We believe that God has gifted his church with a variety of servant-leaders to carry out the mission and vision that he has entrusted to the church. Mid-Cities is led by Jesus, guided by pastor-elders, served by deacons, supported by staff, and all members are equipped for the work of the ministry.
PASTOR-ELDERS
Jesus has entrusted pastor-elders with the spiritual guidance and care of the church, as they lead, pray, teach, and apply God’s word.
Aaron Halstead
Elder & Lead Pastor of Teaching and Worship Ministries
Aaron came to Mid-Cities at Maplewood in the summer of 2021. He is excited by text-driven preaching, by helping others process what the Spirit is teaching them and shaping them to look like Jesus, and by discipling the church in her understanding and implementation of doctrine into real life. He is married to Morgan, and they have two children: Hadley and Haddon. Aaron enjoys reading, walks, hot tea, antique stores, backyard birdwatching, and trying new restaurants.
Derrick Bekius
Elder & Pastor of Family Ministries
Derrick grew up in the Amazon Rainforest while his parents served as missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. As a result, he has a vested interest in seeing the church grow in its prayer life, serve on mission, and apply biblical truth to everyday life while looking forward to the Day when people from every tribe tongue and nation worships the Lord together. Derrick, his wife Beka, and their kids Lilly and Isaiah started coming to Mid-Cities at Maplewood in 2016. Since then, they’ve welcome a third: Eliza. Derrick also enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time outdoors, and smoking various types of meat.
Staff
Staff work with the elders to support the ministries of the church, facilitate corporate worship gatherings, and disciple others in the church to carry out the church’s mission and vision.
Clayton Jones
Worship Team Leader
In addition to leading worship at Mid-Cities at Maplewood, Clayton is an accomplished musician and songwriter. He has been with the church since the spring of 2018 and is animated by international missions, one-on-one conversations with people before and after the worship service, writing songs for the church, and studying ecclesiology and apologetics. He is married to Alisa and has one son, Ezra. Clayton’s hobbies include skateboarding, hiking, reptile-keeping, and Mario Kart.
deacons
These are biblically qualified servant-leaders who are commissioned by the church to serve various areas of ministry, working for the unity of the church, meeting practical needs, and providing an example for others to serve in their are of spiritual giftedness.
John Athy
Deacon of Mercy
John began attending Mid-Cities in early 2020. He was raised in the church but did not develop a personal relationship with Christ until later in life. John’s personal testimony is of Christ’s patience and mercy shown to him throughout his life. He enjoys being a servant to those around him and has a heart for those who are in need. John is married to Amy and has 2 adult children Ashley and Christopher. John is an avid San Diego Padres fan and enjoys traveling, walking, and anything to do with trains.
Megan Elschlager
Deaconess of Kids-City
Megan Elschlager has been a part of Mid-Cities since 2019. She has served in children and youth ministry since the age of 18. It is her joy to reach kids and families with the love of Jesus and help them grow in their faith. Megan is a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist, working with school-aged children. She is married to Seth and has two daughters. They love camping and cheering for St Louis sports teams.
Chris Farnsworth
Deacon of Sunday Operations
Chris has been attending Mid-Cities since 2018 and has lived in St. Louis since 2017. Previously, he lived in Rochester, NY, where he served as a staff member and the director of leadership development at his local church. Chris is married to his wife Rosalie, and has one daughter, Joanna. Vocationally, he is an Associate Professor of Pathology & Immunology at Washington University in St. Louis where he directs a clinical laboratory and performs research.
Lexi Wisch
Deaconess of Spiritual Formation
Lexi, with her husband Jordan, has been attending Mid-Cities since 2019. Together, they have two children, Caleb and Phoebe. During the week, she is home with her children and works part-time as a physical therapist. Lexi enjoys being outside, exploring new areas of St. Louis (including new restaurants), and homemaking. She is excited by the church’s Bible teaching, small groups, and Men’s and Women’s Ministries—all of which build uplifting fellowship through learning about who Jesus is and who we are in Him.