our team

*Not pictured are the hundreds of church members who make excellent ministry happen each week. But, for what it's worth (and we think they're worth a lot!), this our staff ...

Neal VanNatta

Lead pastor

NEAL@RIDGECREST.ORG


Neal was born and raised in Florida. After high school he attended the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education. Neal met his wife, Laura, at UCF where they were married in 2004. Upon graduation, he studied at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he received a Master of Divinity with emphasis in Biblical Languages. After seminary, Neal served as a Youth Pastor at two churches in Georgia and Florida. And, in 2017, Ridgecrest called Neal to be our Lead Pastor.  Neal and Laura have four sons, Joshua, Gideon, Caleb, and Micah. 

Jennifer smith

Children’s Director & Administration


JENNIFER@RIDGECREST.ORG


Jennifer Smith and her son, Holden, became members of Ridgecrest in 2013. Since then, Jennifer has been a dedicated volunteer, contributing to various aspects of the children's ministry and other church activities. Her devotion to God and commitment to serving her community inspired her to pursue an Associate of Divinity Degree at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, with studies beginning in January 2023. In 2024, Ridgecrest officially called Jennifer to serve as the Administration and Children's Director. 

  • Bookkeeper

    Laura Connelly

    laurac@ridgecrest.org

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  • custodian

    Traci Shives

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  • Graphic Designer

    Monica Smith

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