PASTORAL STAFF
Jeff Peterson: Senior Pastor
Jeff Peterson was elected senior pastor of Central Assembly in April of 2010. Jeff is passionate about seeing life-change in people of all ages and backgrounds. He lives a lifestyle of worship, loves the Word of God, revels in the expansion of Kingdom work through missions, and believes authenticity and a missional-focus are keys to effectiveness for today’s Church.
Mike McCrary: Sr. Associate / Family Life
Pastor Mike is the young life and family ministries pastor at Central. Specifically, he works with the college through 40-something age group to facilitate new connections and healthy spiritual growth. He leads the New Community service that meets on Wednesday nights in the Multipurpose Hall. A veteran youth pastor, Pastor Mike also works closely to provide leadership to Fusion Student Ministries.
Tom Matrone: Worship Arts
Under the leadership of Pastor Tom, Central has the privilege to enjoy music from a wide range of sources: from treasured hymns of the church to the most recent choruses. Pastor Tom has traveled the nation doing seminars and conferences regarding worship, sacred music, choirs, and orchestra pieces and has recently been named national music director for the Assemblies of God.
Cheri Garton: Student Pastor
Pastor Cheri grew up in Ohio and moved to Springfield, Missouri to attend Evangel University. During her 3 years at Evangel, Pastor Cheri served in various areas of student ministries. Pastor Cheri became the Student Pastor or Fusion Student Ministries in August of 2010. Her heart is to see students become disciples of Christ and to encourage and equip them to be world changers.
Justin Kochs: Children’s Pastor
Pastor Justin grew up at Central, and as a result, has a unique perspective when it comes to the youngest members of our church family. A graduate of Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Pastor Justin oversees ministries for children ages birth to 5th grade. He has built relationships with local schools and coordinates after-school programs that are making a positive impact in our community. You can find Pastor Justin and his wife Camille in KidZone every Sunday.
Nik White: College Pastor
Nik recently joined the Central family as the college pastor after serving as a youth pastor for 6 years in his home state of Alabama. He is a graduate of Lee University where he pursued Psychology and Biblical Studies. Nik is passionate about developing deep and passionate followers of Christ and connecting college students to their purpose in life.
Don Tucker: Sr. Adults Pastor
Don and Deborah joined the Central pastoral staff in 2010 as the part time Sr. Adults Pastors. Don also continues to lead Africa AG Care, an effort to maximize the reach and effectiveness of compassion ministries throughout Greater Africa. Prior to these positions the Tuckers completed thirty-five years as missionaries, serving in Burkina Faso, West Africa from 1975 until 1989.
David Jayne: Pastoral Care/Community Pastor
David Jayne was appointed Pastoral Care/Community Pastor for Central Assembly in October of 2010. He is a graduate of Central Bible College and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. David believes that everyone deserves compassion. No matter the circumstances people are facing, we as the Body of Christ are responsible to respond with love and compassion. He also believes that we can no longer leave the atonement at the church. It is our mission, as followers of Christ, to take the message of Jesus Christ to all who will receive it.