About

Shawn Smith, Lead Minister

Shawn is an Ohio native, being born in Columbus. He spent his elementary years in Cincinnati before moving to the Southwest. 

He grew up in New Mexico, but moved to Illinois for college where he graduated from Illinois State University (B.S.) and Lincoln Christian University (B.S. and MDiv.) He lived and ministered in Illinois for 23 years before returning back home to minister with us.

Acts 20:24
Shawn's life verse

He married the love of his life, Wendy, in 2005 and they have four children. He is a family man, but when he has a few hours to spare you will find him riding his bike on the Loveland Bike Trail, sipping a dark roast at Starbucks, Mile 42 or Lot 1, relaxing at the movies, scarfing down a cheese coney at Skyline or at Buffalo Wild Wings cheering on the Atlanta Braves, Indianapolis Colts, or the Ohio State University.

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Donovan

Donovan Gregory, Family Life Minister

Donovan was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky. Before Donovan decided to pursue ministry, he studied for two years at the University of Kentucky, which is where he met his now wife, Kaylee Gregory. They Got married in April of 2023. Donovan is the baby of 5 with 3 brothers and 1 sister. The whole family grew up in the church together and still share a lot of time together which has impacted Donovan’s faith, and call to ministry. 

Donovan loves cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats but prefers to watch Soccer. He is a big FC Cincinnati fan, and often wakes up early on Saturday mornings to watch his favorite team play in England. 

Donovan began his first full time ministry at his home church in Nicholasville, Kentucky where he ministered there for 2 years as the youth minister. Donovan also completed the 4C Ministry Institute the summer of 2023 with a certificate in Ministry studies. Donovan serves LCC as Family Life Minister and works with children and families from birth through high school.

Donovan’s Life Verse: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16-18

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Dan Ponchot

Dan Ponchot, Associate Minister

Coming from a background in business, Dan joined our staff in 2005. However, Dan is no stranger to the church and his need for it. 

He is the son of a preacher, though he refers to himself as the black sheep. 

He serves in several different roles at LCC. He is a graduate of Milligan College and previously served with several other congregations in the greater Cincinnati area.

Romans 5:7,8
Dan's Life Verse

Dan married his high school sweetheart Julie and they have three children - Jacob, Nathan, and Kaitlyn. 

He fancies himself a sport-minded person and has a secret (well, not really a big secret) passion for Dunkin Donuts coffee.

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