Lead Pastor/Planter

For the last seven years, Sy has been the lead minister at College Heights Christian Church in Joplin, MO (and worked various other ministry positions since 2010). In that time, Sy gained a greater passion for church planting and helped others see the importance of church plants. Sy has served on multiple church plant management teams over the years. Sy loves his family (Monica and two daughters), the Dallas Cowboys, BBQ, and Lord of the Rings.

Involvement Minister 

Monica has her Bachelor Degree in youth ministry and has worked with churches since 18 years old. However, this is her first time on church staff since having kids

Monica married Sy in 2010. She has 2 sweet daughters.

Monica loves cheezits, pickleball, messy games, loud music blaring with the windows down, and anything outdoors.

Worship Director

Phil works full time at Immokalee Middle School. He has been a volunteer for helping lead worship for over 17 years. He married his wife, Lauren, in 2012. They have two precious daughters and a dog.

Phil loves golf, shooting, and game nights with friends.

Elementary Coordinator

JD has his Bachelor’s in Theology and is currently working on a Master’s in Strategic Leadership.

JD was an Associate Pastor of Families and Connection for 11 years in MO.

He married Heather in 2011. They adopted two kids in ‘15/‘16.

JD loves watching Chiefs football, playing video/board games, and reading the book before watching the movie. He signs his first and last name on every card.

Early Childhood Coordinator

Heather has her Bachelor’s degree in Children’s Ministry and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Counseling.She has been involved in Ministry for 12 years and started/ran a daycare in her last church for 3 years.

She’s been married to J.D since August 2011, has 2 kids, 2 dogs and a cat.

Heather loves spending time with family and friends, playing board games and soaking in the sun and waves!

Phil (Worship Minister) – Bro, with that flannel, you either just got off a tractor or finished a live acoustic set at a pumpkin patch. Worship leading or lumberjacking? We may never know.

Monica (Communications & Hospitality Pastor) – The only person who could kill you with kindness and then follow up with a perfectly formatted email about your funeral. Also, your hair is giving “Mermaid PR queen meets youth camp counselor.”

Heather (Early Childhood Director) – Rocking that bold blue like the preschool class just ran out of glitter glue and she will restore order with snacks and a smile. That dress says “Circle time? I am the circle.”

Sy (Lead Pastor/Church Planter) – This man preaches with a backwards hat like Jesus flipped tables in the temple and then dropped a TED Talk. Looks like he plants churches and wins cornhole tournaments.

JD (Kid/Youth Pastor) – I don’t know whether to ask you for a Bible verse or a slice of pizza at your TMNT-themed birthday party. That shirt screams, “I can rap VeggieTales and explain the Trinity using action figures.”

You guys are clearly the most fun team at any staff meeting. Probably too fun. HR’s watching.