Pastor Doug and his wife, Karen, founded Church on Fire after almost 20 years of working in youth ministry. In August of 1996, they moved from their position in Georgia to follow the calling from the Lord and planted a church in Harrison, Ohio. What started as a Bible study in a living room quickly grew into a passionate, excited congregation that moved through 14 different buildings. With faith + determination they purchased the church's 15th building- a 40,000 square foot grocery store that is now the current church facility!

Pastor Doug, Karen, their daughters Lisa + Niki and their families are all active members of Church on Fire, still passionately serving the congregation and community just as they have since the churches conception in 1996.

Born and raised on the West Side of Cincinnati, Matt and Samantha Clarke have been part of the Church on Fire family since 2015 and now serve as the Lead Pastors.

Their journey of faith is defined by simple obedience TO God, personal intimacy WITH God, and zealous passion FOR God. Their hearts echo the cry of the Moravian missionaries: “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.”

With a commitment to joy, Matt and Samantha shepherd the church with wisdom and an unwavering devotion to glorify God and build His Kingdom.

They were married in 2013 and are fiercely devoted to their greatest calling—raising their two beautiful daughters, Aria + Reyna, in the love of Christ.