Staff

Mike Carlen Family Pastor \| Email	Mike has worked around Life Church for many years in several capacities, and, along with his wife Jean, assist with pastoral care duties. He works hard to ensure that everyone has a place to belong in Life Church. Mike also serves as the communication director for Life and wears many other hats as part of the pastoral staff. Before joining the staff, he traveled the world for eight years, utilizing his talents as a singer/evangelist. Mike and Jean have three children, Michael, Alexander (wife, Hilary), and Joy.



Michael Matney, CPA Controller/Administrator \| Email	Michael Matney is the Controller-Administrator at Life Church. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA with a Bachelor of Science Degree, major in Accounting. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has served as CFO for banking and commercial real estate companies. Michael is very enthusiastic about working with Life Church to promote excellence and efficiency as the church goes about the business aspects of ministry with professionalism and exemplary stewardship.



Jean Carlen Executive Assistant \| Email	Jean serves as Executive Assistant to Pastor Jim and also administrates the church calendar, coordinates schedules for the pastoral staff, and is the Hospitality Director for the church. She attended the University of Houston-Clear Lake and served as an educator for 22 years. She also works alongside her husband Mike who serves as Family Pastor.



Annie King Worship Leader \| Email	Andrea King was born and raised at Life Church. While beginning to sing at a very young age, it soon became clear her passion for music would continue to grow and flourish throughout her life. After graduating high school she attended Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis, IN, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music. While at IBC she traveled extensively with IBC Praise in nearly all 50 states and overseas. Andrea is a talented, anointed worship leader, choir director, songwriter and music teacher.



Mark Andrews The "Crash" Student Pastor \| Email	Mark Andrews became The "Crash" Pastor in 2008. Along with his wife, Latisha, they strive to teach the youth of Life how to have a genuine relationship with God.



Randy Casey, CPA Chief Financial Officer \| Email	Randy is a graduate of the University of Houston and the managing partner of Ashland Group, LP. Since 2002, he has served Life as chief financial officer.



Simeon Costa Life Studies Director \| Email	Simeon is new to Houston but is passionate about this city for the sake of the gospel. Born, raised and educated in California, Simeon created the Life Studies program with one goal in mind..."to reach those who are looking for a relationship with Christ". If you are interested in a Bible study or how to teach a Bible study, Simeon will spend the necessary time to share with you solid biblical principles that will help connect you to and develop a consistent walk with God.



Mary Medellin LLB Daycare Director \| Email	Mary enjoys working with children, and it shows. Her loving personality is well suited for her ministry as the director of Life's Little Blessings, our on-site day care center. For more information check out LLB's website. http://lifeslittleblessings.cc/



Donna Charlesworth Staff Accountant \| Email	Donna graduated with honors from Ferriday High School, Ferriday, LA, and then received a Bachelor in Religious Education from Texas Bible College in Houston, TX. She began teaching at Life Christian Academy where she remained for thirty-four years. Donna has also studied at San Jacinto College for two years in Pasadena, TX. She is currently Staff Accountant for Life Church, and recently became Life’s director of KIDS HOPE USA, a mentoring program to help at-risk students in elementary schools. She is married to the love of her life, Randy.

Volunteers

Gus & Holly Silguero Vida en Español Pastor \| Email	Gus Silguero has been at Life Church for over 20 years and as a soul-winner, teaching Bible studies has been a consistent part of his life. In 2002 he became the Pastor of Vida en Español and they are a rapidly, growing community of spirit-filled believers. He’s married to Holly and has two sons, Joseph and Daniel.



Franklin & Britani Moses For Life/Lifecore Director \| Email	Franklin and his wife, Britani, have been the "For Life" pastors for 4 years at Life. Both Franklin and Britani are administrators in local school districts. Franklin has a Masters in Educational Leadership, and Britani has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Franklin has served in church ministry for over 17 years. Their mission is to prepare, empower and encourage couples in the growth necessary for a healthy marriage.



David & Christi Deiss KidzLife Pastors \| Email	David Deiss and his wife Christi, have been involved with the KidzLife ministry at Life Church for many years. David became the KidzLife Pastor in 2007. His passion for children is unmistakable, and he is a true kid at heart. He finds great joy in helping children spiritually grow, develop and find their place in the Kingdom of God. Along with Christi and their amazing team of workers, he makes KidzLife the place to be on Sunday mornings!!



Jeff & Tami Gatewood Wildlife 6th Grade \| Email	Jeff Gatewood, along with his wife Tami, took on the responsibility of leading the WildLife group at Life Church, October 2011. WildLife is a place for 6th graders to find their place, not only at church, but in their ever changing environment; and The Gatewood's do an exceptional job in leading them. Jeff is still active military in the U.S. Army and knows the challenges our youth face.



