our pastors
Pastors Greg and Debbie have been happily married since 1976. Their growing family includes a son, 5 daughters, and 8 grandchildren.
Pastor Greg is a 1980 graduate of RHEMA Bible Training Center in Tulsa Oklahoma. After pastoring a church for 3 years in Cut Off, Louisiana, the Lord directed the Varney’s to move back to their home town of Topeka in March of 1985 to establish Light of the World Christian Center.
Besides pastoring a growing church, they enjoy sports, traveling, riding on their Harley, and spending time with their kids, and grandkids.
Francis Newell
Assistant Pastor
fnewell@lotwcc.org
785.271.1010 ext. 311
Get to know Francis
What do you like most about working at LOTW?
I enjoy the ever presence of the Lord and His people. I like being a part of seeing people’s lives changed by the Word and Holy Spirit. Seeing someone regain hope in their life as they realize Jesus paid the price for it all (is a wonderful sight).
Hobbies :
Working on updating my house, riding in my convertible, shooting and fishing.
Family Info:
Son, Scott, lives in Lawrence and daughter, Kristin, who was recently engaged lives in Denver, CO.
Education/Experience:
Assistant Pastor at Light of the World Christian Center since January 1994,
Graduated from Light of the World Bible School in May 1996
Darla Harris
Worship Leader
dharris@lotwcc.org
785.271.1010 ext. 341
Get to know Darla
What do you like most about working at LOTW?
It is such a blessing to be able to work and serve in a ministry that has changed my life. Also it is great to be a part of something that is so much bigger than just myself
Hobbies:
Spending time with my family
Family:
Darla and her husband Michael have two children, Hannah and Benjamin.
Education:
Music Education Degree
Washburn University
Anna Rangel
Children's Director
anna@lotwcc.org
785.271.1010 ext. 350
Get to know Anna
What do you like most about working at LOTW?
I love having the opportunity to work with the great kids and volunteers here at the church! I love seeing the kids’ faces light up as they come through our classroom doors, excited to learn about God’s Word!
Hobbies:
Swimming, vacationing and scenic drives through the country with my hubby.
Family Information:
Happily married to my loving husband, Marcus.
Education/Experience:
Anna has been volunteering in the Children’s Ministry at Light of the World since she was in 7th grade, and has been employed in the Children’s Department since 2005. She graduated with an elementary teaching degree in May 2009 from Washburn University.
Shane & Sandy Wenger
Youth Pastors & Young Adult Leaders
shane@lotwcc.org
785.271.1010 ext. 307
Get to know the Wengers
What do you like most about working at LOTW?
We like interacting and being able to minister to and with people.
Hobbies:
Snowboarding, riding dirt bikes, wakeboarding and spending relaxing days together as a family.
Family :
Shane and Sandy have two children, Zoe and Parker.
Education :
Shane attended ORU and graduated from RHEMA Bible Training Center in 1997.
Sandy graduated from Texas Bible College in 2002.
Pam Roberts
Secretary
proberts@lotwcc.org
785.271.1010 ext. 306
Get to know Pam
What do you like most about working at LOTW?
I love the people I work with and love the people we work to serve.
Hobbies:
I enjoy cooking, laughing and watching movies with my family and friends.
Family:
I have been married to my high school sweetheart for over 20 years and have one son in college at KU.
Experience:
Volunteering or working in the LOTW office since 2004.
Jeanine
Financial Sec. & Bible School Director
jcarver@lotwcc.org
785.271.1010 ext. 344
Get to know Jeanine
What do you like most about working at LOTW?
I like that things are done with such excellence and integrity. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help Pastors Greg and Debbie fulfill their God-given vision for LOTW.
Hobbies:
Reading, sports, and jigsaw puzzles
Education/Experience:
1983 Bachelors in computer science and mathematics,
RHEMA Bible Traning Center graduate class of 1988,
Has been in ministry on foreign field from 1994-2008.
Janelle Garcia
Media Director
jgarcia@lotwcc.org
785.271.1010 ext. 309
Get to know Janelle
What do you like most about working at LOTW?
I love being able to spread the Word of God through modern technology.
Hobbies:
Spending time with my husband, family and friends, pulling pranks, shopping and laughing.
Family:
Janelle was recently married to her husband, Devan.
Education:
Graduated from RHEMA Bilble Traning Center class of 2008.
Kathleen Cohen
Receptionist
kcohen@lotwcc.org
785.271.1010 ext. 301
Get to know Kathleen
What do you like most about working at LOTW?
Have a place to “put my hand to the plow” to further the kingdom of God.
Hobbies:
Sewing and gardening
Family:
Kathleen is married to her husband Marc, and has three grown children.
Education:
Graduated from Light of the World Bible School in 1996
Cindy Underhill
Bookstore Manager
cunderhill@lotwcc.org
785.271.1010 ext. 349
Get to know Cindy
What do you like most about working at LOTW?
I like working with our staff, the ministry of helps volunteers and those who come into our bookstore.
Hobbies:
Writing and photography
Family:
Happily married with three beautiful children
Experience:
Volunteer in the media duplication department for over 20 years.
Todd Vickery
Maintenance
785.271.1010
Get to know Todd