05/13/2026
Summitville Wesleyan Bible Church (SWBC) has named Rev. Joseph Claus (Pastor Joey) as its new senior pastor. Pastor Joey brings a decade of ministry & pastoral experience to SWBC. He, along with his wife Stacie and their three children, will begin the new role in July 2026.
Pastor Joey currently serves as an associate pastor in Anderson, Indiana. He brings a unique combination of pastoral heart and organizational clarity, with a passion for helping churches align their mission, systems, and people for greater missional effectiveness. He believes the local church is at its best when it is both deeply rooted in Christ and intentionally structured to reach others.
“Stacie and I, along with our children, are deeply grateful and humbled by the invitation to serve Summitville Wesleyan Bible Church,” said Pastor Joey. “Throughout this process, we have sensed the Lord’s clear leading, and we are excited to join a church with such a rich history of faithfulness and community impact. We look forward to building relationships, growing together in Christ, and seeing what God has in store for the future days ahead at SWBC!”
Pastor Joey will succeed Rev. Danny Decker, senior pastor at SWBC since 2003. Pastor Decker announced his retirement in 2025.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Pastor Joey and Stacie to our church family,” said Kevin Lewis, vice chairman of SWBC’s board. “We are grateful that God has led them to our congregation, and we look forward to this new chapter together. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome as they begin their ministry here. We are excited to see how God will work through their leadership, hearts for people, and passion for serving Him.”
SWBC was organized in a log cabin in 1874. The church has played a pivotal role in the Summitville community throughout its 152-year history by providing a place of worship where spiritual transformation occurs and intentionally responding to community needs. More information about SWBC can be found at summitvillewesleyan.com.
