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

Alex Beaman
Production Director

Nola Cason
Student Girl's Ministry Director

Yosmary Carrero
Missions 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

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

Melanie Stowers
Kinderschool Registrar

Emily Tretter
After School Director

Dennis Walker
First Impressions Coordinator

Chari Wester
Connections Coordinator