Leadership

Rich became the Senior Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in July of 2022. He earned his Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio in 2007, has been in active ministry since 2003, ordained and Elder in 2013. He has served churches in the Dundee area, Morenci, Britton, and Grayling Michigan before coming to Central.
"It is truly an honor to be appointed by Bishop Bard to this historic and flagship church in the Michigan Conference. I look forward to serving you in all capacities as your pastor and friend."
Pastor Rich and his wife Amy have brought together a blended family of four adult children, Korin Goetz (Jake), Loren Goetz (Juno), Gavin Burstall (Ashley), & Korin Burstall (Sean). They also have three grand-children, Tyler, Penelope, and Griffin. Pastor Rich enjoys a nice round of golf, reading, playing drums, The Tigers, Lions, and anything University of Michigan.

A retired pastor, Bill Amundsen has led significant churches with great distinction. He is also currently a representative of MICAP (Michigan Council on Alcohol Problems) and the leader of two significant adult study groups, most notably Vespers, a progressive Christian discussion group that meets on Sunday nights at 5:30. Central is blessed to have Bill and his wife Cathy's ministry here at Central.

Mark Mitchell, is a native of Lansing, Michigan. Mark's passion for music was evident from a young age.
Mark has an extensive background in music, specifically as an organist. He studied under several organists, including Todd Sager, Mano Hardies, Nixon McMillan, and Steven Egler. These experiences honed his talent and deepened his appreciation for the complexities of organ music. Mark pursued his academic interests at Michigan Technological University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science.
Mark is an active member of the Greater Lansing Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. His musical journey has seen him hold numerous organist positions throughout the greater Lansing area, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft.
In 1991, he joined the team of volunteers that was restoring the theatre organ that had once resided in the Michigan Theatre, downtown Lansing.  The organ is permanently housed at the Grand Ledge Opera House.  The organization is now known as Lansing Theatre Organ and is in the 26th season of presenting theatre organ concerts and accompanying silent films. Mark is the Vice President of Lansing Theatre Organ.
Mark serves as the Director of Music and Worship at Lansing Central United Methodist Church. In this role, he not only is the organist, but also oversees the church's musical activities, enriching the worship experience for the congregation with his musical expertise and leadership.
Mark has a Basset Hound named Sherman.  He is an avid cook and enjoys traveling.

Tyler and his wife Maggie moved to Michigan in 2018 so he could help his late father. They share a home in the country enjoying wildlife and the (mostly) quiet. They have 8 cats! This is after they rescued 5 found under the church in the summer of 2023. With 13 years of experience working in church facilities, Tyler has had the opportunity to contribute to various places, including on the west coast. He is passionate about learning new things and using that knowledge to advance Christ’s church through his work. 

I was raised in a small town in Mississippi just 45 miles north of New Orleans Louisiana. I moved north with my mother and have been here ever since. You can still hear my southern accent even after all these year. I joined the staff at Central in late 2023 as a temporary worker and was hired on staff in early 2024.  

Bill was born in and currently lives in Charlotte, Michigan.  He inherited his love for reading and a deep, abiding compassion from his mother, a retired public school paraprofessional, as well as the respect for an honest day's work from his father, a licensed land surveyor with the State of Michigan DNR.

He was hired as a part time building attendant in September of 2021, later promoted to full time custodian near the end of 2023.  You'll find him at reception most Sunday mornings and all over the building the rest of the week, cleaning and maintaining the facilities.