Leadership

Rev. Rick Goettsche (pronounced Get-she) was born and raised in the Union Church. His father, Bruce was the Senior Pastor for 43 years. Rick returned to serve as the Associate Pastor at the church in August of 2006. When Bruce retired in 2025, Rick took over as the Senior Pastor.

Rick graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville in 2005 with a degree in biology. During that time, he served as the president of the Baptist Student Ministries for 3 years. Instead of going to medical school as he originally planned, he felt called into ministry. After working a year at Stephen Ministries in St. Louis, he came on staff at the Union Church as the Associate Pastor. While on staff, Rick completed his Master's Degree through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned a Master of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling in 2011. Shortly thereafter, he was ordained.

Rick is married to Ashlee, and they have two daughters, Grace and Glory, and a dog, Lily.

Rick co-authored Difficult People: Dealing With Those Who Drive You Crazy and Walking with Jesus with his dad. His is one of two voices you will regularly hear on the "God's Truth for Daily Living" radio broadcast (the other is Bruce--some broadcasts are from years past.)

Rick has a love of science and apologetics, believing that both bolster his faith and understanding of who God is. He has a passion for helping people understand God's Word and apply it to their lives. He plays the guitar and is fascinated by gadgets of every kind. He is a popular photographer in the area and is our go-to "tech guy."
 
OFFICE HOURS: Rick is generally in the office every morning except Thursday (his day off) from 8:00-Noon.  He is not always in the office on Saturdays, but is usually accessible via e-mail and text wherever he is.  He is available at other times by appointment.

Tanner Miller is another product of the La Harpe community. He was a 2019 graduate of Illini West High School, and graduated from Central Christian College of the Bible with an Associate's Degree in Biblical Studies in 2023.

Tanner has a passion for working with youth, and has spent most of his adult life serving at Christian summer camps in some capacity.

Tanner joined our staff in August of 2025, and will take primary responsibility for our youth and children's programs, while also handling a variety of other pastoral tasks.
 
OFFICE HOURS: Tanner is generally in the office every morning except Friday (his day off) from 8:00-Noon.  He is not always in the office on Saturdays, but is usually accessible via e-mail and text wherever he is.  He is available at other times by appointment.

Dave is usually the voice you will hear when you call the church and during the summers you will often see him at the concession stand grilling something. Dave handles all the business areas of our ministry. He also keeps the Pastors “on task.” Dave is in the office every weekday morning (he is not in the office on Saturdays).

Dave is a dad and grandpa, is a member of the La Harpe City Council, helps coach Jr. High Girls Basketball, and loves to golf and bowl. He is an avid Chicago and Illini Sports fan and an active supporter of local sports teams. He is usually found with a bucket of iced tea.

Cindy leads the Bells of Praise. Cindy is married to Tracey Anders. Cindy also plays the piano. 

Thelma has played the organ for over 40 years and has anchored the church music program for the last 30+ years. Thelma is also involved in the Bells of Praise. 

Phyllis is the pianist at our 10:30 worship service. Phyllis is from Fort Madison, and has her Master’s degree in Piano. Phyllis graduated from Moody Bible Institute. 

These ladies serve as our pianists for our 8:00 worship service.