At Lightpoint, we have an Elder Team who shepherds, guides, and protects the flock and the vision of the church. Our staff team who drives the day-to-day ministry of Lightpoint.

chad ricks

Elder
chad@lightpoint.church

Chad Ricks is the founding and lead pastor of Lightpoint Church. As the lead pastor, he is dedicated to building a church that makes disciples who live and love like Jesus. Chad and his wife Julie believe in cultivating an environment that allows for people to be real and authentic with each other as they walk out their faith journey. He holds a master's degree from Liberty University and Cincinnati Christian University. Chad is a Licensed Professional Counselor, focused on helping people and couples get unstuck so that they can thrive in life. Chad and Julie are active in the community through coaching and volunteering at the local elementary school. They were married in 1999 and have three children Noelle, Chad Jr. and Josh.

Steve Lloyd

Elder
maycoba@hotmail.com

Steve was called him into ministry in 1982. While obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Cross-Cultural Ministries, he met and married Rhonda. The Lord directed them and their 3 children to a church planting ministry in Mexico, during which they had the privilege and joy to see God raise up three churches in two languages for His Glory.

In 2004, Steve was asked to teach at the NTM Missionary Training Institute, preparing Latin American believers to share God’s Word cross-culturally. During Steve’s tenure as a missionary trainer, God raised dozens of Latin American missionaries to take the Gospel to Mexico and around the world.

Steve and Rhonda worked in Mexico for 28 years. In 2016, they moved to Loveland, OH to help with family needs. Still desiring to encourage believers in the Word, they joined Lightpoint Church in 2020 and have enjoyed the fellowship and friendship of its congregation as well as Pastor Chad’s authentic love and solid Biblical teaching.

john bantjes

Elder
jhbantjes55@gmail.com

Born and raised in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, John lived in a Christian home, attended Christian schools and claimed his faith early in life. John met Marcie, a California girl, at Calvin College and they have been married for over 40 years, beginning their life together in West Michigan. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

A job change took John and Marcie to Massachusetts, where for 18 years John worked in the paper industry, served on the local school board and on church boards. February 2013 another job change brought them to Amelia, Ohio for his current job with Sun Chemical. They are very thankful that their church search led them to Lightpoint three years ago.

Additionally, John and Marcie have served on short term mission trips to Latin America and Kenya. In his spare time, John likes to take care of the yard, read, and enjoy his cabin in Newaygo, Michigan.

robert ricks, sr.

Elder
rpricks1@bellsouth.net

Robert and his wife Cathy have been married for over 50 years. They have two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren. They moved backed to Ohio in 2018 to be close to their children and grandchildren. Robert had a long career in IT and retired from International Paper in 2009.

Robert has served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and various leadership positions in the different churches they have been members of. He presently does the finances for Lightpoint.

Robert enjoys playing golf, doing yard-work and projects around their home, traveling, and watching Gunsmoke on TV.