Our Staff & Team Leaders

Staff

Lead Pastor - Mike Pearson

lead pastor Mike is an ordained elder in the United
Methodist Church, but considers himself
to simply be a follower of Jesus Christ.
He is a graduate of Asbury Theological
Seminary, where he received his Master of
Divinity and Doctor of Divinity degrees.
Mike loves fishing, working with his hands,
spending time with his wife and daughter,
and just savoring a good cup of coffee with
friends, new or old. Don’t be surprised to
occasionally find him reading, writing, or
working on his teaching in one of the local
coffee shops. If you know a good coffee spot
to recommend, contact him
and let him know. Mike is an extrovert at
heart, and sees people around him as potential
new friends, so feel free to email him anytime.

Visitation Pastor - John Sanders

visitation pastor John is a retired local pastor who has a heart
for people. His ministry allows him to be the
presence of Christ to those who have become
shut-ins or relocated to local area nursing
homes. John is a true asset to this church and
always brings a smile and a positive thought.
When you don’t find John visiting in someone’s
home, look out in the field somewhere. You just
might find him on his tractor or hoeing in his garden.

Youth Pastor - Mike Johnson

visitation pastor Mike has a heart for teenagers and believes God
is going to use today's youth to do a mighty work
for His glory. He has a special place in his heart
for underprivileged children and children of divorce.
Mike still thinks like a teenager and has a passion
for teaching the Word of God to them. He is the Training
Manager for the Michelin Tire Plant and responsible for
coordinating all of the training in the plant. When Mike
is not at work or hanging out with youth, you might find
him on the golf course, on the beach, or watching college
football. He and his wife Patty have a mixed marriage -
one is an Alabama fan and the other is an Auburn fan.

Children's Pastor - Kim Nall

Children's pastor Kim’s heart for children comes out every time
she has the opportunity to impact the life of
a child. To Kim, children are her life. She
works as a Prevention SPecialist. During the
week she works with all sectors of the community
in Dale County to promote awareness and educate
all ages on the dangers of substance abuse. We
find activities and plan events to help keep
children and youth in a safe environment during
prom night or other events. She has a creative
spirit and the ability to get into the mind of
a child when it comes to preparing and presenting
biblical stories and lessons in a way that makes
a difference to children.

Worship Leader and Lead Musician - Jennifer Tompkins

Worship Leader Jennifer is a gifted musician whose love for music
goes beyond just being a hobby. She plays keyboard
/piano, acoustic & bass guitar, and lead vocals.
Jennifer is a licensed music therapist and serves
as a therapist in behavioral health counseling.
When you don’t see her helping people through her
work or leading people in worship, you just might
find her on stage directing or acting in the community
theater, or out mudding in her CJ-7 Jeep.

Nursery Ministry - India Pearson

Nursery Ministry India serves our nursery ministry and has a natural
gift at connecting with children. Even the shyest of
children warm up to her. India is a student at Troy
University, majoring in elementary special education.
When you don't see India caring for the children in
nursery or in classes at Troy, you just might find her
reading a new novel or hanging out with friends.

Church Administration - Mary Beth

Church Administration Mary Beth is the voice you hear when you
call the church office. She offers her gift
in the area of administration and brings an
array of office and legal experience that helps
make church administration more a ministry than
a mere job. When she is not in the office, she
and her husband are most likely supporting their
son at one of several different sporting events
throughout the year.

F.I.R.S.T. Ministry Team Lay Leaders

FIRST Team leaders are volunteer leaders who oversee the five core areas of ministry within the church. Each of the five areas of ministry are made up of various ministries that help fulfill and bring to fruition the core value that drives that area of ministry.

Fellowship - Mrs. Charm Russler

Fellowship Charm is a science teacher at Carver Middle
School and thrives at making science a fun
and interesting subject for her students.
The core value that drives her Fellowship
Team is that strong community life matters
to God.

Instruct - Dr. Jim Kinney

Instruct Jim is head of the math department at Wallace
State Community College in Dothan and is a
teacher at heart. The core value that drives
his Instruct Team is that spiritual and
relational health matter to God.

Reach - Jan Willis

Reach Mrs. Jan Willis is a quality manager at the
Michelin Tire Plant in Dothan. She has a unique
understanding of ancient Jewish culture and a
passion to share the Good News of Jesus Christ
with others. The core value that drives the
Reach Team is that lost and disconnected
people matter to God.

Serve - Dr. "Chief" Lassiter

Derve Chief is a physician who owns Southeast Family
Health Care in Midland City. He has unique
ability for bringing hope to the least of our
community in the many ways he gives himself
to serve others. The core value that drives
the Serve Team is that people want their lives
to matter and make a difference.

Thanksgiving - Mrs. Patti Walker

Thanksgiving Patti is a retired school teacher. She
taught art and gifted children. She has
a heart for creating a worship atmosphere
through art and décor, and the core value
that drives her Thanks Team is that God
inhabits the praises of his people.