Shepherd Candidates

Poplar Creek Church Shepherds “care for the congregation in the pastoral function serving as counselors, encouragers and providing general pastoral care” (according to the church By-Laws). They oversee the missions activities and work with small groups.

Ballots will be available on the weekend of Oct. 11-12 to indicate “I Approve” or “I do not Approve” for the four new candidates for Shepherd - Mark DeAngeles, Mindy Hoover, Darrell Olivier and Jon Ransdell.

Here you can find information on each of the four candidates and the two current Shepherds of Poplar Creek Church.

Mark DeAngeles

My Christian walk began 32 years ago. I became a believer through the process of reading the Bible, because of a challenge. Early on, I was inspired to be involved in missions and outreach as a way of giving back to God. I began with involvement in a mission project to the Dominican Republic and continued my "1 week a year" participation for 6 years. During and afterward I served as co-ordinator for Young Adult Ministries of the Blackhawk Presbytery. I have always felt that serving in missions of any kind is the highest form of worship there is.

I was a Presbyterian for 26 years and served as a Deacon for 18 years in 2 different Presbyterian churches, Hope in Wheaton, and Heritage in Carol Stream. Here at Poplar Creek is the first time that I have been involved with small groups and have found the experience to be extremely fulfilling and engaging. It was a piece that was missing in my spiritual walk.

My wife and I have been members of Poplar Creek since 2 weeks after the church opened in the new buildings, about 5 years ago now. We both love this church for the congregation and loving, caring friendships we have found here. JoAnn and I have continued to be involved in mission here by acting as co-ordinators for PADS and getting Poplar Creek involved in it, via the "40 days of service" project begun 3 years ago, through the small groups.

I have been married to JoAnn for 25 great years, and she has shared 2 wonderful daughters with me. We have a son together, now a high school senior. We now also have 3 terrific grand-children. So our house has never been empty. In my personal time, I enjoy Bible study, cooking, vegetable gardening, puzzles like Suduko, reading good sci fi books, anything to do with the sciences, and especially traveling to new places with my wife.

Mindy Hoover

I was raised in a Christian household, so I don't really remember a time when I didn't believe. I was baptized at age 9 when I realized I needed both salvation from and a personal relationship with Jesus.

I have been attending Poplar Creek for almost 18 years with my husband Paul (married 28 years) and our three grown children --Miranda, Caleb (wife, Jenny), and Sam. In that time, I have been involved in several aspects of ministry here at Poplar Creek, including puppets, drama, NoyzBoyz, children's ministries (worship, VBS, day camp) and youth ministry.

Darrel Olivier

Born and raised in San Francisco, I’m the middle son of 3 boys. After attending Catholic kindergarten, grammar school, high school and college I traveled with the USO to many cities worldwide entertaining troops & civilians during the Viet Nam War. For the last 15 years we have made the Chicago-land area our home.

Growing up within a Catholic family and school system I learned a lot about God however it wasn’t until 1997 when the Lord finally caught my attention (and later my heart). It was on a small soccer field in Bartlett when I happen to met a quite ordinary soccer dad that possessed an extra-ordinary measure of simple joy & contentment. I knew at that very moment that he had exactly what I needed and wanted for so long. Only later did I come to understand that it was the first time I’d clearly seen the Lord in someone. The Lord used that ordinary dad who later became my dearest friend as a living testimony to me and ever since I have simply tried to be that type of ordinary man.

I’m married to Nickie, and together we have 3 daughters Marnie (27), Mallory (22) and Nicole (15). Our residence is in South Elgin.

For the past 10 years I’ve been primarily known for my involvement in our music ministry at Poplar Creek Church. In addition Nickie & I have served together at our Elgin P.A.D.S. shelter and I also have been involved in our Men’s ministry. I have a real passion for developing relationships.

Jon Ransdell

Jon has been a member of Poplar Creek Church for nearly 18 years and has had many ministry involvements here.

Jon is 46 and has been married 24 years to his wife Lynn.  They currently have four children including their son-in –law (Ashley, Ian, Delanie and Tyler).  All of the Ransdell children are involved in church ministries.  The Ransdells are currently in the process of adopting two sisters from Nicaragua (Freydel and Mileydi).

Jon is very passionate about missions, and continues to work to coordinate missions outreach. In addition, he plays guitar (and bass) in our worship ministry and facilitates a men’s small group.  As part of his missions involvement, Jon has led 4 Poplar Creek trips to Nicaragua, and 1 trip to El Salvador.  In years past, Jon was involved in starting the “Mana” ministry (delivering packages to our visitors), has taught in children’s church, played in the children’s worship band, lead music for several weeks of summer camp at Rock River and participated in many other Poplar Creek events and ministries. 

Jon accepted Christ and was baptized at First Christian Church Moline (Disciples of Christ) at the age of  9 (1971) and has been involved in Christian ministry most of his life.  His spiritual walk has been supported by a Christian upbringing and Christian family and friends.  He has been part of youth groups, Bible studies, and Christian organizations (such as Young Life) since he was a child.

Jon continues to work on his walk and leans on his mentors for guidance and accountability.

Current Shepherds

Pastor Darrel Malcom

Darrel Malcom grew up in a strong Christian family in SW Iowa and has been active in Christian church life for as long as he can remember. He made a public commitment and baptism into Christ at age 8, preached his first sermon on Sunday prior to High School graduation, and has served in a pastoral role in Christian Churches in Illinois for over 50 years. He has served as a Shepherd and Pastor of Poplar Creek Church since May, 1992.

Darrel and his wife, Karen, have been married 56 years and have three grown daughters who all are serving in Christian congregations. PCC best knows daughter Deb, her husband Tom Lawrence, and three daughters, Sara, Katie and Rachel who all are active in a variety of roles in the church

Darrel is currently serving as “Pastor of Transition” while we seek a new Senior Pastor. He has been active in preaching, teaching, small group leadership, visitation, mentoring, building and grounds and other roles as needed. He has represented Poplar Creek Church in Chambers of Commerce for 16 years and is the Executive Director of Kids Against Hunger – Fox Valley.

Kay Cullen

I was born into a Christian home (Lutheran), went to the church grade school, and have always believed in God. At the ripe old age of 36, I wasn’t sure anymore what exactly I believed, so began reading, listening to radio preachers, and got an NIV Bible to study instead of my King James from 2nd grade. I gave my life to Christ in January 1989 and am so thankful to Him for reaching out and drawing me, a busy pregnant mother of 2, into His loving arms and into His kingdom.

Now, almost a full 20 years after that life-changing decision, I am the mother of 3 grown daughters and still the wife of Brian (31 years in November). Kirsten married Jeremy in July and teaches kindergarten; Alissa is finishing up her teaching degree at Greenville College in IL; Natalie is a college freshman in CA.

I began attending Poplar Creek Church over 14 years ago. I started the prayer ministry as a phone chain and with weekly meetings, made banners, cleaned, and worked in the nursery. Over time, I became involved in Bible studies, led the VBS music and did craft groups, joined the praise team, was in a musical melodrama then joined the Make Believers, planned prayer events, helped out at women’s events, was the Spiritual Disciplines person when the Full Spectrum Council began, am now the Worship person on the FSC, and was asked to sit in for a year with the Shepherds before officially becoming one in summer 2003, when I also became the Shepherd rep to the Executive Council through 2007.

Serving Christ and His people are my life’s priorities, so I believe He uses me as He chooses to. I trust Him in good times and bad because I know He walks through everything with me and holds me up. This church IS a dearly- loved and loving family. I’m excited about the Lord’s path for us as we persevere in obedience to Him and to His teachings.