Get to Know Us
Michael Wright
Youth Pastor
Michael W. has been the full-time youth pastor at Big Branch since Sept. 2013. Prior, Michael taught two years in the field of special education while serving part-time in youth ministry. He married his incredible wife, Sarah in the summer of 2010. They have two sons, Judah and Asher, and one daughter, Adah. For fun, Michael W. likes playing Frisbee golf, enjoying good coffee, movie going, and date nights with Sarah. He plans to one day finish restoring his 1965 Plymouth Belvedere hotrod and disturb the peace...in a mannerly fashion of course. Click to Read Michael's Story
Michael Black
Lead Worshipper
Michael B. has been playing the piano as long as he can remember and began leading worship around age 17. He has been happily married to his wife, Kristen, since 2007. They have three children, Caleb, Adalyn and Myla. In addition to leading worship, Michael has written and recorded several Contemporary Christian songs and released two CDs, Seize the Moment and At the End of the Day. Michael B. is a practicing Family Physician and is quite an adventurer who has been skydiving, inside the pyramids of Egypt, dogsledding on a glacier, and once a certified scuba diver.
Alex Beelen
Teen Leader
Alex recently obtained his doctorate in physical therapy from Marshall University in May 2015. Alex has been married to his lovely bride, Stephanie, since 2012, and moved to Proctorville that same year. Alex and Stephanie welcomed their first child, Rayna in March 2018. Alex is a big fan of sports, but his favorite is definitely baseball as he played 4 years at Cedarville University. He also collects major league baseball caps, but only if he’s visited that team’s city.
Sarah Wright
Teen Leader
Sarah is married to Michael W. and they are enjoying the adventure of parenthood with their three children, Judah, Asher and Adah. Sarah teaches Family and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics) at Symmes Valley and enjoys teaching students practical skills they can use in their everyday lives. Sarah loves cooking, reading a good book, and spending time with her family and awesome dog Max. She has added to her bucket list to visit all 50 states with Michael and their children.
Kristen Black
Teen Leader
Kristen is very much in love with her husband, Michael B., and adores their children, Caleb, Adalyn and Myla. She has been teaching first grade since 2010 and previosly taught preschool for two years. Kristen jumps at opportunities to be creative and could not survive without music and the occasional personal dance party. She is a thrill seeker with roller coasters and pretty much anything that goes fast. Traveling is a must for her and tropical destinations are her favorite. She loves the ocean and once swam with dolphins and even sharks.
Stephanie Beelen
Teen Leader
Stephanie lives in Proctorville with her awesome husband, Alex. They have been married and at Big Branch Church since summer, 2012. Stephanie loves teaching history and supporting the Reds and the Dragons. In her spare time, Stephanie loves now being a mommy to her sweet new daughter, Rayna. She also enjoys cooking, cuddling her cats, and shopping at Gabe’s. She collects antique or history themed pencil sharpeners.