Kenny & Lisa Pierce Journey (College & Career) \| Email	Marion and Marty McKnight and Kenny and Lisa Pierce have been active members of Life Church for over twenty years. As educators and business professionals, the McKnights and the Pierces enjoy sharing their experience and wisdom gained through serving God in the workplace and community with young professionals. Marion, Vice-President of Operations for a systems and design company, has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Marty, with a Master in Educational Leadership, is an assistant principal of an elementary school in Alvin. Kenny is Vice-President of a granite and marble company, and Lisa, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and English, teaches at a high school in Pearland. Both couples believe that Christians are called to serve God with, not only our hearts, souls, and minds, but also with all our abilities and talents. The McKnights and Pierces are committed to helping young adults find direction and purpose for their lives through developing a relationship with God.



Marion and Marty McKnight Journey (College & Career \| Email	Marion and Marty McKnight and Kenny and Lisa Pierce have been active members of Life Church for over twenty years. As educators and business professionals, the McKnights and the Pierces enjoy sharing their experience and wisdom gained through serving God in the workplace and community with young professionals. Marion, Vice-President of Operations for a systems and design company, has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Marty, with a Master in Educational Leadership, is an assistant principal of an elementary school in Alvin. Kenny is Vice-President of a granite and marble company, and Lisa, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and English, teaches at a high school in Pearland. Both couples believe that Christians are called to serve God with, not only our hearts, souls, and minds, but also with all our abilities and talents. The McKnights and Pierces are committed to helping young adults find direction and purpose for their lives through developing a relationship with God.



Doug & Melissa Moore Discover Life Director \| Email	Growing up in Life Church, Doug has been involved in various ministries his entire life. Doug, and his wife, Melissa, are now involved in teaching Discover Life classes, which help participants learn how they can Belong, Grow, Reach and Serve. They have 2 teenaged children, Brianna and Chandler. Discover Life Coordinator \| Information



Jeff Cross Lead Usher \| Email	Jeff Cross began attending Life during his Junior & Senior years as a student at Life Christian Academy. A career move took him away for a season but he returned in 1999 with his wonderful wife, Lisa, and daughter, Arynn. Jeff’s career in the corporate world of Human Resources & Safety Coordination, and his passion to be involved and serve his church led him to the role as an Usher. Jeff assumed the role as Lead Usher in 2005 and along with his team of men have dedicated their lives as “ doorkeepers in the house of God.” Jeff and Lisa also coordinate our annual 4th of July Celebration and make sure that it is done with a bang!



Jay & Cindy Melton Celebrate Recovery Director \| Email	After living a life of challenges that involved alcoholism, Jay gave his life to Christ and has now been alcohol free for 24+ years. He has worked around Life Church in many volunteer capacities and for the last 5 years he helped direct an alcohol/chemical recovery program. In April 2011, he became the Director of Celebrate Recovery which helps people with their "hurts, habits and hang-ups". Along with his wife Cindy, they are passionate to help others in the community who struggle with these same challenges. Jay and Cindy have 2 beautiful daughters, Hannah and Bethany.



Christi Dhaemers Lil' Kidz Life Director \| Email	Christi truly enjoys working with children and it shows in her efforts. She loves working with the 2-5’s and believes that the love of Jesus should be put into their minds and hearts at a young age. Christi and her team make the children’s learning experience fun and exciting for all. She holds a degree in Christian Education and has been involved in children’s ministry on foreign fields and loves incorporating puppet ministry into Lil’ Kidz Life.\| Information



Wesley and Carla Swanson Deaf Ministry \| Email	Wesley is a licensed deaf minister who also works as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of Texas. He teaches the Deaf class here at Life, evangelizes and serves as the Central coordinator for Deaf ministry in the U.S. Wesley also teaches an annual Training Seminar for leaders of Deaf ministry who wish to enter ministry and leadership. Wesley has been involved in Deaf ministry since 1986. Carla is a sign language interpreter who is certified by the state of Texas and holds the court interpreter certificate as well as the level 3, and advanced certificates. She is also nationally certified holding the NIC. Carla interprets the services in sign language, teaches sign classes and has been involved in Deaf Ministry since 1982.

Gus & Holly Silguero Vida en Español Pastor \| Email	Gus Silguero has been at Life Church for over 20 years and as a soul-winner, teaching Bible studies has been a consistent part of his life. In 2002 he became the Pastor of Vida en Español and they are a rapidly, growing community of spirit-filled believers. He’s married to Holly and has two sons, Joseph and Daniel.



Franklin & Britani Moses For Life/Lifecore Director \| Email	Franklin and his wife, Britani, have been the "For Life" pastors for 4 years at Life. Both Franklin and Britani are administrators in local school districts. Franklin has a Masters in Educational Leadership, and Britani has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Franklin has served in church ministry for over 17 years. Their mission is to prepare, empower and encourage couples in the growth necessary for a healthy marriage.



David & Christi Deiss KidzLife Pastors \| Email	David Deiss and his wife Christi, have been involved with the KidzLife ministry at Life Church for many years. David became the KidzLife Pastor in 2007. His passion for children is unmistakable, and he is a true kid at heart. He finds great joy in helping children spiritually grow, develop and find their place in the Kingdom of God. Along with Christi and their amazing team of workers, he makes KidzLife the place to be on Sunday mornings!!



