Leadership

Leadership Staff

Jesús Avilés
Student Pastor

  • 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.

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 a 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.

Nate Mattox
Missions Pastor

  • Graduate of The Baptist College of Florida.
  • Married to Brittany. Four children.
  • At Celebration since 2024.

Natalie Thomas
Business Administrator

  • Graduate of Florida A&M University
  • Married to Angus. Two children.
  • At Celebration since 2007.

Meet the Team

Neomi Aviles
Children's Director

Yosmary Carrero
Missions Assistant

Nola Cason
Student Girl's Ministry Director

Ben Carringer
Worship Ministry Assistant

Rachel David
Discipleship Assistant

Kelly Dixon
CDM Accounts Receivable & 
Database Administrator

Spencer Doster
Video Ministry Director

Becky Hadley
Interim After School & Summer Camp Director

Brittony Henderson
Human Resources

Jimmie Horne
Maintenance Team Leader

Katrina McMillan
Communications

Jessica McNeil
Video Ministry Director

Sherrie Miller
Preschool & Child Care Coordinator

Kerrick Norton
Maintenance Team

Ray Petty
Accounts Payable

Ruth Petty
Kinderschool Director

Kimberly Prutsman
Sunday Morning Experience

Aydana Quiva
Children's Ministry Assistant

Melanie Stowers
Kinderschool Registrar

Chari Wester
Connections Coordinator