Elders
elder board members
Brandon Hamer
Brandon Hamer and his wife Karmen have lived in Central City for the past 22 years and have attended Heartland since moving to Central City after college. Brandon grew up on a farm near Scotia and Karmen on a farm north of Holdrege. They met in college at UNL, have been married for 23 years, and have 4 children: Kordell, Bailey, Kortney, and Brielle. In addition to the time they enjoy with their kids and extended families, they enjoy the…
Zeke Pipher
Zeke Pipher has been the senior pastor at Heartland since 2005. He’s been married to Jamie since 1997 and together they have three children (Kate, Aidan, and Claire.) Zeke earned his Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology (2001) and his Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2005). Zeke is also an author and freelance outdoor writer. He recently published two books to give men & boys a vision of masculinity and equip older men to initiate boys…
Mark McHargue
Mark McHargue married his high school sweetheart Judi in 1986. They have four grown children. Their two oldest, Andrew and Jordan both are married and live in the area. They have blessed Mark and Judi with several grandchildren. Rachel is married as well and lives in Michigan. Charis, their youngest, has Angelman syndrome and still lives at home. Mark and his brother are fourth generation family farmers east of Central City. Along with farming, Mark is co-owner of McHargue Builders…
Scott Gamblin
Scott Gamblin grew up in Chapman Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Kearney with a degree in elementary education. Scott has been teaching third grade at Chapman Public School since 2006. He lives in Chapman with his wife Elizabeth and their two children Elijah and Amalia. His family’s favorite things are playing games, family movie nights, swimming, and hiking in the small treeline at the back of their house. Scott enjoys playing board games, camping, scuba diving, and watching—as…
Tyson Ratliff
Tyson Ratliff is a native of Central City and attended Nebraska Christian High School where he met his high school sweetheart. He proposed six months after graduation, and they were married in 2007. Tyson graduated from Motorcycle Mechanic Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, and is now self-employed in the powersports industry while working from home. Sarah homeschools their three children and the kids enjoy visiting their dad in the shop or playing on their acreage south of Central City. Tyson has…