Our Staff

Pastor:

Pastor Mike Hanel originally comes from the frozen tundra known as Minnesota. He and his family are delighted to now call Leesburg their home. Pastor Mike has been on a whirlwind tour of the Midwest, with a B.A. from Concordia University – Seward, NE (2003), an M.A. in Classics from Washington University – St. Louis (2007), and an M.Div. from Concordia Seminary – St. Louis (2007). He also pursued more graduate work in Classics at the University of Cincinnati. During his Seminary training, he served as a Vicar in Clio, Michigan. He previously served Zion in Cincinnati (2009-2015) and St. Paul’s in Bourbonnais, IL (2015-2021).

Pastor Mike met his wife (who also happens to have the name Bethany) while studying Hebrew in the cornfields of Nebraska. Bethany has graduate degrees in theology and library science and worked for Olivet Nazarene University. Bethany currently teaches middle school at Faith Lutheran School in Eustis. Together they enjoy (audio, real, and e-)books, binge watching TV shows, cheering for the Cardinals, and fulfilling their parental vocations for Magdalena (“Lena” –  11 years old) and Katherina (“Katie” – 9 years old). 

If you are interested in talking with Pastor Mike about anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to us here at Bethany Lutheran!

Vicar:

Vicar Ronnie Jones is a lifelong resident of Central Florida, where he and his wife, Cindy, have built their lives together. A proud alumnus of the University of Central Florida, Ronnie holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration. He currently serves as the Communications and Technology Manager for the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners.

Ronnie and Cindy first met over two decades ago, lost contact for a time, and reconnected a few years ago. They were married at Bethany in October 2023. Together, they enjoy spending their free time watching movies, exploring new restaurants, and caring for their beloved animals.

Ronnie is pursuing his calling in ministry through the Specific Ministry Program (SMP) at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Music Director:

Timm Leikip is a native of Wisconsin and life-long Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod member. While a student and young-adult member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School in Sheboygan, Timm developed a passion and love of music, worship, theatre, public speaking, teaching, learning, and serving God. Professionally, Timm has been engaged in the financial services, real estate, hospitality, and volunteer sectors; all the while maintaining presence in worship and praise.

Timm earned a baccalaureate degree from Concordia University, Wisconsin in Business Communications & Management in 1991; he completed colloquy studies as a Director of Christian Outreach through Concordia University St. Paul in May 2024.  

Janet and Timm were introduced by mutual friends and married in 2000. Timm acquired severe allergies to snow and cold, forcing him to relocate to Florida in 2015. Janet grew tired of storing Timm's winter clothes and relocated to Florida in 2022 after retiring from a career in geriatric physical therapy at the Wisconsin Veteran's Home at King. Their spare time includes aviation, scrap booking, golf, and time together in Scripture.

Timm and Janet look forward to serving the members, friends, and neighbors of Bethany by encouraging all to make full use of their B.A.G. – blessings, attributes, and gifts – in worship, praise, and service to God in the Bethany community and the community at large. 

Organist:

Joan Klokis