Heather started attending the church in 2019 and came on staff in 2023. She and her husband Tim have three kids: TJ, Samantha, and Chloe. Before moving to Sarasota, they lived in South Carolina and Connecticut. Heather's favorite part about this area is its spectacular sunsets, beaches, and people. She has moved 14 times, loves traveling, playing games, going to concerts and watching movies. Heather believes childhood reading is not complete without the Chronicles of Narnia and Where The Wild Things Are.

Justin started serving on staff in June of 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership from Grace Christian University. He served on staff as a Worship Pastor at his previous church in central Kentucky. He and his wife Natasha have three children: Madeline, Hannah, and Alex. His favorite parts of living in this area are hanging out with Scott Martin five days a week and getting to enjoy its beaches and restaurants with his family. Justin loves music, reading, and getting “absolutely yoked” at the gym.

Kim came on staff in 2018 and used to work as a Children’s Director at a church prior to arriving here. She has four children: Kelsey, Trevor, Karissa, and Trent. Kim has lived in Sarasota since she was two years old and loves its beaches and restaurants.

Jacob began attending the church in 2019 and came on staff in 2025 after returning from college. He married Natalie in April, 2026. Jacob was born and raised on the Manatee River and loves all things related to the water, including boating, fishing, and scuba diving.

Jenna started attending the church in 2023 and came on staff in 2026. She and her husband Tyler have three kids: Elias, Judah, and Rae Lynn. Jenna loves this area for its beaches and enjoys finding shells. She enjoys watching The Office, discussing biblical theology, and believes there is never a bad time for an iced coffee. Her favorite meal is a burger and fries. Jenna admits that she is very competitive and can be a sore loser at times.

Christine began attending the church in 2022 and came on staff in 2026. She and her husband Tom have three children: Jack, Tyler, and Gavin. Moving down here from Chicago, they have loved the sense of community in this area, as more people are intentional in wanting to create connections. Christine's family enjoys sunsets at the beach.

Rick came on staff in the summer of 2017. He holds an Associates of Arts in Religion and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Liberty University, as well as a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before relocating to Florida, he served as a pastor in Kentucky for five years. He and his wife Staci have three children. He loves the trails and parks in Lakewood Ranch and the shrimp tacos at Lucky Pelican. He also appreciates how multi-generational the community is, and how people come from so many different parts of the country. Prior to becoming a pastor, Rick started a tutoring company based in Louisville.

Michael came on staff in the summer of 2018. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. He has served in local church ministry for over 25 years in Florida. He and his wife Summer have three children: Autumn, Noah, and Payton. He appreciates the beautiful parks, beaches, and great restaurants this area offers, as well as the opportunities for family involvement through sports, leisure, and other hobbies. At his previous church, Michael played the role of Jesus for thirteen years in a passion play that reached 5,000 people a year. 

Vivian started attending the church in 2020 and came on staff in 2025. She is in school at the University of South Florida and also works at Little Ranchers Preschool. Vivian loves to travel, play pickleball, and take trips to Hobby Lobby. As a fan of arts and crafts, her job with preschoolers is just a cover for being able to finger paint all the time.

Scott started attending the church in 2014 and came on staff in 2021. He is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree through Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Scott is born and raised in Sarasota. His favorite part about this area is that is home to Dakin Dairy, and his favorite restaurant is Bob Evans.

Connie started as a teacher at Little Ranchers in 2011 and became its director in the summer of 2014. She started working in children’s ministry in southwest Florida in 2001. She and her husband Eric have three children: Eric, Lindsay, and Kari. One of Connie’s favorite parts of Sarasota is its great beaches.

Jenny began attending the church in 2025 and was baptized soon after, and came on staff in 2026. She and her husband Charles have four children: Joleisa, Julia, Juno, and Charlie. Jenny loves how Lakewood Ranch is a family-oriented community where people truly care about one another. Whether it's a beach day or being together at home, she cherishes quality time with her family. She loves small group Bible and theology studies, and journaling with her colorful pens. She claims to be a dill pickle fanatic, having tried many kinds and now orders by the gallon from Amazon.

Tim started attending the church in 2017 and came on staff in 2024. He is married to his wife, Abbie. Tim grew up in this area and loves its great parks and restaurants, with his favorite restaurant being Fresh Kitchen. He’s been playing basketball since he was 8 years old and enjoys having spiritual conversations with anyone who will listen.

Jeff came on staff in 2023. He attended the Sarasota College of Ministry and is a respite companion to several adults with disabilities in the community. Jeff loves to travel and evangelize wherever he goes.