MEET OUR TEAM
Pastors Josh and Julie Garner have been serving as Lead Pastors here at Encounter Church for 4 years. Their compassion for our community and love for people is evident by the tremendous impact they are making in the lives of people. The Garners reside here in Toccoa with their two sons Zeph and Japeth.
Josh & Julie Garner - Lead Pastor
Pastors Bradley and Elizabeth Collins have been a part of our community and church family for many years. They bring 20 years of family ministry experience and are dedicated to helping families encounter God in a life-changing way. The Collins reside here in Toccoa with their children Ricky and Alexis.
Bradley & Elizabeth Collins - Family Pastor
Pastors Jake and Courtney Russell have been here at Encounter Church for nearly four years. Thier commitment to excellence and an energetic approach to worship ministry aid in creating a dynamic worship experience. The Russells reside here in Toccoa and will soon welcome their first son, Blake.
Jake & Courtney Russell - Worship Pastor
Pastors Jason and Wendy Jones have been a part of the Encounter Church family for nearly a year now. In their new role as Student Ministry Pastors, they bring a love for young people, a sincere heart to follow God and years of ministry experience. The Jones family resides in Toccoa with their son, Jaron.
Jason & Wendy Jones - Student Pastor
Pastors Doug and Linda Moore serve our church and community as our Outreach Pastors. They bring 18 years of ministry experience as Lead and Associate Pastors. The Moores are originally from Minnesota and now reside in the Royston area.
Doug & Linda Moore - Outreach Pastor
Lorrie Valencia serves as our Head Office Administrator. Lorrie moved here from California almost 5 years ago. Lorrie's commitment to excellence and heart to help make her an indispensable asset to Encounter Church. Lorrie currently resides in Stephens County with her husband, Rudy.
Lorrie Valencia - Office Administrator
Angela Teasley serves as our Nursey Director. Her love for little ones is truly a unique gift. She and her team work diligently to ensure that even the littlest of lives encounter God. Angela resides here in Toccoa with her husband, MaHarris, and son, Tre.
Angela Teasley - Nursery Director
Derek Goodwin serves as the director of our Royal Ranger program and Royal Rangers for the Georgia District. Derek has a deep conviction for mentoring young men and making disciples of Christ. Derek currently resides in Habersham County with his wife Rebekah and daughter, Kadie.
Derek Goodwin - Royal Rangers
