Leadership
Metanoia Church follows the example of the New Testament church in our leadership structure by having elders and deacons (Phil. 1:1 & 1 Tim. 3:1-13).
Elders
Elders are also called “overseers” or “pastors” throughout the New Testament (see Acts 20:17, 28; Eph 4:11; Titus 1:5, 7; 1 Pet 5:1-2). They are the primary spiritual leadership for the church.
A man qualified to serve as an elder of Metanoia Church must meet the following qualifications for service according to Scripture (1 Tim 3:2-7; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Pet 5:1-4).
- He is a mature Christian. He is not a new convert, nor is he self-willed. He is above reproach, wise, prudent, devout, puts others above himself, and loves what is good.
- He is a disciplined Christian. He is self-controlled and free from love of money. He is not addicted to much wine, nor is he quick tempered.
- He leads his family well. He is the husband of one wife, manages his household well and, if he has children, they are well-behaved and submissive to his authority. It is not necessary for a man to be married to serve as an elder of Metanoia Church.
- He is respected in the church and outside the church. He demonstrates a well-ordered life and good behavior. He is hospitable, gentle, humble, not given to argue and free from hypocrisy or scandal.
- He humbly submits to the authority of Scripture. He is able to teach and defend the Word of God. He makes fair and impartial decisions based upon Scripture.
Jamison Parker
Staff Pastor
Jamison lives in Columbia with his wife, Jenn, and their three sons, Josiah, Ezra, and Zion. The Parker family is originally from Maryland and love serving with a local church that proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ in a familiar region. Jamison completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2022.
Daniel Bunn
Elder
Daniel and Jennifer Bunn became partners at Metanoia in 2013 shortly after they moved to Maryland. They are originally from Greenville, SC, and they met while attending North Greenville University. Daniel became an elder in 2018 after serving as Deacon of Finance from June 2014 to October 2018. Daniel works for a think tank in Washington, DC.
Kyle Schoelz
Elder
Kyle and Sandy Schoelz began attending Metanoia in the fall of 2013 shortly after getting married and became partners in the spring of 2014. They live in Marriottsville with their three daughters and son: Charity, Truleigh, Prudence, and Redmond. Kyle became an elder in 2023 after having served the church in varying capacities prior.
Deacons
In the New Testament, deacons carry out the ministries and tasks of the church, with a special focus on serving the poor and needy within the church. In Acts 6:1-7, the Apostles were overwhelmed with the ministerial needs of the people in addition to their general spiritual oversight, so the role of deacon was created to allow those leaders to continue in their ministry. Thus, the service of the deacons leadership complements the spiritual oversight of the elders.
Men and women appointed to serve as deacons of Metanoia Church must meet the following qualifications for service according to Scripture (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13):
- Full of faith. Deacons live in such a way that their faith in Jesus is natural, inspiring and authentic. They can clearly present their convictions and beliefs about Jesus.
- Full of the Holy Spirit. Deacons do not lean on and trust in their own strength, talents, and abilities to grow as disciples or to carry out the work of the ministry. Rather, they rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. They trust in grace and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in their life. They are not filled with wine (addicted to much wine), but filled with the Spirit.
- Full of wisdom. Deacons are sober, sensible, wise, balanced in judgment and not given to quick, superficial decisions based on immature thinking.
- Demonstrating a healthy family life. If married, deacons exemplify themselves as faithful, devoted and affectionate toward their spouses. If they have children under their authority, these children should be well behaved. Their household is well-ordered and healthy, an example for others. It is not necessary for a person to be married in order to serve as a deacon of Metanoia Church.
- Possessing exemplary character. Deacons demonstrate integrity through honorable character, word and deed and are thus worthy of respect. They do not speak deceptively and they fulfill their commitments. They are generous with material possessions and do not pursue material gain. Their track record presents no patterns of spiritual disobedience or grounds for accusation.
- Respected in the church and the community. Deacons are respected by members of Metanoia Church and the community at large.
Jenn Parker
Deacon of Children's Ministry
Jenn grew up in Frederick, MD and attended the University of Maryland. She and her husband, Jamison, were married in 2012 and live in Columbia with their three children. In her spare time, Jenn enjoys reading, running, and sewing. Jenn became a partner at Metanoia in 2023 and counts it a great joy to teach children about Jesus.
Sandy Schoelz
Deacon of Hospitality
Kyle and Sandy Schoelz began attending Metanoia in the fall of 2013 shortly after getting married, and became partners in the spring of 2014. They have three daughters and a son: Charity, Truleigh, and Prudence, and Redmond. They lived in the United Kingdom for 15 months from 2017 to 2018 and now live in Marriottsville.
Jacob Hooper
Deacon of Finance
Stay tuned for Jacob's bio!