As the North Central Region of The Brethren Church prepares to vote on its Regional Leadership team, we thought we would share a bit about each of the nominees. 

Lynn Mercer

My name is Lynn Mercer. Susie is my wife. I grew up attending the North Georgetown First Brethren Church where I was ordained. I graduated from Ashland College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Religion. I am a graduate of Ashland Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree (1981). I have served as a pastor at The Brethren Church, New Lebanon, Ohio; the First Brethren Church, Waterloo, Iowa; Gretna Brethren Church, Bellefontaine, Ohio; The First Brethren Church, Pleasant Hill, Ohio; and I presently serve as the Part Time Intentional Interim Pastor of The First Brethren Church, Gratis, Ohio. Over the years I have often been found at Camp Bethany for a week. For many years I served as the President of the Ohio District Ministerial Association. I served a number of times as the Ohio District Moderator as well as in various other capacities on the District and National levels in The Brethren Church. I have a heart for getting Brethren pastors, elders, Commissioned persons, and other leaders together for mutual support and prayer. I am currently fulfilling the unexpired term of Jason Barnhart on the North Central Regional Leadership Team.

Nancy Diehl



I am Nancy Diehl from Alliance, Ohio. I attend North Georgetown Brethren Church. I currently sing on the worship team, teach children, and serve our body as a deaconess. I have served on the Regional Leadership Team for 2 years. I believe that the Regional Leadership Team is an important piece of encouraging and connecting our local bodies and their pastors.

Paul Deardurff

I am Paul Deardurff, 68 years old, recently retired from 39 years selling John Deere parts. I am a member of the Gretna Church, a deacon, an adult Sunday School teacher, and a praise team vocalist. I’ve been Brethren all my life and want to give back by serving on the RLT.