- Our Staff -

Jon Gohdes - Lead Pastor

Jon was born in north-central Wisconsin and lived there during his growing up years until moving to Kansas City to attend Calvary University in 2008. He graduated from CU with a BA in pastoral studies (2012) and a MA in biblical counseling (2017). He is certified with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). He came to Shawnee Bible Church in 2011 to serve as youth ministry leader and was ordained in 2017. Having served for several years in associate pastoral roles under friend and mentor Darrell Godfrey, he assumed the role of Lead Pastor in 2019 after Darrell was promoted to glory. He is married to his lovely wife Merrilee, and together they enjoy raising their son William. They also enjoy hospitality, music, reading, organizing things, networking, and getting outside!

Email: jgohdes@shawneebiblechurch.org

Telson Jones - Pastoral Assistant

Telson was born in Maryland but grew up for most of his life in central Michigan. After graduating from high school, he attended Calvary University in 2014 and graduated from CU with a BA in pastoral ministries (2019) and a MA in Bible and theology (2022). He joined the Shawnee Bible Church staff as pastoral assistant in August of 2020. He is married to his better half Malia, and they have one daughter. He enjoys hanging out with their two puppies (Tulip and Thor), hiking through nature, spending time with people, playing games, music, reading, woodworking, drawing, and watching and playing sports.

Email: tjones@shawneebiblechurch.org

Jeff Classen - Worship Leader

Jeff was born and raised in Mission, KS and began attending Shawnee Bible in 4th grade. He enjoys working as a certified building analyst and energy auditor with The Hayes Company. He is married to Arletta, and they have four daughters. He has served as SBC’s worship leader since 2002. He enjoys spending his free time with family or playing guitar, building furniture, and keeping up on energy trends.