Pastoral Staff
Mike Patz
- Lead Pastor
pastoralteam@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 10
Born in Ohio and raised in St. Petersburg, Mike's life took a dramatic turn in August of 1990 as a freshman at the University of Florida. It was at that time that he connected with God, began his faith journey, and got involved with First Assembly. He eventually felt the call of God into full-time ministry and served as Youth Pastor until 2000. He is married to Ruth Patz (born and raised in Puerto Rico) and they have seven children. Amazed with God's love, their passion is to deeply know and pursue God, while helping others to do the same.
Matt Ulrich
- Microchurch Pastor
mulrich@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 12
Matt was born and raised in Vero Beach, FL. Not coming from a Christian home or background, he met Jesus through an elderly woman in a Savannah ghetto in 1999. Since then, he has been trying to follow Jesus while avoiding the snares of Christendom. He graduated from UF with a degree in World Religions and also attended Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA. After returning from Fuller, Matt got plugged into First Assembly and joined the staff in January of 2008. He is married to his more beautiful half, Tracy.
Robbie Johnson
- Youth Pastor
rjohnson@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 14
Robbie was born and raised in Mayo, FL. He came to Gainesville in 1996 to go to school. In 1998 Robbie was completely transformed by meeting Jesus in the Santa Fe Community College library when another student witnessed to him about God’s love. After finishing school at UF with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness, he entered First Assembly’s internship program for two years. Upon completion of the second year of this discipleship training program in June 2002, Robbie joined our staff as our youth pastor and now oversees all of our student ministries. Robbie is happily married to Amanda (a native of Daytona) and they have two children, Anna and Matthew.
Jason Dressel
- Children's Pastor
jdressel@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 20
Jason is our Children's Pastor, overseeing Baby Steps and One Way, First Assembly’s Preschool and Elementary Ministries. His life was completely changed in January 2002 when, while attending UF as a freshman, he was humbled by the grace of God. At that same time, he began attending First Assembly, where he has since "grown up" as a follower of Jesus. While finishing his Bachelor's degree in World Religions at UF, Jason completed three years' in the ministry internship at First Assembly. Jason leads One Way along with his wife, Katie, who works full-time as a home-school teacher and disciple-maker for their sons: Caleb, Elijah, Zachary, and Nathanael.
Steve Adams
- Minister of Music
sadams@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 16
Steve has 14 years experience as a Worship leader in North Central Florida. His musical style ranges from Gospel, Contemporary, Rock and Smooth Jazz. His influences in worship music are Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Tye Tribbett, Hillsong, Jesus Culture, Planet Shakers, etc. He is very passionate about being a disciple of Jesus, leading the body of Christ into true Worship and equipping and raising up Worship leaders. He came here in 2007 and oversees our Worship Arts Department. He is married to Sara. They have three children, Zoe, Noah and Micah.
Glenn Vellekamp
- Pastoral Counseling
gvellekamp@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 10
Pastor Glenn handles our pre-marital counseling, and provides personal pastoral care in times of crisis. He and his wife, Valerie are heavily involved in crisis counseling, hospital ministry, and discipleship. They are an indispensable part of our ministry team at First Assembly. They also own and operate the Outreach Thrift Store in Gainesville.
Jon Lash
- Outreach Pastor
jlash@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 27
Jon came from South Florida to attend school at UF, and after graduation and a year on the mission field, has decided to make Gainesville his home. Born and raised in a Messianic Jewish home, he has grown into a real disciple of Jesus. When not doing Outreach and discipling teenagers, you can often find him writing or performing music. Jon works at First Assembly helping to coordinate and oversee our outreach initiatives. He is head over heals, over the moon, to the stars, in love with his amazing wife Nancy.
Tom Brenneman
- Generations Pastor
tbrenneman@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 19
After retiring from a large computer company, Tom went into vocational ministry. He currently owns and operates “Tom’s Repair Service”. He is married to Martha and has 3 children, Susan, Tom and Paul as well as 8 grandchildren. He is currently leading our Generations Ministry in an effort to blend our generational divides.
Ryan Beacher
- Lincoln Campus Pastor and Microchurch Pastor
rbeacher@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 24
Ryan is a native of New Orleans, LA, and a graduate of the University of Florida ('05). He comes from a Christian home and a loving family. He has an evangelistic passion and heart to see all come to know Christ. Ryan is currently a graduate student at Asbury Theological Seminary working on a M.Div. Degree. Joining our staff in 2011, he serves as the pastoral presence for our Lincoln Campus. Starting in January 2012 he will be with us full time as our Lincoln Campus and Microchurch Pastor.
Administrative Staff
smartin@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 17
Sally Martin
- Director of Operations and Director of Missions
Sally joined our team in June 2007 and oversees the Management and Missions of First Assembly. Her husband Tom and her children Monica and John are true blessings in her life.
alivingston@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 21
Amber Livingston
- Facilities and Hospitality Director
Amber moved to Gainesville in 2007 from Port Saint Lucie, FL with her husband Chris and four children Ally, Erin, Megan and Jack. Amber joined the First Assembly team in August 2011. She oversees the facilities and hospitality ministries.
cgaines@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 28
Craig Gaines
- Technical Director
Craig comes to us from Clearwater, Florida. Originally from New York, he moved to Florida in 1999 to work for an international Christian television network. He has been involved in the video, television, and audiovisual production industries for over 22 years. Since rededicating his life to Jesus in 1989, Craig has committed his abilities, gifts, and talents to honor and glorify the Lord. Through various media outlets, his efforts have reached millions of people for the kingdom of God. Craig is passionate about loving and serving the Lord, his wife, Ruth, and their four beautiful children. Craig is excited about the new chapter God has orchestrated for he and his family at First Assembly of God. In his spare time, Craig enjoys spending time with his family, singing, and playing tennis.
