Gary Stump - Founding & Senior Pastor
In 1989, after 17 years in the business world, Gary was called into full-time ministry. He has pastored in Indiana since 1990. Gary studied at Indiana University, Crossroads Bible College (BS Leadership & Ministry), The King’s University (Master of Theology—Messianic Jewish Studies), and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry in Messianic Jewish Studies at The King’s University.
Matthew A. Vander Wiele, Ed. D. - Associate Pastor
Matt enjoys assisting folks in understanding the Truth of God’s Word in a time where culture has a low view of God, His Word, humanity, biblical marriage and gender, sin and our need for Jesus. Matt received his Bachelor of Science in Communications from Liberty University, Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty University School of Divinity and Doctor of Education specializing in Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Jerry Ackerman - Youth & Family Ministries Pastor
Jerry brings 20+ years of experience to Onward from student ministry and motivational speaking in schools throughout the country. His desire to show how Jesus impacts student’s lives practically is a passion. He resides in McCordsville, IN with his wife, Mitzi, and five children.
Marc Aldarondo - Worship Leader
Marc has always had a love of music and the sheer power of a simple melody and thoughtful lyrics. He was gifted a guitar in 1999 and is mostly self-taught. He enjoys encouraging others to learn and share their gifts and talents. Helping lead God’s people in musical worship is such a humbling honor and joy for Marc. Since moving from Northern Indiana and settling in Fishers in 2005, he and his wife Raegan and three children have watched their family grow. Welcoming another son and daughter to the family when two of their children were married, they now have 3 beautiful grandchildren.
Jerry Ackerman, Elder & Youth & Family Ministries Pastor
Jerry brings 20+ years of experience to Onward from student ministry and motivational speaking in schools throughout the country. His desire to show how Jesus impacts student’s lives practically is a passion. He resides in McCordsville, IN with his wife, Mitzi, and five children.
Marc Aldorondo, Elder & Worship Leader
Marc has always had a love of music and the sheer power of a simple melody and thoughtful lyrics. He was gifted a guitar in 1999 and is mostly self-taught. He enjoys encouraging others to learn and share their gifts and talents. Helping lead God’s people in musical worship is such a humbling honor and joy for Marc. Since moving from Northern Indiana and settling in Fishers in 2005, he and his wife Raegan and three children have watched their family grow. Welcoming another son and daughter to the family they now have 3 beautiful grandchildren.
Chris Britt, Elder
Chris tells, “I had believed in God most of my childhood and adult life. It was in 2010 that God revealed himself to me, so that I would not only believe in Him, but come to know Him and accept Christ as my Lord. Turning toward a path of obedience has made me a completely new and improved husband and father.
I was born and raised in Central Indiana, studied Electrical Engineering at Purdue University (Go Boilers!), and I’ve spent my entire career in the telecommunications industry. I currently work for Verizon as a Radio Frequency Planner.
My wife Caleah and I have been married for over 20 years, and we have 3 beautiful daughters: Sydney, Ashtyn, and Amelia. We have lived in Fishers, IN since 2005.”
Dave Price, Elder
Dave writes, “I received Jesus Christ as my Savior in May of 1973 just weeks before graduating high school. It was later that fall, on October 6, 1973, that I married my high school sweetheart Tammy, now of over 48 years.
I began my working career in the Auto Collision Repair field in which I recently retired in May of 2021 after 48 years. I spent 20 of those years teaching the trade in a high school vocational class to juniors and seniors.
We had our first and only child, Heather, on June 16, 1978. We now have four grandchildren (two boys and two girls) ranging from 4 to 22. Tammy and I both grew up in Pendleton, Indiana and have remained here our entire married life. We met Pastor Gary over 21 years ago and have been serving alongside him and Kathy ever since.”
Jim Smeltzer, Elder
Jim shares, “I became a Christian in 1989. My wife Karen and I live in Coatesville, IN and we have two adult children and one grandchild. I’m one of the Managing Directors at Cardinal Equity Partners in Indianapolis, IN.”
Jim has a special gift for teaching children to love and serve the Lord. He has served Onward Church since the congregation was formed in 2011. Jim is an avid fisherman and has rooted for Notre Dame Football since childhood.
Gary Stump, Elder & Senior Pastor
Gary explains, “I was raised going to church but didn’t know the Lord until a fellow businessman shared the gospel with me when I was 22 years old. In a moment of surrender I placed my faith in Jesus Christ and asked Him to take control of my life. After my wife was killed by a drunk driver in 1988 the Lord called me to become a pastor. I’ve pastored in Indiana since 1990. It is my deepest desire that people would come to know my Lord! He is amazing! It is why I am a pastor.”
I’m a lifelong Hoosier and live in Fishers with my wife, Kathy. We have five children (four of whom are married) and eighteen grandchildren.
Matt Vander Wiele, Elder, Associate & Teaching Pastor
Matt says, “I prayed to ask Jesus into my life at a very young age as my mom shared the gospel with me. I was raised in a Christian home and was taught the value of living for the Lord. I attended the Word of Life Bible Institute, Schroon Lake, NY and then Liberty University where I met my wife, Abby. We live in Indianapolis and have four children. I have a strong commitment to Christ and His church, and to teaching the deep truths of the Word of God.”