Central Christian Church

Name:  Dan Curington

Spouse:  Linda

Children:  Trevor and Kelly

Favorite scripture:  2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone the new has come.

Hobbies/interests:  Boating, camping, wood working, snow skiing, watching a good movie

Profession:  General Contractor, Real Estate Developer

Dan is a fourth generation Floridian, born in Hialeah.  He moved to Ocala while still in high school. Soon after graduating from high school he began working with his father in the construction field and moved to West Palm Beach and ran a branch of their family owned construction company, for about 10 years at which time he decided to move back to Ocala with his wife Linda.

He met his wife to be Linda in Boca Raton when he was 26 years old.  They were married two years later and had their first child Trevor two years after that.   This was when Dan and Linda found a new way of life.  They found Christ.  They become very involved in a small church in Ocala, and were baptized together in Lake Weir.  They turned their lives over to God and became a new creation, just like Dan’s favorite the scripture 2 Corinthians 5:17 promises. Their daughter Kelly was born a few years later and their family was complete. Dan and Linda just celebrated 24 years of marriage.

Shortly after joining Central in 1993, Dan accepted the opportunity to serve as head of the Building Ministry.  He has been to CIY, Believe, and numerous ski trips with the Youth.  He has also been very involved with our Youth Praise Band. He is active in the technical side of the Worship and Arts Ministry. He oversees the second service Usher Ministry. He and his son Trevor have been on three mission trips serving along side other members from Central.

Nine years ago Dan was asked to become an Elder and has since served 3 terms.  Dan writes: "Service to God and His Kingdom is of vital importance. Not only is it important to the Kingdom, it’s important to our personal growth and maturity as a Christian.  I spent the first 33 years of my life living it to serve my own interest.  But since becoming a Christian I have tried to make serving God a priority, not only at church, but also through every aspect of daily living."

Name:  Brian Dyals (Chairman)

Spouse:  Kami

Children:  Cameron, Aaron and Lauren

Favorite scripture:  Romans 5:7-8

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Hobbies/interests:  Music, fishing, golf

Profession:  Manager

Brian was born in Atlanta, GA.  He moved to Ocala in 1981.  His families on both sides are Ocala natives.  In 1990 at the insistence of his girlfriend he began attending Central.  They were baptized here in 1991 and married here in 1993.   Brian writes:  "To me, Central has never been about the "place" but about the "people".  It has been an honor serving the lord with so many truly wonderful people.  God has done some amazing things thru this church body over the years.  I look forward to being some part of may more to come.

Spouse:  Shirley

Children:  Mike, Kim, Karen

Favorite scripture:  Colossians 1:15-20

Hobbies/interests:  Golf, computers, yard work

Profession:  Retired Printing Executive

Bruce Hogan was born in Clarksville, Tennessee on January 11, 1940.  He has lived in Ocala for 10 years and has been a member of Central since he moved to Ocala. He was a Deacon, Elder, Chairman of the Finance Ministry and started the Bus Ministry at the Brownsburg Christian Church in Brownsburg, Indiana where he was a member for 11 years.  Bruce was also a Deacon, member of the Steering Committee and Church Treasurer at The Hoffman Estates Christian Church in Hoffman Estates, Illinois where he was a member for 18 years.  Bruce is retired from his job as Vice President Regional Manager for Deluxe Check Printers where he was employed for 38 years.  Bruce has been married to Shirley for 46 years. They have three grown children Mike, Kim and Karen and 6 grandchildren.  Bruce has been a Christian since he was 14 years old and his favorite scripture is Colossians 1:15-20.  At Central he has been an Elder, member of the Finance Ministry, Home Group Leader, Minister Search Team Leader, substitute Sunday School Teacher, and Usher.

Name:  Dan Kuhn

Spouse:  Tajai

Children:  Stephen, Megan, Kaitlyn

Favorite scripture:  

Hobbies/interests:  Growing closer to God, music, yard work

Profession:  Chief of Staff, Marion County Sheriff's Office

Dan Kuhn was raised right here in beautiful Ocala, Fl.  He attended Forest High School where he met his wonderful wife Tajai. They were married right here at Central Christian in 1989.                           

He and Tajai are the parents of three wonderful children: Stephen ( age 12 ), Megan ( age 10 ) and Kaitlyn ( age 7 ).

Dan has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.  He also received his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Florida.  He received his Law Enforcement Certification from Santa Fe Community College and is a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy.  Dan is currently Chief of Staff with the Marion County Sheriff Department.

Dan and Tajai have both been very active in their service here at Central for years.  They both have served in multiple ministries including the youth and college age groups. Dan has also previously served as an Elder.

One of Dan’s favorite Bible verses is Matthew 11:28,29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Name:  Shawn McElfresh

Spouse:  Nancy

Children:  Brian, Amanda, Alyssa

Favorite scripture:  John 13:34

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Hobbies/interests:  Growing closer to God, music, yard work

Profession:  Insurance Sales

Shawn is a Florida native, born in Ft. Pierce.  He graduated from the University of Florida with his Bachelors Degree in Music Education.  While attending UF he met his wife Nancy in the Gator Band.  In 1987 they moved to Ocala and joined Central Christian Church in 1989.  Shawn writes:  "There are many, many great Christian witnesses at Central.  I love the diversity of age and backgrounds of this wonderful body of believers.  I'm excited about the future and look forward to meeting as many of this growing family as possible."

Name:  Ralph Wisco

Spouse:  Janet

Children:  Kelly, Elizabeth and Ralph

Favorite scripture:  Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Hobbies/interests:  Tinkering with cars, boats; wood working; remodeling

Profession:  Utilities Stores Manager, Gainesville Regional Utilities

Ralph grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana on a small farm.  He accepted Christ and was baptized when he was 12.  Ralph went to undergraduate school at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where he received a BS in Chemistry.  After serving 2 years in the U.S. Army Chemical Corp as a First Lieutenant, he returned and attended Indiana University where he received an M.B.A.  He has worked for FMC Corp., Wheeled Coach, and Emergency One before he began working for the City of Gainesville where he did purchasing and contracts before assuming the position of Stores Manager for the Utility.

He has been married to his lovely wife Janet for 38 years.  They have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.  They have been in Florida since 1986 and in Ocala since 1990.  We have attended Central since 1990.  Ralph has served as a teacher, Treasurer for about 14 years and an Elder for nine years.