Joshua Brandt sensed a call to ministry the summer after ninth grade at a church camp in the hills of West Virginia. During a time of extended silence, while watching ants move through the grass, he distinctly heard Jesus ask, “Will you serve me with all of your life?” Joshua’s simple “yes” began a lifelong journey marked by faith, adventure, and deep joy in serving the Church.

Joshua met his wife, Laura, in July 1996 while serving as a youth director at a camp meeting in Northeast Ohio. Drawn together by handwritten letters, shared laughter, and a growing sense of calling, they were married in July 1997 and continue to serve in ministry together. Joshua and Laura are the proud parents of three daughters: Sarah, Olivia, and Sophia.

Joshua began his ministry as a youth pastor in Hartville, Ohio, in 1995 and has since pastored churches in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. He currently serves as Associate State Pastor for the Church of God in Michigan and chairs the Committee on Credentials. With over three decades of ministry experience, Joshua is deeply committed to developing healthy leaders and thriving churches. He believes every leader and every congregation deserves to be seen, known, and encouraged to live fully into God’s calling.

Joshua holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Literature from Malone College and a Master of Theological Studies from Anderson University School of Theology.

 Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt has been the State Pastor for Ohio Ministries of the Church of God since October of 2025. Prior to her call as State Pastor, she served as the Senior Pastor of the Teays Valley Church of God, in Scott Depot, West Virginia for 18 ½ years. Formerly, she served for 12 years as the Associate Pastor of the Dayspring Church of God in Cincinnati, OH and as a Special Assignment Missionary for two years to the island of Cyprus. In addition, she is the author of the book, “Impact-That’ll Leave a Mark,” published by Warner Press in 2018. Dr. Pratt holds degrees from Anderson University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and the Institute for Worship Studies. She is married to Rev. Thom Pratt, an ordained Minister, Church Health Coach, and Realtor. The Pratts have two adult children, Hannah and Joshua. Hannah is a Children’s Pastor, and her husband, Jacob, works in IT in a hospital and is a Church Music Director. Joshua owns his own junk-removal business and is engaged to be married to his fiancé, Erin. Dr. Pratt enjoys traveling, attending concerts, UK basketball, and spending time with her family. Her life’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus who live to make more disciples.