Our Staff
Darryl Bell, Pastor
Darryl has been interested in starting churches for a long time. He planted a church in Canton, Michigan, and another in Maple Grove, Minnesota, before starting The Promise. He went to seminary at Wheaton College Graduate School, near Chicago, and at Luther Theological Seminary, in St. Paul, MN. He earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul.
Darryl enjoys the outdoors, including hiking, canoeing, camping, and many other active outdoor pursuits. He likes gardening, playing basketball, and golf. He enjoys woodworking and runs a small handyman business on his days off.
He is married to his childhood sweetheart, Jackie, who has been an active partner in ministry since they started serving churches. They have two sons, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter.
Bryce Bell, Music Leader
Bryce began playing piano at age 5, and music has been a major part of his life ever since. He played trumpet, piano, and organ in high school, in symphonic, marching, and jazz bands. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music as a piano major, along with an emphasis in audio production.. He then moved to Nashville and was part of the contemporary Christian music scene. He has toured extensively, playing in venues worldwide. He has played with several groups including Grammy Award-winning Petra, with whom he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and with Rebecca St. James. He came to Columbus and began to lead music for The Promise in 2006.
Wendy Gadd, Children’s Ministry Leader
Wendy has been a part of The Promise since it began. She began her ministry with children as a teacher and then joined the group that oversaw children’s ministries. Today she oversees the children’s “Ed Hour” as well as coordinates the nursery. She continues to stay involved directly with the children in a teaching role as well. She is married to Kevin and is a mom (and step-mom).