Meet the staff.
Pastor Mark Hochgertel
Lead Pastor
Pastor Mark serves as our lead pastor at FICC. He was born and raised in Pottsville, and currently lives in Lake Wynonah with his wife Cathy and son Adam. He also has two married adult children, Abby and her husband Rudy, and Aaron with his wife Georgia.
After becoming born again in 1978, Pastor Mark began serving as worship leader and youth director at The Lighthouse Church in Orwigsburg in 1981. He completed a two year program through Word of Faith Leadership and Bible School, Dallas, TX and has taken many courses through Light University, American Association of Christian Counselors. He was ordained as a Pastor in 1987. Pastor Mark, along with Pastor Jim, started FICC in November of 2015.
In his free time, Pastor Mark enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and following his beloved Philadelphia sports teams and auto racing.
"I am very excited to be serving at a church in my former hometown. I want to see FICC truly become a 'place of healing and hope' in every way possible. I believe our best days are ahead of us and we are called to be a vital part of Pottsville’s revitalization!"
Pastor Aaron Hochgertel
Associate Pastor
Meet Aaron Hochgertel, our associate pastor at FICC. He and his wife, Georgia, reside in Pottsville and are active members of the local community. Together, they share their home with their two dogs, Pru and Kingery, and their cat, Icky.
Aaron has been involved in ministry since he was 19, starting as a volunteer youth leader. Throughout the years, he has served in various roles such as youth ministry director, chaplain, and worship leader. In 2015, Aaron helped to establish FICC and served at the church until 2020.
After a short hiatus from ministry, Aaron returned to FICC and was ordained as associate pastor in April 2023. His passion is for the people of Pottsville to discover the truth about Jesus and experience true freedom.
"I believe that God has placed Freedom in Christ Church in Pottsville to share his message of hope with those who are struggling in this world. Jesus can transform anyone's life, and we have to guide them toward him. It's an honor for me to not only serve our church community but also those around us."
Brittany Noll
Children & Youth Ministry Director - Freedom Kids (K - Grade 6) and Mission Youth (Grade 6-12)
Brittany is our Children & Youth Ministry Director for Freedom Kids and Mission Youth. Brittany is from Orwigsburg where she lives with her three children. She is a homeschooling mom who has always had a special interest in teaching, so using her gifts to serve at FICC has been a natural fit. Britt enjoys time with her family, camping, and worshiping through flag twirling.
"My hope for Freedom Kids and Mission Youth is for children to learn about and build a relationship with God. My goal would be to train them up as disciples- to go out into the world confident, whether they are at school, home, sports etc., and to teach others about Christ!"
Tina Minnich
Women’s Ministry
Tina leads our Women's Ministry at FICC. She grew up in Shillington, and currently lives in Orwigsburg with her husband, Keith.
Tina loves to spend time hanging out with her family and friends. One of her absolute favorite things to do is reading The Word of God while in the pool! She also enjoys relaxing with a cup of coffee, going for walks, and searching for treasure at yard sales.
"My hope Is for every woman to know they are never alone! (Matt 28:20) That God is for them and not against them. That He loves them with an everlasting love. He always has their best interests at heart. That through Jesus Christ you are forgiven and in right standing with God! That God is your Heavenly Father and there is nothing you can do or say to make Him love you any more or any less.”
DIANE BOGDAN- Bookkeeper
SERVANT LEADERS
Our Servant Leadership Council is made up of seven church members who are nominated and elected by the membership of the church. Elections are held yearly, alternating between 3 and 4 new council members. The council makes decisions along with the Pastors regarding the general direction and oversight of the church’s ministries, finances and stewardship.
CurrentLY SERving:
Elaine Hafer
Frank Heffner
Joe Krammes
Al LaPlaca
Tina Minnich
Terry Raffety
Gene Seidel