised in a loving family, growing up in the church, and being surrounded by people in ministry his whole life with the call he feels to live for Jesus in all he does.

Ashley Schroyer

Creative Kids Daycare Director

Mrs. Ashley was called to Creative Kids Daycare in November of 2014. She has served as a teacher's assistant, teacher, assistant director, and as interim director. She lives in Decatur with her husband, Chris, of 15 years, and her son Ruben. She enjoys spending time with her family and reading every chance she can get. Ashley feels blessed to be a part of such an amazing ministry like Creative Kids Daycare.

Contact at ashley@d1naz.com

Jody Vandolah

Creative Kids Daycare Director

Ms. Jody has been with Creative Kids Daycare since 2021. She has served in the classroom as a lead teacher, and is now serving in the office as an Assistant Director. She lives in Decatur, and has worked in childcare for over 20 years. She enjoys being a part of the Creative Kids Daycare team!

Contact at jody@d1naz.com