Meet Our Team
Pastoral Team
Dr. Matt Shackelford
Lead Teaching Pastor
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Ashley and I have four children: Caleb, Selah, Phoebe, and Lydia. Together, we enjoy hiking, movies, and bonfire. Other hobbies of mine include reading, snowboarding, scuba diving, and playing piano and guitar.
I have served churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Southern California, and Ohio before coming to Collierville. My goal is to glorify God by shepherding well and preaching Christ-centered expositional messages that bring glory to God and joy to God’s people.
I have earned theological degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.), and I am currently working on a Ph.D. from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Justin Halverson
Pastor of Children and Families
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I was born and raised in Southern California. I originally went to school to teach High school math and science, but God had other plans. God gave me a heart for the church and teaching God’s Word to His people. After graduating from Talbot Seminary, I was a youth pastor for 7 years in California and then in Colorado. I am married to my best friend, Chloe, and together we have 1 daughter, Blakely. Chloe and I love board games and enjoying life with family and friends.
Derek McFarland
Pastor of Students
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I have an awesome family consisting of my wife Kendall, my daughter Maebry (3), and my son Gatlin (1). I graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2016 and am currently a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have been working with students, Jr. High-College, for 6 years now and absolutely love doing life with young people. I really enjoy watching TV, getting mad while playing disc golf, and sipping coffee.
Greg Sukert
Pastor of Evangelism and College
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I am so thankful to God for my salvation, my cherished wife, and the privilege to steward the gospel.
I am the co-founder of Anchored North, an evangelistic ministry reaching millions with captivating, honest, and shareable videos that explore humanity’s greatest need: redemption through Jesus. In addition to Anchored North, I serve as the Pastor of Evangelism and College Ministry at Central Church. I am currently studying for my Master of Divinity in Evangelism and Missions at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
I also run an Instagram account dedicated to guinea pigs. Check it out at @lovetheguinea.
Dr. Matthew Castro
Pastor of Adult Ministries
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I am married to Lisa Castro. We have three children, Maggie (8), Lincoln (6), Teddy (2). I was born and raised in Memphis, TN. I am a graduate of Collierville High School, Class of 2002 and the University of Tennessee and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I love all things British. I enjoy a good cup of coffee, a good book, and a beautiful autumn day. My family and I snow ski, disc golf, and cheer for the Vols on Saturdays.
John Andrew Clayton
Pastor of Missions and Young Marrieds
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Tim Clay
Church Administrator
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I joined the staff at Central in 1996. In 2020, I was pleased to take on the role of Church Administrator where I serve by partnering with Pastor Matt and the Elders to ensure the day to day operations of the church are running smoothly. I graduated from Crichton College and majored in Biblical Studies. When I’m not at the church you will find me spending time with my wife Allison and daughter Zoey.
Active Elders
Below is a list of our active elders. If you would like to contact them, please email elders@centralchurch.com.
Nominate Elders
If you would like to nominate an elder, please fill out both a nomination form and a spiritual maturity form for your nominee.
Matt Shackelford
Chris Allen
Kevin Buchanan
Elder Chairman
Heath Hudspeth
Andre Jones
Stan Peppenhorst
Wood Stevens
Tommy Whited
Gregorio Barnett
Elder Intern
Rich Ugarte
Elder Intern
Tim Clay
Elder Board Secretary
Our elders publish minutes from their meetings for Central members to read. If you have any questions about the minutes, please contact the elder board.
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What is an elder?
These leaders are known by three titles all seen in 1 Peter 5:1-2, each of which reveals a separate aspect of their function. They are first called “elders,” indicating they are to be godly leaders whose wisdom and maturity are respected by God’s people. They are also called “overseers,” indicating their responsibility for the oversight of the church’s resources and the guardian of its people. They are also called “shepherds,” which is also translated as “pastors,” indicating their role of caring for and leading the church.
We see that within the New Testament model of church organization, authority for leadership is not granted to just one individual pastor, nor is it given as democratic rule by the congregation. Instead, the Scripture states that authority for leadership is conducted by a plurality of leaders who are appointed by the church and accountable to God. Some of these elders fill church vocational roles, and are therefore commonly referred to by the title of “pastor.” Other elders fill non-vocational roles, and are therefore commonly referred to by the title of “elder.”
