Phil Edwards, Senior Pastor
I have been serving as the Senior Pastor at FCN since September 2003. I come from a strong Nazarene heritage, for which I am very grateful and blessed. Born and raised in Indiana, I received a B.A. degree in Religion from Mid-America Nazarene University in 1980. I was ordained by the Church of the Nazarene in 1983 and have pastored in Indiana, Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky. In addition to my responsibilities at FCN, I also serve on the District Board of Ministry, Advisory Board and SDMI Board. I’m also active in the community, serving as Chaplain for the Fortville Police Department and as a Board Member of the Fortville-McCordsville Chamber of Commerce.
My wife, Sara, and I have three children: Isaac, Jacob (Jenni), and Miriam (Brad), and we love being grandparents to our three beautiful grandchildren! My family and their activities are very important to me. I enjoy a variety of sports, especially basketball and following IU. I also love music and enjoy playing the trumpet, piano, and singing.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve God as His minister of the Gospel. I am interested in doing whatever possible to keep a keen edge and to stay focused on ministry and church growth. My philosophy of ministry is to reach out to make a difference through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Justin Wells, Worship Leader
Justin and his wife Angie and children, Mason & Olivia joined us on staff in June 2016.
Sara Whitaker, Minister of Visitation
I received my call to the ministry while researching law at IUPUI. God directed me to pastoral classes soon after receiving that call. After my pastoral classes were completed, I was ordained as an Elder by Dr. Jerry D. Porter, General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, at Camby, Indiana on august 1, 2005. I have been serving as the pastor of visitation at the Fortville Church of the Nazarene for 10 years.
My husband, Art Whitaker, supports my ministry and enjoys visitation via telephone and at times, he goes with me on my pastoral calls. If you would like a visit, please feel free to call at anytime.
Sara Edwards, Administrative Assistant
My husband, Phil, and I came to Fortville Church of the Nazarene in September 2003. Phil is the Senior Pastor, and I serve as the Administrative Assistant to the pastoral staff. I graduated from Mid-America Nazarene University with a degree in Elementary Education in 1979. In our first ministry position I chose to partner with Phil in ministry instead of pursuing a full time teaching career. It has been a joy to minister together.
We have three grown children: Two sons and one daughter. We have been blessed with three grandchildren, one granddog and one grandkitty.
I love to teach (especially children), read books, cook, play games, work puzzles and care for my family.
Michele Spurr, Church office Secretary
I have served as the Church Office Secretary since November 2013, but have been attending Fortville Church of the Nazarene since the year 2000. I enjoy singing in the choir and the Vocal Team here at church. I especially enjoy time spent with my Sunday School class “family.” My husband, Walter, and I have a daughter, Taylor, who along with my parents, Clyde and Kaye Hall, also attend church here at Fortville–we love worshipping with family!
before serving at Fortville, I had a part-time job as a nanny. I was also a Teacher/Asst. Athletic Director at Horizon Christian School for 11 years. My favorite classes to teach were Kindergarten and Jr. High Girls Bible.
I love getting together with my family and friends. I enjoy taking walks – that’s when I do a lot of praying and going over choir songs in my head. I also love sending cards to people. I consider it a ministry to help brighten someone’s day!