Meet the Team


  • Lead Pastor

    I was born and raised in Southern California. Growing up, I spent a lot of time on my Grandpa’s calf ranch and friends and families’ dairy farms. My greatest joy was going to the beach and surfing. I grew up attending a Christian school and attending a Christian Reformed Church through high school. When I was 19, I felt the Lord inviting me to follow Him, and I gave my life to Jesus. I immediately jumped into ministry and found a new love for the church by serving in whatever capacity I could. Because of my passion for the gospel and the church, I wanted everyone I knew to experience this same love for Jesus and the church. Around 20, I really felt God was calling me into ministry. This led me to get my theology degree at California Baptist University. After I graduated, I went into full-time youth ministry.

    I married the love of my life, Charissa, on a beautiful sunny day in June 2004. Charissa grew up a “PK” (Pastors Kid) and has moved around to various places in the U.S. where her family was called into ministry. However, after she graduated from Dordt College, Charissa went to Southern California, where she began teaching in a Christian School. She attended a church there and was involved in the youth ministry and worship team. That is where she met the love of her life, Me. We now have two beautiful children. Micaiah is 14, and our daughter Kylie is 6.

    In October 2022, we moved to Iowa from Big Bear Lake, California, to follow God’s call to reach the harvest in Sergeant Bluff and surrounding areas.

  • Elevate Kids Director

    Paula grew up near Pisgah and went to school at West Harrison. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Morningside College and has been in education for over 20 years.

    In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and golfing.

    Now, she lives in Sloan with her husband, Scott; They have two (grown) children.

    Her favorite verse is: Phillipians 4:4-6, which reminds her to find joy in the Lord and be considerate in all that we do, praying about everything and thanking God for all He has done.

    She loves Elevate because of the people God has sent to make a difference in our community. The relationships being formed are so rewarding. She can't wait to see the impact the Sergeant Bluff campus will have for those who continue to join us and grow to know the love of Christ.


  • Worship Leader

    Chad grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. Chad gave his heart to Jesus at a young age and started developing a desire to be someday involved in music. He continued to feel a stirring in his heart toward worship and was excited when the Lord gave him the opportunity to begin leading worship during his college years. He married his best friend, Shelli, in 2000, and they have two children, Mikai and Maliha. As a family, they love serving the church. Chad has led worship at various churches in different seasons of his life. He loves being part of a team and believes a humble heart should be at the core of any worship leader, something he strives for consistently. He loves to see others worship God with a heart on fire for Him. God has given him the desire to help build a culture of worship that includes all generations.

    Chad is also a Husker fan(Go Big Red) and a Chiefs fan! He enjoys riding his motorcycle, hanging with his family, and cheering on his kids in their activities!


  • Youth Ministry Director/Worship Team Member

    Jason grew up in Zion, Illinois, and went to school at Waukegan Christian School. He grew up going to Lakeview Missionary Church, where he was very involved in church youth group. Jason came to know Christ as his personal Savior at a retreat when he was in middle school. God allowed him to go to Northwestern College, where he not only met his wife Heather but where Jason first felt called into full-time ministry. God has blessed Jason with six amazing children and daily opportunities to serve him in a lost and broken world.

    Jason’s favorite verse is: Romans 5:8 - “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse reveals that God meets us right where we are at, not after we've figured everything out.

    He is excited that Elevate is a church that seeks God and wants to reach all people.