_.png)
Our Pastors
Pr. Kurt Hoover
Senior Pastor
​
Pastor Kurt Hoover joined the Messiah Staff in 2010. His love for God’s word is evident in well delivered, practical and compelling sermons. You will often see Pr. Kurt’s love for God’s people expressed in his caring conversation in the church hallway, our member’s homes, or wherever he finds you at work or play in the community.
Pr. Kurt grew up in Iowa and has served churches in California, Minnesota, and his home state before landing in this corner of Illinois for the long haul. He attended Luther Seminary, after receiving his degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
​
Kurt and Molly met at EWALU Bible Camp and were married two summers later. Married 20 years in 2020, they are the proud parents of Myka and Eli. Myka is a singer, musician and drama star in the Plainfield schools and local 815. Eli is a sports enthusiast through Plainfield Rec., a budding streamer, and friend to all. Molly is an elementary teacher by training and is currently the Director for swim programs at Inwood Athletic Club. She serves on the national USMS boards and was the 2016 Masters Swim Coach of the Year.
​
​Kurt enjoys strategizing and analyzing, whether it is fantasy baseball, the stock market, or board games. He is also pretty good at keeping a smile on his face by not taking things too seriously and encouraging others to do the same.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit​
We warmly welcome you to speak with any of our Pastors.
We are here to help with your spiritual walk.
Dave Stier was our Pastor of Student Ministries before stepping into the role of Associate Pastor here at Messiah. Dave spent 15 years as a professionally trained chef but during that time he knew God created him for something bigger. In 1997, he finally heeded God’s call on his life to pursue full time ministry.
​
Dave came to us from the Detroit area of Michigan where he served as the youth pastor of North Pointe for 7 ½ years. The average time most people serve as a youth pastor is 18 months so 7 ½ years is a long time in the field. Dave says that he considers North Point just the beginning and plans on being here at Messiah until his boys graduate from high school or longer, Lord willing. It is hard to believe but he has already been here almost 20 years! We are proud to have been a part of his training and ordination in the LCMC in 2013.
Pr. Dave Stier
Associate Pastor
“Ministry is about relationships and it takes time to build those relationships, so I cherish them and strive to hold them together for a long time. Thank you for giving me the privilege to help you and your children know Christ and make Him an important part of your lives, now and in the future.” -David Stier
​
Dave came to Messiah with his lovely wife, Dana and two boys, David and Nikolai. While here at Messiah, we were all blessed with a new addition! Little Alexei.
​
Pastor Dave and Dana enjoy getting out on the open road on their motorcycle.
Our Staff
Organist
​
Rose has been sharing her gift of music with Messiah Lutheran Church since 1976, although her talent began much earlier in life. She grew up in a house where everyone played an instrument and music was always at heart. Rose started taking organ lessons at nine years old and continued through high school. Her parents owned Sochan Music Center where she passed her knowledge and passion on by teaching lessons so others could play. She graduated from Lewis University with a Bachelors Degree of Fine Arts in Music on piano and organ.
​
Rose is the proud mother of two daughters and three grandchildren. When she isn't tickling the ivories, she loves being with her family and traveling. Rose feels Martin Luther summed it up best when he said "Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world."
​
With much encouragement, Rose now has three CD's she professionally recorded. Rose's Garden of Faith, Rose Petals Of Faith, and A Christmas Rose. Her accomplishment of these three cd's can be heard worldwide as they are played everywhere. ​Rose's CD's are available for $12.00 and can be purchased at Messiah Lutheran Church or by emailing her directly at pianistrose@att.net
Rose Ann Sochan
Herb became our Sanctuary Choir Director 15 years ago and conducts the Choir during regular Sunday worship services and special events. Herb is married to Laurel and they have three children.
​
Find out more about our Sanctuary Choir here
Herb Alexander
Sanctuary Choir Director
Sherri Unyi
Sherri grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a business administration degree and a minor in Music. Sherri is very thankful for the opportunity to work as the bookkeeper for Messiah which keeps her busy during the week.
