Below are the bios of our pastoral staff. If you would like to email a pastor, click on their name or picture.
Stuart Kruse, Interim Senior Pastor
Stuart Kruse grew up at County Line and joined the staff in 2001. He has watched the church grow in attendance from 82 people when he was a kid to what it is today. Prior to joining staff, Stuart worked six years in his family’s collector car auction business. Stuart holds a master’s degree in pastoral ministries from Huntington University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne. He was ordained by the Church of God of Anderson, Indiana.
As associate pastor, Stuart shares in the ministry responsibilities of preaching, teaching, counseling, visitation, weddings, funerals, baby dedications and baptisms. He also leads the Adult Training ministry.
Dane Kruse, High School Student Pastor
Dane Kruse, like his cousin Stuart, grew up at County Line. While in college, Dane served as an adult volunteer for four years under then Youth Pastor, Bob Herman. In 1997 he joined staff as a part-time youth pastor. He assumed his current position in 1998. Dane earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in psychology from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne. He completed one year of seminary training at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He received his ordination from Trinity Evangelical Chrisitan Ministries.
As Student Ministries Pastor, Dane ministers to youth in grades 6—12. He also oversees the church’s college and career ministry. As part of the pastoral team, he shares in the ministry responsibilities of teaching, occasionally preaching, and other pastoral care.
Steve Schlatter, Junior High Student Pastor
Steve Schlatter was hired to help Dane in Student Ministries with the growing number of students at County Line Church. He brings 27 years of church experience to County Line. Steve has served at churches in Florida, Fort Wayne, and most recently at Church of the Good Shepherd in Leo. Steve has a degree from Fort Wayne Bible College in Christian Education and Missions. Steve will primarily oversee the Junior High areas of ministry in grades 6-8. Also, as part of the pastoral team he will share in other areas of ministry responsibilities.
Kevin McIntire, Worship Arts Pastor
Kevin McIntire was hired in April of 2004 as the Worship Arts Pastor. Prior to joining County Line, Kevin served as the Youth Pastor at First Church of God in Vincennes, Indiana. Prior to that, he worked as an insurance agent for Shelter Insurance. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Anderson University where he also minored in music business. He recieved his ordination from Trinity Evangelical Christian Ministries.
In his role as Worship Arts Pastor, Kevin is responsible for planning and coordinating Sunday Morning Worship Services. He directs the worship choir and band. He also oversees the Technical Arts Ministry (sound, video and lighting), the Drama Ministry, and the Creative Programming Team.
Mary Ellen Rayle, Children's Ministries Pastor
Mary Ellen Rayle and her family have attended County Line since moving to Auburn in 1986. Having been an active volunteer in Children’s Ministries, she was asked in 2005 to join the staff full-time as Children’s Ministries Pastor. Prior to joining staff, she taught Kindergarten at Lakewood Park Christian School for eleven years. Mary Ellen holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian education from Anderson University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational ministries from Huntington University. She is ordained by the Church of God of Anderson, Indiana.
Mary Ellen oversees all County Line children’s ministries for newborns through 5th graders and also serves as the administrator of Creative Play School.
Nathan Tatman, Community Life Pastor
Nathan Tatman joined County Line staff in 2007 as Community Life Pastor. Prior to joining County Line, Nathan spearheaded a group to start the DeKalb County Community Youth Center and, along with his wife, Brewdaily's Cafe. Prior to starting those two ventures, Nathan served as the Youth Pastor at First Mennonite Church located in Berne, Indiana. Along with serving in full-time ministry and raising a family, for the last eight years Nathan has been pursuing dual bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministries and Business Administration as a part-time student from Taylor University Fort Wayne.
As Community Life Pastor, Nathan is responsible for integrating new people to the County Line family, overseeing small groups, and connecting people with ministry opportunities both inside and outside the church body.