Meet The Team

Pastor Derrick has been a vital part of Living Word Galena since its early days in 2013. Alongside his wife Carrie and their three kids—Matthew, Lucas, and Natalie—he’s proud to call Living Word home, growing together as a family both inside and outside the church walls.

Derrick’s pastoral journey began back in June 2002, but his call goes far beyond just a job title. With a heart deeply committed to meeting people right where they are, Derrick thrives on helping others discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus.

When folks ask him the question he hears most often—“Why did you become a pastor?”—his answer is simple but powerful:

“I’ve never really wanted to do much else. Believe me, I’ve tried. From selling cars and landscaping to cooking in restaurants and a handful of odd jobs, nothing ever captured my heart like guiding people into a closer walk with Jesus.”

Pastor Derrick’s passion is contagious, and his excitement for what God is doing at Living Word is undeniable. He believes this church is a place where messy, busy lives meet grace, hope, and genuine community.

If you want to chat about faith, ask questions about Living Word, or just say hello, Pastor Derrick welcomes your call at 937-209-0321 or your email at pastord@livingwordgalena.com.

He’d love to connect with you and share the journey of how “Life Works BEST With Jesus.”

Director of Family Life Ministry

Molly Breitenbach is the newest member of our team, and serves as the Director of Family Life Ministry at Living Word. Molly is originally from Adrian, Michigan, but luckily is still an an OSU fan! *Whew!* She graduated from Concordia University Ann Arbor in May 2024.

Molly enjoys spending her free time shopping, relaxing, watching her favorite shows and movies, reading a good book, or enjoying a good cup of coffee. God has given Molly a heart for youth and children and she is so excited to be at Living Word Galena where she will spend time working with our youth group and KidConnect ministries.

Any questions pertaining to youth and kids programs at Living Word can be directed to Molly at molly@livingwordgalena.com.

Administrative Assistant

Bailey Bale serves as the Administrative Assistant at Living Word, and grew up worshiping here with her family. Bailey and her husband Caleb have enjoyed serving at Living Word in various ways long before Bailey officially joined the team in January of 2021. They also welcomed their first child, Oliver, in June of 2023.

Bailey has never minded the tasks that some might consider “mundane” and “tedious,” and actually finds them fun. For example, she could sometimes be found organizing the books on her book shelf by size, color, and order she had read them while she was growing up. She enjoys the background work of what goes on at Living Word and is just happy to be serving her church family.

Any general questions, comments and concerns you may have can go straight to Bailey at bailey@livingwordgalena.com. She’ll be sure to get you an answer or point you in the right direction.