​
Sherri lives in Plainfield with her husband Bill of 24 years. They joined Messiah Lutheran in 2002 and have attended faithfully ever since. Their children Bill (Junior at Augustana College) and Sydney (10th grade at PSHS) have also participated in several of the youth programs here at Messiah. Most of their family time is spent following the kid’s and their sports activities. As a family they like to relax watch at least one movie a week and love hiking at nearby parks walking their dogs Oreo and Loki.
Bookkeeper
Lloyd Evans
Worship Coordinator
& Office Administrator
Lloyd has been in worship ministry for twenty years, serving churches in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois. He received his B.S. in General Ministry with a preaching emphasis from Kentucky Christian University in 1998, and his Master's degree from Bowling Green State University in English in 2019. He has been married to Summar for over 20 years. He is currently working on becoming a Lutheran pastor. He is excited to be a part of the staff at MLC, and feels passionately about connecting people to God using the gifts of music, art and multimedia. In his spare time, he loves writing songs, playing music, riding his bike and repairing old electronics.
Leslie McFarland
Children's Ministry Director
Leslie McFarland has a heart for God and has worked in church ministry with her parents, the late Bishop Odell McFarland, Jr. and the late Pastor Magnolia McFarland in many areas of ministry. She is the owner and Executive Director for (Grace Hope) GH Christian Academy. Leslie is from Woodridge, Illinois and has studied at Newburgh College. She has earned her BA degree majoring in Christian Education. She is currently studying for her master’s degree in organizational leadership. She is also ordained as a licensed Evangelist.
She has worked as Church Administrator, children’s director, in her community as Special Events Coordinator and Annual Gospel Fests Planner, has hosted a Christian radio show with WYCA 92.3 FM, workshop speaker, Children’s Music Director for the Luis Palau Crusade with an upward of (3000) three-thousand in attendance per venue, and Youth Pastor.
​
Her affiliations have been with the National Association of Christian Ministers, National Association of Professional Women, Madison’s Who’s Who, Black Female Preacher’s Network, the Christian Forum, and an International Christian Television Show, The Daily Gospel Network.
​
Her focus is specializing in youth and children’s ministry thus “Anchored” was born. Anchored’s platform is a virtual ministry for kids and youth of all ages. Anchored focuses on gaining tools to become grounded and when feeling overwhelmed they can be confident in knowing that having that personal relationship with Jesus will Anchor them through life’s journey.
​
Leslie believes in honoring Jesus Christ with a daily lifestyle that will allow her to provide skills to educate and empower children and youth through Bible-based and Christ-centered tools. Her desire is to educate the next generation of Christian leaders through biblical character building focusing on their physical, mental, and eternal well-being.
Vicki Dallmann
Administrative Assistant
Vicki joined the Messiah team in February 2023, bringing nearly 20 years of church administrative experience. A Chicagoland native, she lives in Plainfield with her husband, Eric, and their two “foster fail” dogs. (The term “foster fail” is a good thing! It means they ended up adopting them both, forever home!)
Eric and Vicki have four adult children and became empty nesters in 2021. They enjoy spending their free time together canoeing, kayaking, going to the archery range, and doing pretty much anything outdoors. Both are licensed Ham Radio operators, and Eric is especially gifted with Morse code and volunteers as a code instructor.
Vicki, along with her mom, Joyce, are so happy to have found their new church home here at Messiah!
PPC (Parish Planning Council) Leadership Contacts
President - Brian Wielbik
Vice President - Doug Potts
Treasurer - Ryan Southcomb
Secretary - Linda Hallberg
Christian Education - Kimber Drummond
Evangelism - Mike Brown
Lay Ministry - Tom Bond
Properties - Chuck Puckett and Ryan Kittler
Safety & Security - Paul Allen
Stewardship - Pat Burke
Youth - Kristi Boe