Jeff & Tami Gatewood Wildlife 6th Grade \| Email	Jeff Gatewood, along with his wife Tami, took on the responsibility of leading the WildLife group at Life Church, October 2011. WildLife is a place for 6th graders to find their place, not only at church, but in their ever changing environment; and The Gatewood's do an exceptional job in leading them. Jeff is still active military in the U.S. Army and knows the challenges our youth face.



Kenny & Lisa Pierce Journey (College & Career) \| Email	Marion and Marty McKnight and Kenny and Lisa Pierce have been active members of Life Church for over twenty years. As educators and business professionals, the McKnights and the Pierces enjoy sharing their experience and wisdom gained through serving God in the workplace and community with young professionals. Marion, Vice-President of Operations for a systems and design company, has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Marty, with a Master in Educational Leadership, is an assistant principal of an elementary school in Alvin. Kenny is Vice-President of a granite and marble company, and Lisa, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and English, teaches at a high school in Pearland. Both couples believe that Christians are called to serve God with, not only our hearts, souls, and minds, but also with all our abilities and talents. The McKnights and Pierces are committed to helping young adults find direction and purpose for their lives through developing a relationship with God.



Marion and Marty McKnight Journey (College & Career \| Email	Marion and Marty McKnight and Kenny and Lisa Pierce have been active members of Life Church for over twenty years. As educators and business professionals, the McKnights and the Pierces enjoy sharing their experience and wisdom gained through serving God in the workplace and community with young professionals. Marion, Vice-President of Operations for a systems and design company, has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Marty, with a Master in Educational Leadership, is an assistant principal of an elementary school in Alvin. Kenny is Vice-President of a granite and marble company, and Lisa, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and English, teaches at a high school in Pearland. Both couples believe that Christians are called to serve God with, not only our hearts, souls, and minds, but also with all our abilities and talents. The McKnights and Pierces are committed to helping young adults find direction and purpose for their lives through developing a relationship with God.



Doug & Melissa Moore Discover Life Director \| Email	Growing up in Life Church, Doug has been involved in various ministries his entire life. Doug, and his wife, Melissa, are now involved in teaching Discover Life classes, which help participants learn how they can Belong, Grow, Reach and Serve. They have 2 teenaged children, Brianna and Chandler. Discover Life Coordinator \| Information



Jeff Cross Lead Usher \| Email	Jeff Cross began attending Life during his Junior & Senior years as a student at Life Christian Academy. A career move took him away for a season but he returned in 1999 with his wonderful wife, Lisa, and daughter, Arynn. Jeff’s career in the corporate world of Human Resources & Safety Coordination, and his passion to be involved and serve his church led him to the role as an Usher. Jeff assumed the role as Lead Usher in 2005 and along with his team of men have dedicated their lives as “ doorkeepers in the house of God.” Jeff and Lisa also coordinate our annual 4th of July Celebration and make sure that it is done with a bang!



Jay & Cindy Melton Celebrate Recovery Director \| Email	After living a life of challenges that involved alcoholism, Jay gave his life to Christ and has now been alcohol free for 24+ years. He has worked around Life Church in many volunteer capacities and for the last 5 years he helped direct an alcohol/chemical recovery program. In April 2011, he became the Director of Celebrate Recovery which helps people with their "hurts, habits and hang-ups". Along with his wife Cindy, they are passionate to help others in the community who struggle with these same challenges. Jay and Cindy have 2 beautiful daughters, Hannah and Bethany.



Christi Dhaemers Lil' Kidz Life Director \| Email	Christi truly enjoys working with children and it shows in her efforts. She loves working with the 2-5’s and believes that the love of Jesus should be put into their minds and hearts at a young age. Christi and her team make the children’s learning experience fun and exciting for all. She holds a degree in Christian Education and has been involved in children’s ministry on foreign fields and loves incorporating puppet ministry into Lil’ Kidz Life.\| Information



Wesley and Carla Swanson Deaf Ministry \| Email	Wesley is a licensed deaf minister who also works as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state of Texas. He teaches the Deaf class here at Life, evangelizes and serves as the Central coordinator for Deaf ministry in the U.S. Wesley also teaches an annual Training Seminar for leaders of Deaf ministry who wish to enter ministry and leadership. Wesley has been involved in Deaf ministry since 1986. Carla is a sign language interpreter who is certified by the state of Texas and holds the court interpreter certificate as well as the level 3, and advanced certificates. She is also nationally certified holding the NIC. Carla interprets the services in sign language, teaches sign classes and has been involved in Deaf Ministry since 1982.

Staff

Mike Carlen

Michael Matney, CPA

Jean Carlen

Annie King

Mark Andrews

Randy Casey, CPA

Simeon Costa

Mary Medellin

Donna Charlesworth

Volunteers

Gus & Holly Silguero

Franklin & Britani Moses

David & Christi Deiss

Jeff & Tami Gatewood

Kenny & Lisa Pierce

Marion and Marty McKnight

Doug & Melissa Moore

Jeff Cross

Jay & Cindy Melton

Christi Dhaemers

Wesley and Carla Swanson