*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 ...
our team
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 ...
LEAD PASTOR
Neal vannatta
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.
Student Minister
Josh Harbison
Josh originates from the mountains of Tennessee. He and his wife Sarah were married in 2005, and shortly after Josh sensed God's call on his life to ministry. Since that time he has served in several ministry roles, most recently serving students in Ohio. In 2020, Josh joined Ridgecrest as our Minister to Students. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Religion from Liberty University and is currently finishing his Master's degree at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Josh is an avid Tennessee Volunteers fan (adding to our growing SEC staff rivalry)! If he has his way and time allows, you can also find him in a deer stand or a turkey blind. Josh and Sarah have three children- Lauren, Gabriel, and Chase.
Connections & Administration minister
Jake Lynch
Jake grew up in a small town in Kentucky. He is a graduate of Sullivan University (Associates of Business Admin. & Accounting), Boyce Bible College (B.S. in Christian Education) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.A.C.E.). Jake has served at churches in Kentucky and Indiana. In 2021, Jake was called to serve on staff at Ridgecrest as the Minister of Connections and Administration. Jake met and married his wife Alicia in 2006, while serving at a church in Kentucky. Jake and Alicia have two boys, Trindon and Aiden.
Children's Director Amy Garibaldi
We are excited to announce that we have hired a new Children's Director, Amy Garibaldi!
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