What are the biblical qualifications of an elder?
All elders and pastors shall be selected and held accountable to the standards of 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 20:27-32, and 1 Peter 5:1-3. All elders and pastors shall be in full accord with Central Church’s Constitution, Confession of Faith, and policies, as well as Central Church’s current Mission, Core Values, and Vision. Pastors additionally shall qualify for their positions according to giftedness and experience in the ministry position to be filled.
How are the elders structured?
The elders of Central consist of two groups: the Council of Elders and the Elder Board.
The Council of Elders consists of all elders of the church. The Elder Board consists of between seven to twelve elders from the council, the Lead Teaching Pastor, and the Executive Pastor.
What does an elder do at Central?
Generally speaking, the elders are given both the responsibility and authority to skillfully and lovingly lead the church, to teach church members through the accurate and insightful reading of the Bible, to care for church members through prayer and ministry, and to protect the church from harmful influences and beliefs.
The Council of Elders is the shepherding ministry of the church (1 Peter 5:1-4). The main role of the council is to promote the spiritual interests and unity of the church (Acts 6:1-6; Ephesians 4:1-3; 1 Peter 5:1-4). In addition, they select new elders to join the Council, select elders from the council to serve on the Elder Board, and they advise and support the Elder Board.
The Elder Board, in addition to their responsibilities as members of the Council of Elders, is ultimately responsible for the “oversight” of the church’s ministries and resources as prescribed in the New Testament (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). In particular, they are responsible for ensuring proper doctrine is taught in the church and enacting church discipline when necessary. Other responsibility include: to receive new members into the church; to ordain and install pastors, elders, and deacons; to oversee the service of the deacons; to oversee the Christian education of all age groups in the church; to approve offerings for special uses and church purposes; and to oversee the public worship of God.
Staff
Family Ministry
To contact our Kids and Family Ministry, please email kids@centralchurch.com.
Justin Halverson
Pastor of Children & Families
Suzanne Sizemore
Early Childhood Coordinator
Brenda Ryan
Elementary Coordinator
Student Ministry
To contact our Student Ministry, please email students@centralchurch.com.
Derek McFarland
Pastor of Students
Abby Stephenson
Girls Coordinator
Michael Caserta
Worship Leader
Hannah Ewing
Creative Coordinator
College Ministry
Greg Sukert
Pastor of College and Evangelism
Adult Ministries
Matthew Castro
Pastor of Adult Ministries
Ellen Olford
Director of Women’s and City Ministries
Carol Anderson
Women’s Ministry Administrative Assistant
Rosa Creed
Women’s Ministry Coordinator
Jo Ann Harris
Director of Senior Adults
Alicia Miehe
Senior Adults Administrative Assistant
Gus Schroeder
Director of Congregational Care
Dr. Jim Allman
Theology and Bible Teacher
Linda Price
Counselor
Angela Bath
Counselor
Missions Ministry
John Andrew Clayton
Pastor of Missions and Young Marrieds
Worship Arts
Dan Johnson
Technical Director
Jennifer Gonzales
Worship Coordinator
Administration & Finance
Tim Clay
Church Administrator
Rusty Artz
Accounting Manager
Martha Jennings
Payroll Administrator
Jennifer Summerall
Accounting Assistant
Jacke Perkins
Contributions and Accounts Payable Specialist
Tinsley Heston
Ministry Systems Coordinator
Sean Stark
Communications Director
Doris Donald
Executive Team Administrative Assistant
Facilities
Bubba Beloate
Events and Custodial Manager
Keith Mylum
Facilities Director
Keith Macon
Facility Support and Purchasing Assistant
Lourie Staton
Reception Desk Supervisor
Central Ministries
Deborah Pafford
Central Learning Center Director
Kevin Gordon
Central Learning Center Assistant Director
Teresa Morrison
Central Learning Center Business Administrator
Carlene Boldizar
Crosswalk Bookstore Manager
Heather Beatey
Parent’s Day Out Coordinator