"Don’t imagine us leaders to be something we aren’t.
We are servants of Christ, not his masters.
We are guides into God’s most sublime secrets,
not security guards posted to protect them."

– 1 Corinthians 4:1  (Eugene Peterson, The Message)


Before moving to Indiana, in 2001, Pastor Mark lived between Ohio and Michigan at various times in his life. He graduated from Midland High School, in Midland, Michigan, before moving to Columbus, Ohio, to attend Capital University. After graduating in 1996, with degrees in Psychology and Criminology, from Capital, he attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary, also in Columbus. He graduated from Trinity in 2001 with a Masters of Divinity, before accepting the call to lead Cross of Grace Lutheran Church as a Pastor/Mission Developer.

Mark married Christa in October, 2000. Christa is a Registered Nurse and currently works from home as a Case Manager for Community Hospitals, in Indianapolis. They have two sons, Jackson and Max, along with two dogs, Stella and Rosie. Jack attends Capital University and plays tennis there. Max is at New Palestine High School where he plays tennis and baseball. They’re all fans of The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds and, of course, the Colts and the Pacers, too.

Pastor Mark also has a heart for the people in Fondwa, Haiti, and serves as President of the board for a non-profit called Zanmi Fondwa, which means “Friends of Fondwa,” and that builds homes for families in that region of the country. He also sits on the Alumni Advisory Board at his alma mater, Capital University.

When he’s not watching his boys play tennis or baseball, he likes to read, watch television and movies, and listen to music. Some of his favorite artists include Indigo Girls, Bruce Springsteen, Patty Griffin, Parker Millsap, Brandi Carlile, the Zac Brown Band, KISS, and The Killers, and he’ll catch all of these musicians in concert any chance he gets.

What Mark likes best about being a Pastor at Cross of Grace is the chance to work with people who try new things when it comes to worship, learning, and service. He works to help this along through his preaching and the creation of worship experiences that are fun, meaningful, and connected to what's happening in our daily lives. Most of all, Pastor Mark feels called to share grace in ways that too many people don't find when they come to church, that is, the unconditional love of God with no prerequisites, no questions asked, and no strings attached.


A native Hoosier from Anderson, IN, Pastor Cogan returned to his home state after short stints in Arizona, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. He graduated from Alexandria Monroe High School, in Alexandria, IN, before moving to Northwest Indiana to attend Valparaiso University (Go Beacons!). In 2016, Pastor Cogan graduated with degrees in Theology and Philanthropic Studies. After a gap year internship in Milwaukee, he attended Princeton Theological Seminary where he earned a Masters of Divinity. In 2023, he accepted his first call to be the Associate Pastor at Cross of Grace Lutheran Church.

In high school, Cogan began dating his now wife Katelyn, who is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at the Jane Pauley Community Care Clinic in Anderson, IN. They welcomed their first son, Clive, in early 2023 and are loving the transition into parenthood. Cogan and Katelyn love listening to The Moth. The whole family, including Mazie, their goldendoodle, enjoys walks, farmers markets, and checking out local food and beverage venues.

In college, Pastor Cogan was trained as a Facilitator in the practice of Civic Reflection through the Center for Civic Reflection. He is a skilled facilitator and has led trainings at universities, with congregations, and for non-profit organizations throughout the country, mainly in the Midwest. In the Spring of 2023, Cogan began serving on the board of Hancock County Friends of CASA, a nonprofit that supports the work of court appointed special advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

When he’s not working or changing a diaper, Cogan loves to camp, travel, read, and drink a good cup of coffee. He’s a big fan of folk and americana music, including the Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Tyler Childers, and NEEDTOBREATHE.

Cogan knew from a very young age that he wanted to be a pastor. What he enjoys most about this calling is the opportunity to be a sower, planting seeds of community, justice, and love that nurture both the local congregation and the wider church. He strives to achieve this through gospel-centered preaching, building relationships with young families, as well as empowering and equipping people of faith to love and serve their neighbor.


JEANNIE ELLENBERGER

Music Minister

jeannie@crossofgrace.org

Jean Ellenberger started playing the organ at church when she was 10 years old and has continued to do so most of her life.  She graduated with a degree in Piano Performance from Florida Atlantic University and received her Indiana Teaching Certification from Ball State University. She was the music teacher at St. Michael School for 25 years.

Jeannie directs the choir at first service and truly enjoys the fellowship created through making beautiful music together.  She feels called to be a part of the gifted staff of Cross of Grace and hopes that her faith in Jesus Christ shines through her music.

She has been married to Steve since 1978 and together they have 3 daughters (Amy, Karen, Mary) and 5 grandchildren.


2023-2024 CHURCH COUNCIL

Dawn Becker, Mission and Outreach Team Leader
Gayle Beebe, President
Mitchell Beebe, At-Large Leader
Dan Julian, Stewardship Team Leader
Donna Kuffner, Treasurer
Kurt Nahre, Property Team Leader
Susan Oxley, Worship and Music Team Leader
Kevin Tharp, At-Large Leader