Akron Springfield Assembly of God

Name: Mark Hadinger, M.A.

What you do at the ASAG: Lead Pastor 

Where you are from: I grew up my whole life in Akron, Ohio

Your Story (How you got to ASAG): I started attending the ASAG when I was 16, then became a youth sponsor when I was 19. After graduating from Akron University with a degree in Biology/Pre-Med I recognized God had been preparing me for full time ministry. I went to Southeastern University, then was offered a youth pastor position back at ASAG. After 10 grueling years of being a youth pastor (actually, we had a blast!), my pastor retired and the church offered me the Lead Pastor position: sweet! I’ve been at my new role now since 2001.

Family: Kathy has been the love of my life since 1992, and we have three children that are undoubtedly ours: Jonathan, Morgan, & Brandon

Little Known Fact: I once flew, yes FLEW, the Goodyear blimp

Favorite Restaurant: Cheeseburger in Paradise!

Name: Richard A. Serbin, Ph.D.

Where you are from: Born in Cleveland, OH, my family moved to Akron (Springfield Township) when I was 4 years-old. After spending most of my young adult years in metropolitan Atlanta, GA, I moved back to Akron area in 1998 and currently reside in Hartville.

 Your Story (How you got to ASAG): In my case, the more appropriate name for this section might be, “How I got back to ASAG,” since I have been a part of this church from such an early age (several people still retain the right to call me “Ricky”).  After completing my undergraduate work at Evangel College in Springfield, MO, I began graduate work in psychology at Georgia State University in Atlanta. After earning my doctorate, I was practicing in metro Atlanta and assumed our family, like many other northern transplants, had become “confirmed southerners.” That all changed after receiving a call asking me to come work with EMERGE Ministries, a Christian counseling center in Akron.  We accepted that invitation and I worked full-time with EMERGE for five years.  In 2003, a series of events, including a rather significant health crisis, led to an opportunity to move into a pastoral staff position with the church, which continues to be an ongoing blessing for me and my family.

What you do at ASAG: Associate Pastor (Adult Christian Education, Family Life/Pastoral Care Ministries, and the infamous “other duties as needed”)

Family: My wife Sue, an RN, and I recently celebrated thirty years of marriage. We have been blessed with three children, Meredith, Kyle, and Katie. Meredith married this past summer and we welcomed Brian Duncan into the family and added “in-laws” to the list of terms that describe us.

Little Known Fact: I still enjoy rooting for Georgia sports teams—especially the Atlanta Braves.

Favorite Restaurant: Carrabba’s Italian Grill . . . DELIZIOSO!

Name: Leah Grey Parrill

What do you do here: Children's Pastor

Where you are from: I was born within the skyline of Chicago, IL but have spent most of my life surrounded by the cornfields of the Hartville/Uniontown area…

Your Story (How you got to ASAG): When I was a young child my dad passed away and my mom, brother and I moved from IL to Phoenix, AZ where we were taken in by an A/G church. My mom became employed by the church and, through a close friend, met my future step dad. He moved my family to Ohio where he attended ASAG. I grew up in ASAG in its children’s and youth programs and couldn’t pass on the opportunity to become a part of the team that so influenced my life and my spiritual growth. I have a degree in English from the U of Akron, ministry training from the Rockford Master’s Commission, and have been a credentialed minister with the A/G since 2002.

Family: My amazing husband Matt and I have been married since 2003 and together have four wonderful children, Ava and Gunnar, and twins, Lucy and Mason.

Little Known Fact: I was a power lifting champ in high school

Favorite Restaurant: Macaroni Grill 

Name: Michael Burt

What do you do at ASAG: Music/Worship Pastor

Your Story: I have attended ASAG since the age of 13. I became very involved in the choir and music ministry. I earned a Music Education Degree from the University of Akron. In 1991, I was hired on as part-time staff at ASAG. At the same time, I was hired by the Akron Public Schools as a music teacher. I received my Music Minister's License in June 2004.

Family: My wonderful wife, Michelle and I have been married since April 1991. We have three beautiful children. 2 boys, Philip and Luke and 1 daughter, Noel.

Little Known Fact: I am a picky eater.

Favorite Restaurant: Olive Garden

Name: Christine Merchant

Where are you from? Born and raised in Akron, Ohio

Your Story (How you got to ASAG): Upon Graduating from High School I attended North Central Bible College, Minneapolis, MN for one year. I was active in the College orchestra and taking Bible Classes. I began attending ASAG in 1983 and in 1985 was hired on as Choir Director/Music Minister where I worked for seven years. In 1988 I graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and I began teaching at Springfield High School as the Vocal Music and Drama Director. I also married my wonderful husband Bill. In 1998 I took a position once again on Staff at ASAG and have cherished every opportunity working with both kids and adults.

Family: My very reliable husband for over 20 years, who has been with me every step of the way and 4 amazing children: Stephanie, Nathan, Julia and Samuel.

Little Known Fact: I love CATS!

Favorite Restaurant: Any sit down restaurant high in carbs!!!

Name: Lucy Rosen

Name: Charlene Cole

What do you do here: Secretary / Receptionist

Where are you from: Akron, Ohio

Your Story (How you got to ASAG) : My grandmother was looking for a church where the real complete Word of God was preached. She interviewed Pastor Serbin over the phone and then brought all of her grandchildren and their friends here to Akron Springfield Assembly of God. I was seven years old at that time. I’ve been here ever since.

Family: My incredible husband Don (a seventh grade science teacher for 30 years or more) and I have been married for over 35 years. We have four great kids—young adults actually, Andrew, Lisa, Timothy, and Jeff– one super son-in-law, Alika and one awesome grandchild, Alika, Jr.

Little Known Fact: I don’t know!

Favorite Restaurant: Olive Garden