Ministry Team
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. - Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
Rev. John Wood
Interim Lead Pastor
With over 40 years in local church ministry, John is passionate about helping people think, live, and love like Jesus. He has served in small, medium, and large churches, focusing on disciple making, community building, family strengthening, and leadership development. Ordained in The Wesleyan Church and a graduate of United Wesleyan College, he is also a certified Myers-Briggs presenter. Alongside his wife, Becci, he leads weeklong retreats for ministry leaders through SonScape Retreats. When he’s not engaged in ministry, he enjoys spending time with his kids and grandkids, motorcycle rides, hiking, photographing nature, and the occasional cliff jump.
Rev. Joel Higginbotham
Youth and Young Adult Pastor
Pastor Joel joined the Lakeport Wesleyan ministry team in July of 2014. He is married to his bride, Jessica and they have two sons, Noah and Micah, who keep things lively at home. The Higginbothams hail from Marion, Indiana and are high school sweethearts. Joel graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and Jessica graduated from Western International University. Joel also received his Master's of Divinity from Wesley Seminary at IWU in 2013. Joel is passionate about ministry to youth and young adults. Joel enjoys being outside, loves to cook, eat bbq, and spends his 'free time' with his two boys.
Rev. Doug Studaker
Congregational Life Pastor
Pastor Doug has been appointed to the Lakeport Wesleyan ministry team since 2012. Doug was ordained in 2008. He is married to his best friend and teammate in ministry, Connie. They have 2 adult children, daughter Harmony Marie and son and daughter-in-law, Doug II and Tricia. They have 2 grandchildren James and Kaitlin. Doug's hobbies are exercise, following the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and Michigan State Spartans. He is also a huge fan of his family. Pastor Doug ministers through our weekly Recovery Bible Study, through caring for shut-ins, and through hospital visitations.
Marlene Bollaert
Administrative Assistant
Marlene joined the staff of Lakeport Wesleyan Church as the Administrative Assistant in February 2025. She has been married to Mitchel Bollaert for 45 years. Together they have 3 children and 7 beautiful grandchildren. She is actively involved with all her grandchildren’s lives, which keeps her busy at many sports and other activities. She attends Zion Methodist Church and helps support the spiritual lives of her grandchildren. She enjoys nature walks, fishing, camping, bowling and (obviously) being with her grandchildren in their lives and in their walks with God.