Leading with Jesus as our Perfect Shepherd.
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.
Lightpoint Staff
Chad Ricks
Lead Pastor
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.
Aaron and liz lanier
Family Pastor
aaron@lightpoint.church
Aaron and Liz Lanier have happily served the Family Ministry of Lightpoint Church since Fall 2021. They have three children, Reece, Mollie and Titus. Aaron graduated with a Master of Divinity and Youth Ministry degree. Aaron loves connecting with kids through personality, fun, and teaching God's Word. Liz has a degree in Elementary Education and enjoys leading homeschool activities with other families in the area. As a family they enjoy hiking, visiting local coffee shops, and exploring Cincinnati. Aaron and Liz strive to embrace their community and church families with love and truth. They consider it an honor to serve the kids and families of Lightpoint Church.
paula Young
Administration
paulayoung@lightpoint.church
513-491-4738
Born and raised in Indiana, Paula moved to the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati area in 2009. She has several years of church management experience and is passionate about serving God in that capacity. Other devotions include being a part of the Rick’s life group, hospitality and weekly Bible study within the Lightpoint Women's Ministry, refinishing and restoring furniture, and birdwatching.
She and her husband JC share 7 children and 10 grandchildren. This Quiverfull brings them deep joy and keeps them very busy!
Alex Macphail-fausey
Worship Leader
amacphailfausey@gmail.com
Alex and Sarah started attending Lightpoint after moving to Cincinnati in 2022 and joined the worship team at the end of 2023. Alex accepted the role of worship pastor at the beginning of 2024 and started overseeing all production in 2025. While continually striving to lead congregational worship in a way that pleases the Lord and blesses the church, they are committed to fostering community among their teams and creating a space that welcomes anyone to use their talents to serve Lightpoint.
Alex and Sarah live in Milford with their 3 children: Jo, Miles, and Theo. They are excited to welcome their fourth in July 2025.
Lightpoint Elders
chad ricks
Elder
chad@lightpoint.church
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.