Hello! My name is Heidi Johns and I was called to be the Senior Pastor at Good Shepherd in May of 2014. During the time I have been here I have been continually amazed at what God is doing in and through this congregation. It is a pleasure and a blessing to serve with this community. My passion in ministry includes finding ways to make God’s word relevant in my preaching to the joys and struggles we all experience every day. I truly believe that God has something to say to us. Now. Today. I also believe that God has called each of us to a life of unique, meaningful and joyful service, which is best lived as a part of a community of faith. We want to help YOU hear the call of God in your life. Come and join the faithful and generous people of Good Shepherd as we seek to Share God’s Grace, Grow Our Faith, and Serve Others.

By the way, I also love living in Cincinnati. I moved here from the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn, and have also served churches in Milwaukee and North Dakota. When I’m not at church you might find me walking in Sharon Woods or enjoying one of the many great adventures to be found in southern Ohio.

Hello. My name is Pat Badkey and some people tease me that I have been a pastor at Good Shepherd since the time of Jesus. Of course that is not true, but I have been here since August of 1989! As a Christian and as a pastor what moves me over and over again is how infinite God’s love, grace and forgiveness are for all people. I get excited when a person realizes that they are God’s beloved, and I want everyone to know this about God. So at Good Shepherd you will find me helping to make Good Shepherd a caring Christian community through fellowship opportunities, though our Milestone ministry program where parents share their faith with their children at a faith milestone, such as Confirmation and through our CFAM (Caring for all Members) Ministry teams. I am married to Steve Fahnestock, who works part time at the GSLC. We have a daughter, Charissa, who lives and works in the Philadelphia area.

When I am not at church, I just might be traveling with Steve, walking in the parks and neighborhoods that surround the church or knitting with friends in a local coffee shop.

My name is Alex Hoops! You may recognize me around Good Shepherd as the large, playful, oft-too loud, fella chatting it up with folks or leading worship on Sunday mornings.

I’ve been at Good Shepherd since November of 2016. Emily and I moved to Cincinnati with our two children, Amelia and Harvey. As a pastor and Good Shepherd's Director of Discipleship I’m interested in looking at the life of the church and asking “How are we going to help people to better imitate Jesus in their words, works, and ways?" In addition to leading worship, you may also find me leading our Tweens ministry (4th,5th, 6th, graders) Or helping with our Men’s ministry, Men Doing Life, or helping with our Sunday Morning Faith Practice Hour, MANNA. Also, if you want to talk comic books, that is always highly encouraged!

Alice Connor is an Episcopal priest and Good Shepherd's chaplain to the University of Cincinnati at the Edge House campus ministry. She wrote Fierce: Women of the Bible and their Stories of Violence, Mercy, Bravery, Wisdom, Sex, and Salvation. She also co-wrote an article for the Journal for the Study of the New Testament called “Mantic Mary? The Virgin Mother as Prophet in Luke 1:26-56 and the Early Church.” That’s academic-speak for “Hey, maybe Mary the mother of Jesus was more than a mom and actually had a word of challenge to speak to us? Just sayin’.” Alice is a certified enneagram teacher and a stellar pie-maker. She lives for challenging conversations and has a high tolerance for awkwardness. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband Leighton, two kids, a dog, and no cats.

My name is Debbie Jones and I am passionate about Worship. I love looking for creative ways to bring scripture alive for our congregation through liturgy, music and liturgical arts. You will find me on Sundays leading worship from the organ bench for the 8 and 11 am Traditional Services. I moved to Cincinnati with my husband, Steve, in September 1987 to begin my ministry at Good Shepherd.

Outside of my work at Good Shepherd, you might find me volunteering at a community garden, raising food for local soup kitchens, or perfecting a recipe in my own kitchen. There is something about growing and creating that reminds me of first Corinthians 3: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.... We are co-workers in God's service..." I consider myself a seed planter both inside and outside the church. I'm always excited to partner in God's creative work.

In addition to worship you will find me directing the bell choir, traditional choir or brass ensemble. I also coordinate the liturgical arts team, schedule worship servants and order worship supplies.

Matthew is the pastoral assistant at the Edge House, a ministry of Good Shepherd for college students and young adults. Pastoral care, facilitating small groups, administration, hiking, and playing board games are some of his responsibilities. Matthew also assists in planning and facilitating the men’s ministry, Pub Theology, and facilitates other adult small groups at Good Shepherd. He is currently in formation to become a deacon of the Lutheran Diaconal Association.

Matthew lives in Cincinnati with his spouse, two dogs, and a flock of urban chickens. His interests include contemplative spirituality, running, hiking, and baseball. Matthew is a regular volunteer dog walker for the Interfaith Hospitality Network’s Pet Program.