ROBERT & BRANDY SLUDER

Lead Pastor and Wife

Pastor Robert and Brandy comes to Central Church of God in September 2018 to continue the vision to reach the City of Portage for the Kingdom of God.  Growing up in a Pastors home and serving in ministry since 1996, Pastor Robert enjoys discipling small groups and sharing God's Word in a Sunday Morning Message.   Brandy has a passion for Women's ministry to lead in fellowship and the Word. Robert and Brandy are proud parents of Hannah, Ethan, and Natalya.  Their family enjoys spending time together, laughing a lot, and serving together at the Central Church of God.   "Central Church has truly accepted our family.  Thank you for loving and receiving us for who we are." - Pastor Robert.  

Bethany Martin

Worship Leader
Bethany Martin is passionate about Worship and leading the church into the presence of God through song and praise with the Central Church of God Praise Team.  Growing up in a Pastor's home, Bethany has served the church for many years from leading choirs to now serving as our worship leader.

Ryan & Ashley Stokes
Student Pastors (Directors of Children and Youth)
Pastor Ryan and Ashley have a love for children and youth and have served the Central Church of God for many years in many roles.  Currently, they lead our Student Ministries and lead the teams over the Children through High School.  Ryan also serves on the Indiana Church of God Youth and Discipleship Board.  They have wonderful family with four boys, Michael, Joseph, Thomas, and Timothy.  

Dorinda Martin

Administrative Assistant

Dorinda moved to Portage, with her parents, Pastor Jerry and Carolyn Martin, in 1981.  After many years in the professional world of business, she found herself in the position where she could dedicate more time and energy to her home church.  As well as being the Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, she is also involved with the Worship and Media Ministries. 

When not working at the church, Dorinda loves to work on her music, creating and playing, as well as teaching drum lessons.​

Wendy Minard

Church Treasurer

Wendy Minard came to Central Church of God in 1981, for Pastor Martin's second service at the church. During this service, she and her husband, Walt, gave their life to the Lord. Ever since that day they have been committed to the church. Since 1992, she has faithfully served as our church clerk.

Outside of church activities, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters. She also enjoys running.

Jerry Martin

Pastor Emeritus

Pastor Martin retired on September 16, 2018 after serving as Lead Pastor . for 37 years.  Pastor Jerry Martin and his family were appointed as pastors of the Portage Central Church of God on November 1, 1981. 

Since then, he and his family have faithfully served in ministry to Central Church of God and the surrounding community. Pastor Martin is passionate about leading souls to Christ and discipling believers to "be the church"- faithfully following Christ, and committed to fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). 

When he is not ministering, Pastor Martin enjoys gardening and woodworking. 

Carol Martin

Carolyn Martin came alongside her husband in 1981 to pastor the Portage Central Church of God. She has been faithful to stand beside her husband in ministry as they together lead our church in fulfilling our mission and vision. 

Her favorite part of the ministry is loving those God sends to us, getting to know them and becoming friends. She also enjoys altar work following services as well as leading the women's ministry. 

Outside of church, she enjoys time spent with her family, especially her grandsons, and reading.