Our Team

With a background in the Amish faith and Conservative Mennonite Church, Larry Miller loved and served God. At 29 years old, this husband and father started attending Kemp Church of Christ. It was there Larry and his wife, Martie, raised their family of three kids and opportunities to serve found him. He was involved with the youth group, assisted during church services, taught a Bible class, and served as a deacon. Later he began his service as an elder where he works alongside others in shepherding the congregation that meets at Kemp.

Robert Hemingway’s roots go deep in the Kemp Church of Christ. He was born and raised there. Robert went to Freed Hardeman College and Harding University graduating from both with Bible degrees. Robert returned to central Illinois where he farmed and raised three sons with his wife, Pam. For the past 46 years, Robert has been involved in the ministry. He preached at Findlay for 15 years, served as a substitute preacher for central IL congregations, led Bible classes, and is now splitting time preaching at Kemp.

Alex Swango, married to Erica Ried Swango, is one who loves to serve in the community and have fun. He graduated from Harding University with a degree in ministry. He has done many mission trips in the UK working within the school systems and with in the church youth ministry sharing the gospel. After living in Scotland for several years doing missions, he moved back to Arkansas to continue preaching. In 2014 he moved back to IL preaching for the Kemp Church. He continued to serve in the Arcola community coaching, substitute teaching, and serving on the rec board. In his free time he loves running around with his 3 boys, recording music and playing disc golf.

Jared Hemingway is a hard-working farmer, caring husband, and loving father. After his graduation from Freed-Hardeman University, Jared returned to central IL where he has led a quiet life serving others as needs arise. He strives to be a helpful neighbor and caring community member, willing to step in to do what needs to be done. Jared has been a life-long member at Kemp Church of Christ where he now serves as treasurer and does other “behind-the-scenes” acts of service (such as helping with building maintenance, working with the PA system wiring, and participation in church services).

Joel is a lifetime member of the Kemp Church of Christ. He was an active member in the Kemp youth group in his junior high and high school years while taking part in Illinois Christian Camp, church-sponsored mission trips, and other church activities.

He is a 2003 graduate of Oakland HS and was active in sports and other extra-curricular activities during his time there.

He is a 2007 graduate of Freed-Hardeman University. While a student at FHU, he was a Business Finance major and was involved in various social club activities. He was also a member of the inaugural Clayton Business Investment Team.

After graduation, Joel spent a short stint in banking before coming back to the Hemingway family farm operation where he has worked for the past 15 years with his father, Robert, and his brother, Jared. Joel has been active at the Kemp Church in leading singing during worship services and helping within other areas at the church.

Jon Titus attended Lakeland College. He later served in the United States Marine Corps. He is owner/operator of Titan Turbo service and also farms. He has been a member of the Church of Christ since 2007. He lives in Arcola with his wife, Katy and three children.

Lyle was baptized at the age of 16. After graduating from high school he took a course at the U of I sponsored by the Illinois Highway Department.

His first highway project was working on Interstate 80. From that job, he was co-owner and operator of a gas station in Tolono, IL. He married in 1964. About a year later an opportunity came up for him to farm in the Tuscola, IL area. Lyle and his brother farmed together for over 40 years. They also got into the drainage tile business. Lyle retired from farming in 2011.
His brother had retired a few years earlier. But they continued the tile work for a few more years. Lyle has served on the Douglas County Farm Bureau Board and as District Drainage Commissioner.

Lyle and his wife, Barb have 3 children and he is 'Papa' to 5 grandchildren. During his years at Kemp, Lyle has led the singing, assisted at the Lord's table, taught class, and is currently a deacon. He has helped with several projects, from adding to the church building, to trimming bushes or just changing light bulbs. He can always find something to do! At home, he enjoys tinkering in his workshop. He can take a piece of junk and turn it into something beautiful! Lyle is a man of many talents!

Jason grew up attending the Kemp Church of Christ. He went to Freed Hardeman University and Eastern Illinois University, where he majored in Educational Leadership and earned his MS in Education. Today Jason teaches Physical Education and Driver Ed and he also serves as the High School Dean at Heritage School District.

Jeremy Bennett works as a loan officer for Kentland Bank. He volunteers as the Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 50 in Villa Grove. He’s been married to Jamie since 2004 after they graduated from EIU. Our children are Jeryn who was baptized July 2017 and Jace who was baptized June 2023.