Sacred Sitdowns

Casey Osterkamp is currently serving as the Vice President of Operations at Herron Classical Schools. This intentionally diverse, tuition-free, college prep charter school network serves 1900 scholars in three schools in downtown Indianapolis. She and her family moved to Indianapolis earlier this year from Missouri where she was the Director of the Division of Personnel for the State of Missouri. Casey started her professional career as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy and has worked in management roles for the Chicago Public Schools and IBM. Casey earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communication from Northwestern University, her Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and her Master of Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Missouri. Casey, her husband Beau, and five-year-old son Jesse live in Indianapolis.

On this episode of Sacred Sitdowns, Kyle and Danny sit down with Geist Christian Church Elder Lindsey Schiesser. Lindsey and her spouse Jason have two children: Tyler is a freshman at Clemson University, and Mia is a junior at Fishers High School. Lindsey and Jason met while in college at Camp Tecumseh, where they were both serving as camp summer staff. She has served as a sponsor on numerous youth mission trips and is involved with Taking Flight Ministries Geist's ministry to college students. Lindsey shares about her faith journey, specifically as it relates to living with a spirit of generosity. 

Today, we sit down with Dominic Minatel, a Junior at Texas Christian University. Dominic grew up at Geist Christian Church and was an active member of the youth group.  In our sit-down, we will explore his call to ministry, his summer with “Be the Neighbor,” a ministry that equips youth and adults to live lives of love, service, and justice, as well as, all things TCU.

Sam Copeland is the Associate Minister for Youth and Young Adults at Geist. She's originally from Richardson, Texas in the Dallas area and studied at TCU (go Frogs!!) and Vanderbilt Divinity School. She is the proud dog mom of Mocha, who she rescued from the Humane Society for Hamilton County in 2021 right after she moved to Indy. Sam loves all things Target and sometimes spends more time there than at her house in Broad Ripple, but when she is home she loves hosting her friends for dinner, TCU football games, and so much more!

Your mental health matter and you never have to do this all alone. Free, confidential support is available for everyone. Call 211 (or 866-211-9966) to be connected with a trained counselor 24/7.

Link: https://www.in.gov/bewellindiana/resources/mental-health-resources/

 Today we sit down with Rev. Grace Kozak. Grace is an Indiana native and graduate of Christian Theological Seminary. Prior to seminary, after completing her Masters of Social Work degree in 2015, she worked as an organizer for Clean Water Action and the American Cancer Society. Grace’s call to ministry is animated by her core belief that God desires a world where all people deserve to live with enough resources to thrive in healthy, supportive communities. Grace currently serves as State Organizer for Indiana at Bread for the World. When not changing the world, Grace loves to read, having people over to visit on her porch, and working on her family’s flower farm.

Dick and his spouse Marcia moved to the Indianapolis area from Wisconsin and joined Geist Christian Church in 2009. Dick is passionate about continuing to learn and grow in faith, expanding both mind and heart. He is active in The Bridge men's ministry, the Guatamala mission trip, and currently serves as an Elder. He is retired from a career in finance and is an avid cyclist.

Today we sit down with Taylor Burket. Taylor has grown up at Geist Christian Church and is currently a sophomore at Ball State (Chirp, Chirp). She beams joy and has not only participated in multiple mission trips, but last year, came back to lead our Middle School Youth on their mission trip to Nashville, TN.  We hope you will enjoy her story and how life has not only shaped her calling to be a nurse, but the role the church has played in her faith formation.

Today Danny and Kyle sit down with Rev. Chris Furr. He serves as Senior Minister at Covenant Christian Church )Disciples of Christ) in Cary, NC. Chris recently released the book Straight White Male and hosts a podcast with the same name. Chris is married to Katie and they are the parents of two boys. Chris is an avid UNC Tar Heels and The Office Fan. 

In our conversation, we talk about how privilege (or lack thereof) shapes how we move through and see the world. Chris will enlighten and challenge you.

Straight White Male Podcast can be found at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2038650

Today we sit down with one of the most energetic and fun-loving pastors we know. She is a former Geist Christian Church staff member and currently serves at Saguaro Christian in Tucson, Arizona. She is the Rev. Kelley Dick. In her own words, she is a Senior Minister. Wife to Jay Deskins. Dog lover. Passionate about life, ministry, and pizza. Loves the Wildcats. Don't ask which one. Accent declared the official accent of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Today we sit down with Deb Strock-Kuss and Randy Kuss as they conclude their work at Geist Christian Church and enter retirement. Both have served the Church faithfully and in a variety of roles throughout their call. We wanted to see what wisdom they have found along the way and how the Church has adapted and changed during their time as ministers. It’s also a chance for Danny and me to thank them for their partnership in ministry at Geist Christian Church.