Akron Springfield Assembly of God

Name: Mark Hadinger, M.A.

What you do at the ASAG: Lead Pastor 

Where you are from: I grew up my whole life in Akron, Ohio

Your Story (How you got to ASAG): I started attending the ASAG when I was 16, then became a youth sponsor when I was 19. After graduating from Akron University with a degree in Biology/Pre-Med I recognized God had been preparing me for full time ministry. I went to Southeastern University, then was offered a youth pastor position back at ASAG. After 10 grueling years of being a youth pastor (actually, we had a blast!), my pastor retired and the church offered me the Lead Pastor position: sweet! I’ve been at my new role now since 2001.

Family: Kathy has been the love of my life since 1992, and we have three children that are undoubtedly ours: Jonathan, Morgan, & Brandon

Little Known Fact: I once flew, yes FLEW, the Goodyear blimp

Favorite Restaurant: Olive Garden

Name: Richard A. Serbin, Ph.D.

Where you are from: Born in Cleveland, OH, my family moved to Akron (Springfield Township) when I was 4 years-old. After spending most of my young adult years in metropolitan Atlanta, GA, I moved back to Akron area in 1998 and currently reside in Hartville.

 Your Story (How you got to ASAG): In my case, the more appropriate name for this section might be, “How I got back to ASAG,” since I have been a part of this church from such an early age (several people still retain the right to call me “Ricky”).  After completing my undergraduate work at Evangel College in Springfield, MO, I began graduate work in psychology at Georgia State University in Atlanta. After earning my doctorate, I was practicing in metro Atlanta and assumed our family, like many other northern transplants, had become “confirmed southerners.” That all changed after receiving a call asking me to come work with EMERGE Ministries, a Christian counseling center in Akron.  We accepted that invitation and I worked full-time with EMERGE for five years.  In 2003, a series of events, including a rather significant health crisis, led to an opportunity to move into a pastoral staff position with the church, which continues to be an ongoing blessing for me and my family.

What you do at ASAG: Associate Pastor (Adult Christian Education, Family Life/Pastoral Care Ministries, and the infamous “other duties as needed”)

Family: My wife Sue, an RN, and I recently celebrated thirty years of marriage. We have been blessed with three children, Meredith, Kyle, and Katie. We welcome grandson Tanner into our lives  who has been our joy!

Little Known Fact: I still enjoy rooting for Georgia sports teams—especially the Atlanta Braves.

Favorite Restaurant: Carrabba’s Italian Grill . . . DELIZIOSO!

                                            Name: Christine Merchant

Your Story (How you got to ASAG): Upon Graduating from High School I attended North Central Bible College, Minneapolis, MN.   I was active in the College orchestra and taking Bible Classes. After a year of Biblical Studies I moved back to Akron and finished my education at the University of Akron as a Music Education Major.  I became the choir director here at ASAG and then also took at job at Springfield High School as the Vocal Music/Drama Director.  While I loved both of these jobs, I decided to stop everything and stay home for a time with my children as a full time mom. After a number of years and ready to go back to work,  Pastor Joseph Serbin hired me back to the ASAG staff as a part time employee in the music ministry.  Being a support staff in the children's and music ministries has now grown to Director of Music Ministries and Children's Ministries Coordinator .  I am thrilled to place people of all ages in positions of ministry where they can feel God's call in their lives and also share and lead others.  The volunteers at our church are gifted and amazing people-we are blessed!  

Family: My very reliable husband for over 20 years, who has been with me every step of the way and 4 amazing children: Stephanie, Nathan, Julia, Samuel and cats Corky and Chester

Little Known Fact: Though he did not hire me,  my brother is now my boss.

Favorite Restaurant: Any sit down restaurant high in carbs!!!

Name: Charlene Cole

What do you do here: Secretary / Receptionist

Where are you from: Akron, Ohio

Your Story (How you got to ASAG) : My grandmother was looking for a church where the real complete Word of God was preached. She interviewed Pastor Serbin over the phone and then brought all of her grandchildren and their friends here to Akron Springfield Assembly of God. I was seven years old at that time. I’ve been here ever since.

Family: My incredible husband Don (a retired seventh grade science teacher for 30 years or more) and I have been married for over 35 years. We have four great kids—young adults actually, Andrew, Lisa, Timothy, and Jeff– one super son-in-law, Alika and one awesome grandchild, Alika, Jr.

Little Known Fact: I don’t know!

Favorite Restaurant: Olive Garden