TRU Church Staff

The Tru church staff serves the church in rolls that help empower and equip followers of Jesus to carry out the mission of Jesus. 

Click below to learn more abou each person and their ministry

  • Dr. Art Matheny, Lead pastor

    Raised in a small farm town in Iowa, Art first became a follower of Jesus when he was nine years old. The town he grew up in had big front porches and no fences. He has pastored for nearly 25 years as a Youth Pastor, Lead Pastor/Church Planter, Revitalization Pastor, and Pastor of Discipleship.


    Email: art.matheny@tru.church

  • Nathan Talarico, Creative Arts Director

    Born and raised in a military family Nathan has lived several places including Ohio, Virginia, Alabama, and Kansas. Nathan grew up in the church and accepted Jesus into his life at 10 years old. Nathan attended Manhattan Christian College and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Worship and Pastoral Ministry in May 2020.


    Email: nathan.talarico@tru.church

  • Jackie Ware, Administrative Assistant

    The youngest of six siblings, Jackie grew up in a small Kansas town where everybody knows each other. She was raised in the First Baptist church and decided to commit her life to Jesus at the age of eight. It wasn’t until junior high, though, that her relationship with God grew into an intimate friendship.


    Email: jackie.ware@tru.church

  • Susan Janasek, Children's Director

    Born and raised in Bartlesville, OK before coming to Manhattan and to college at Manhattan Christian College in 2013. Graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Family and Counseling; and Bible and Leadership in 2017. Two weeks after graduation, married the love of her life, David Janasek. They met at Boy Scout Camp at a National Youth Leadership Training.


    Email: susan.janasek@tru.church

  • Stephen Caudill, Student Director

    Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, Stephen Caudill grew up as a triplet. Growing up within the presence of Church, Stephen surrendered his life in pursuit of God that led him into active Ministry. Thanks to a strong admiration of Ministry, Stephen now attends Manhattan Christian College in pursuit of a degree in Youth ministry and Spiritual Formation.


    Email: scaudill@mccks.edu

  • James Helton, Digital Engagement Pastor

    James grew up in the church and crossed the line of faith as a high school student.  He graduated in 2002 from Central Christian College of Kansas with a Bachelor's Degree in Ministry and was ordained in the Wesleyan Church in 2004.  James has served across Kansas and Nebraska as Youth, Worship, Lead, and Church Plant Pastor.  He and his wife Amber have been married 21 years and have 4 beautiful daughters


    Email: james@tru.church