Leadership Staff
Jesús Avilés
Student Ministry Director
- Graduate of Barry University and Florida International University.
- Married to Monica. Six children.
- At Celebration since 2020. Joined the staff in 2022.
Doug Bedgood
Pastor of Christian Living
- Graduate of the University of West Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
- Married to Jana. Two children, one daughter-in-law and one son-in-law.
- At Celebration since 2008.
Scott Carter
Mission Pastor
- Graduate of Samford University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary
- Married to Crystal. 5 children.
- Served as a missionary with the International Mission Board for 18 years.
- At Celebration since September 2020.
David Emmert
Lead Pastor
- Graduate of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
- Married to Pam. Two children, one son-in-law, and one daughter-in-law.
- Served as missionary for 10 years in Zambia and Ethiopia.
- At Celebration since 2006.
Warren Halstrom
Worship Pastor
- Graduate of Western Washington University and the University of British Columbia.
- Former international recording artist
- Married to Shelly. Four children, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, and two grandsons
- At Celebration since 2006
Tommy Hendricks
Family Pastor
- Graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
- Married to Jo. Seven children.
- Served with the North American Mission Board.
- At Celebration since 2006.
John Lizarazo
Pastor of Celebration en Español
- Graduate of Rio Grande Bible College.
- Married to Angie. Three children.
- At Celebration since 2019.
Natalie Thomas
Business Administrator
- Graduate of Florida A&M University
- Married to Angus. Two children.
- At Celebration since 2007.
Meet the team.
Torie Bartee
Discipleship Assistant
Spencer Doster
Video Ministry Director
Danae Hadzima
Kinderschool Director
Landon Hardeman
Children's Ministry Director
Brittony Henderson
Human Resources
Jimmie Horne
Maintenance Team Leader
Brandon Kelley
Student Ministry Associate
JoAnn Kirkland
Lead Pastor's Assistant
Katrina McMillan
Communications
Jessica McNeil
Video Ministry Director
Lisa Merchant
Children's Ministry Assistant
Sherrie Miller
Preschool & Child Care Coordinator
Kerrick Norton
Maintenance Team
Kimberly Prutsman
Worship Volunteer Coordinator
Aydana Quiva
Administrative Assistant
Larry Reese
Accounts Payable
Barbara Sessions
Accounts Receivable
Melanie Stowers
Kinderschool Registrar
Emily Tretter
After School Director
Shannon Vaughan
Kinderschool Administrative Assistant
Dennis Walker
First Impressions Coordinator
Chari Wester
Connections Coordinator