Pastor Juan grew up in Florida before his calling to ministry led him to rest in North Carolina. He was, and is, passionate about all sports but soccer is at the core of his sports love, which he played all through college. He studied at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago where he received his Bachelor in Pastoral Studies with a minor in Bible and Theology. He was called to Christ Church in Hickory where he now lives with his wife Andrea and their two children “the twins”.

He enjoys the home he and his wife have created in this extended community and embraces it as theirs. Catawba, Iredell, and Alexander Counties have grown to hold a special place in his heart. Pastor Juan is thrilled to get to serve the amazing people within this region of North Carolina.

Jacob grew up as a military child moving all over the globe. While moving with his Christian parents and brother, Jacob was always involved in exploring new territory, joining activities in his local church, and playing sports like football, baseball, and basketball. At the age of 17, God showed him the way and Jacob committed his life to Jesus. Jacob always had aspirations of playing football in college and was recruited by Lenoir-Rhyne University where he played for 5 years.

 Between 17 and 19 years of age, God called Jacob to be a Mental Health Counselor and Student Pastor. In preparation, he proceeded to acquire his Bachelor's degree in Religious Development with a Minor in Psychology. He then pursued a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He has worked as a Counselor for three and a half years at Pediatric Advanced Therapy and continues to treat kids and families daily which he views as another avenue of ministry. This gives him the opportunity to serve the needs of hundreds of families in the Iredell County area. Jacob lives in Statesville and enjoys disc golf, gardening, and spending time with friends.  He is excited and honored to serve and shepherd the youth ministry at the Statesville Campus.

Nick grew up in Virginia, while Emily is a Hickory native and a graduate of St. Stephens High School.  They met at UNC Charlotte and have been married for the last 11 years with three kids.  Nick and Emily have been active in Life Groups and were previously Life Group Coordinators for the Northside campus.

Nick is a graduate of Elon University and the University of Louisville.  He has worked in college athletics for the last 16 years and currently works at CVCC.  He is a prodigal son that came back to faith in his late twenties, thanks to his mother’s prayers and discipleship from his future wife, Emily.  Since returning to the faith he has dived into growing in his relationship with God and the study of apologetics. He mostly enjoys hanging out with his family and sports.

After graduating from St. Stephens, Emily went to UNC Charlotte where she played Softball for the 49ers.  During her time she was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and majored in exercise science.  After graduating she pursued a nursing degree and currently works as a school nurse for the Catawba County Public Health office. Emily was saved when she was 9 years old and has been pursuing God ever since.  She has loved using Softball to witness to others, through playing on a mission trip to China, or coaching multiple travel and youth softball teams.

Nick and Emily are excited to serve in student ministry at the Northside Campus.  Their goal is to help students learn through their testimony and find answers in a safe place to the questions of life as a teen.  We want all our students to know that God has a plan for them and they are excited to explore this with them.