Meet Our Board: Leadership at McCord Bend Baptist Church
Updated: 6 days ago
At McCord Bend Baptist Church, our leadership team plays a vital role in guiding our community and fostering spiritual growth. Each member of our board brings unique experiences, skills, and a deep commitment to our mission. In this post, we will introduce you to our board members, share their backgrounds, and highlight their contributions to our church.

The Importance of Leadership in Our Church
Effective leadership is essential for any organization, and in a church setting, it is particularly crucial. Leaders not only set the vision and direction but also inspire and motivate the congregation. At McCord Bend Baptist Church, our board members embody the values of faith, service, and community. They work tirelessly to ensure that our church remains a welcoming and nurturing environment for all.
Meet Our Board Members
1. Roger Goetz Jr
Role: Pastor
2. Maka Fua
Role: Assistant Pastor

3. Mary Dinger
Role: Treasurer

Mary Dinger, is a loving and caring wife of 59 years, a mother of five, grandma to 17, and great grandma to many. She has been an integral part of McCord Bend Baptist Church since first becoming a member in October of 1990. Her role in the Church became even more important in July of 2001 when she was voted in as Treasurer. Mary has served as the preschool teacher for many years, as well as Vacation Bible School Director, where her love for children can be seen.
4. Vanissa Merrill
Role: Secretary/ Youth Leader

Vanissa Merrill, is a wife of 14 years and mother to four boys. She attended the Church growing up and became a member in September of 1997. She has always enjoyed fellowship and meeting new people. In February of 2026 she was voted in as Secretary for the Church. Vanissa helps with the Food Pantry, is a Youth Leader, and has been in charge of snacks for VBS. She has a love for cooking, baking, music, reading, and spending time with her family.
Julie Lee
Role: Pantry Director/ Youth Leader

My name is Julie Lee, I am 48 years old, and I am from Galena, Missouri. I am a strong-hearted, caring woman who believes in the power of kindness, love, faith, and helping others. I believe that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. I have a big heart and enjoy spreading love, encouraging others, and being a blessing to those around me. I believe in treating people with respect, staying true to myself, and remembering that everyone has a story that deserves to be heard. Life isn't always easy, but I believe in staying strong, keeping my faith, and moving forward no matter what challenges come my way. I may not be perfect, but I am real, I care deeply, and I try to make a positive difference wherever I can. I believe in lifting others up instead of tearing them down, showing love instead of judgment, and being the kind of person who makes others feel welcome and valued. That's who I am — Julie Lee, 48 years young, from Galena, Missouri. A woman with a caring heart, a strong spirit, and a desire to spread love and kindness wherever life takes me.
The Role of the Board in Church Governance
The board at McCord Bend Baptist Church is responsible for overseeing the church's operations and ensuring that it aligns with our mission and values. Here are some key responsibilities of our board:
Strategic Planning: The board develops long-term goals and strategies to guide the church's growth and development.
Financial Oversight: Board members are responsible for monitoring the church's finances, ensuring that funds are used wisely and effectively.
Policy Development: The board establishes policies that govern church operations, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Community Engagement: Board members actively engage with the congregation and the community, seeking feedback and fostering relationships.
How Our Board Supports the Congregation
The board at McCord Bend Baptist Church is dedicated to supporting our congregation in various ways. Here are some examples of how they make a difference:
Organizing Events: The board helps plan and execute church events, such as , holiday celebrations, barbecues, festivals, and Vacation Bible School.
Providing Resources: Board members work to ensure that the church has the necessary resources, including educational materials and support for various ministries.
Encouraging Participation: The board actively encourages congregation members to get involved in church activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
The Future of Leadership at McCord Bend Baptist Church
As we look to the future, our board is committed to continuing its mission of serving the congregation and the community. Here are some goals we aim to achieve:
Expanding Outreach Programs: We plan to develop new outreach initiatives that address the evolving needs of our community.
Enhancing Youth Engagement: Our board is focused on creating more opportunities for youth involvement in church activities and leadership roles.
Strengthening Community Partnerships: We aim to build stronger relationships with local organizations to better serve those in need.
Conclusion
The leadership at McCord Bend Baptist Church is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and supportive community. Our board members bring diverse experiences and a shared commitment to our mission. As we move forward, we invite you to engage with our board and participate in the many activities and initiatives we have planned. Together, we can continue to grow in faith and service.
We encourage you to reach out to any of our board members with questions, suggestions, or to learn more about how you can get involved. Your voice matters, and together we can make a difference in our church and community.
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