eortiz@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 18
Elly Ortiz
- Ministry Assistant
Elly moved to Gainesville in 1988 from Puerto Rico with her husband Jose Ortiz and their two children Joselly and Hector. Elly came on staff at First Assembly in October 1999; and coordinates our Breakthrough weekends, an important part of the discipleship process at First Assembly.
admin@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 10
Betty Wilkinson
- Operations Assistant
Betty has been with First Assembly for 19 years and has enjoyed many roles during that time. Currently she is serving as Pastor Mike’s and Sally Martin's Secretary. She has three children, 5 grandchildren and has been married to her husband David for over 25 years.
sstrickland@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 25
Sherry Strickland
- Bookkeeper
Sherry is responsible for the bookkeeping for our church. She is available during the week from 8AM - 1PM.
twelch@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 15
Tracey Welch
- Receptionist
When you call in to the church during the week, it is Tracey's sweet and helpful voice that greets you. Tracey has been serving you and our church for over two years, and her passion is truly serving the community through providing the information that you need. Also a One Way Worker, Tracey is ridiculously happily married to her husband Tim, and has two children, TJ and Leah.
SCorvil@first-assembly.org
376-6992 ext. 24
Sara Corvil
- Youth Assistant
Sara came from Port Charlotte, FL to the University of Florida in 2005. In 2007, she felt God lead her and call her to youth ministry so she started volunteering with our youth group, SWEAT. After graduating from UF with a Bachelors in Advertising in 2009, she completed the Summer Ministry Internship at First Assembly. Sara is so passionate about young people coming to know and fall in love with Jesus.
Jillian Lewis
- Worship Arts Intern
Jillian recently graduated from UF in spring 2011. The Lord called Jillian to worship in December 2009 and since then she has been learning what it means to worship in Spirit and in Truth.
Troy Dinsdale
- Youth Intern
Troy was born and raised in Canada until God brought his family to Orlando in 2003. He came to Gainesville in 2007 and received his bachelors degree in animal biology from UF. He enjoys Italian food, playing basketball, ping pong, and working with his hands! He LOVES Jesus a whole lot and has a passion for helping students become passionate followers of Him!
Patrick McConn
- Worship Leader
Patrick is passionate about making real deal discples. He helps lead worship on Sundays at our main campus and currently is studying business at the University of Florida.
Sebastian Pazmino
- Outreach Intern
Sebastian Pazmino was born and raised in Ecuador, South America. On top of having a passion for Jesus, Sebastian also has a love for different languages, cultures and design. He loves cross-cultural ministry and at the moment, God has opened a door for him to be a missionary to Gainesville, Florida. He serves as a full time youth outreach intern, helping coordinate our outreach initiates in East Gainesville as well as coordinating One Way Children's ministry at our Lincoln Campus.
ryan.tyler.galloway@gmail.com
376-6992 ext.
Ryan Galloway
- Worship Leader
Ryan is a lover of God whose heart beats to see lives completely transformed by the revolutionary news of Jesus. Feeling a strong pull to fellow college students, he spends a considerable amount of time involved with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries on UF campus. Ryan is a passionate worshiper who operates from the conviction that every time of worship is an opportunity to glimpse God's glory. He leads at our Lincoln campus.
Renee Handtke
- Microchurch Coordinator
Renee’ is passionate about worship and discipleship. She has been ministering since 1990 and earned M. A. in Practical Theology at Regent University in 2004. She spent several years in Moscow, Russia as a missionary with her husband Phil and after returning to Florida in 1994 she continued to travel to numerous nations ministering the beauty of the Gospel message. She loves seeing people connected to God, each other, and serving in the kingdom. She has two daughters and three grandchildren.
Deacons
Dion Gray
- Deacon
Dion is a Gator football alumni and heads up our parking ministry. You will see him in the parking lot having fun every Sunday morning. He and his wife Lisa have two beautiful daughters, Melissa and Stephanie.
Tunde Akinyemi
- Deacon
Tunde was born and raised in Nigeria. He came to Gainesville in 2002 with his wife, Ike, and their two children, Bolu and Tomi. Tunde leads the African Families Microchurch at First Assembly.
Terry Brannan
- Deacon
Terry is a returning Deacon to our Board this year. A local business owner, Terry and his wife Margi, enjoy visiting with their grandchildren and leading their small groups.
Murray Brown
- Deacon
Murray and his wife Helen hail from Canada. Murray is a veterinarian employed by the University of Florida and also heads up a ministry with the juvenile detention agency. We are pleased to have Murray back on our Board.
David Lower
- Deacon
David is native to Gainesville and a physical therapist. Along with his wife Missi they are owners of Gainesville Physical Therapy & Wellness. David and Missi are the proud parents of Zachariah, Caleb, Luke, Arron, and Sarah. David looks forward to serving you.
David Klinger
- Deacon
David Klinger, wife Kimberly, Daughters Stephanie, Sarah and Kristen and Son-in-law Kyle. David covers the state of Florida for the NA Williams Co. Has a Micro-Church he and Kimberly lead Wednesdays at 7:00 PM in L-1, serves at the Juvenile Detention Center, and is on the Board of Feed My Sheep Ministry.
Nick Schmidt
- Deacon