Pastor Appreciation Month

Get to know our Pastors a little better.

Click on their picture to send an email of encouragement.

Leadership Staff

Jesús Avilés

Jesús Avilés

Student Pastor

  • Graduate of Barry University and Florida International University.
  • Married to Monica. Six children.
  • At Celebration since 2020. Joined the staff in 2022.
Doug Bedgood

Doug Bedgood

Pastor of Christian Living

  • Graduate of the University of West Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
  • Married to Jana. Two children, one daughter-in-law and one son-in-law.
  • At Celebration since 2008.
David Emmert

David Emmert

Lead Pastor

  • Graduate of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
  • Married to Pam. Two children, one son-in-law, and one daughter-in-law.
  • Served as a missionary for 10 years in Zambia and Ethiopia.
  • At Celebration since 2006.
Warren Halstrom

Warren Halstrom

Worship Pastor

  • Graduate of Western Washington University and the University of British Columbia.
  • Former international recording artist
  • Married to Shelly. Four children, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, and two grandsons
  • At Celebration since 2006
Tommy Hendricks

Tommy Hendricks

Family Pastor

  • Graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
  • Married to Jo. Seven children.
  • Served with the North American Mission Board.
  • At Celebration since 2006.
John Lizarazo

John Lizarazo

Pastor of Celebration en Español

  • Graduate of Rio Grande Bible College.
  • Married to Angie. Three children.
  • At Celebration since 2019.
Nate Mattox

Nate Mattox

Missions Pastor

  • Graduate of The Baptist College of Florida.
  • Married to Brittany. Four children.
  • At Celebration since 2024.
Juan Carlos Hernandez

Juan Carlos Hernandez

Associate Pastor of Celebration en Español

  • Graduate of Rio Grande Bible College, now pursuing his Masters from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
  • Married to Laura. They have one daughter.
  • At Celebration since 2025.