Harvest Christian Center lives to love people, grow Christians, and multiply leaders.
We are a Bible-based, evangelistic, Spirit-empowered Church of Jesus followers.
We love our ministry leaders, and we're sure you will too. This group is highly grateful for the many gifted volunteers that make their ministry efforts more effective.
Lead Pastors, William and Lisa Strickland
Pastor William and Lisa have been happily married since 1991. They have three children; two are happily married, and one is still home. They provide resilient leadership for our senior ministry staff and servants council. Pastor William has a passion for communicating and has been active in spoken ministry since 1994. He brings a vast array of administrative and executive leadership experience to our church. Lisa’s responsibilities include office support for our Resource Center and pastoral care support. Through her amiable spirit, she provides a prayer covering and a confidential ear for our women and children. However, her biggest ministry just might be keeping Pastor William straight. They both maintain an active social media presence.
Care Pastor, Pastor John Whitaker
Pastor John is married to Beatrice (Bea) Whitaker, and they have seven daughters. He is a team member whose worth far exceeds our ability to appreciate. As a retired member of the U.S. Navy, John is always ready to report for duty. Pastor John serves as one of our guiding elders, oversees our pastoral care process, and provides guest follow-up. As a grace-filled servant, he actively demonstrates 2 Timothy 2:24-26. He is fond of jalapeno peppers and peanut brittle.
Worship Pastor, Pastor Derek Lewis
Pastor Derek Lewis is a committed member of our ministry team. Pastor Derek grew up in our youth group, and his gifts grew under the mentorship of our church leadership. Pastor Derek leads our Sunday morning worship band with smooth vocals as a gifted musician. All things related to worship music and the Sunday morning worship experience are under his oversight. Derek drives a big truck and loves to hang out. His wife, Morgan, loves kids and is an elementary school teacher.
Children’s Pastor, Pastor Brittany Monteleone
Pastor Brittany is one of the most caring people you will ever meet. Reared in the pastorate, she has thousands of hours of exposure to ministry. Immediately following high school, she attended Heritage Bible College from 2012 – 2014. From 2014 – 2015, Brittany attended Southern Crescent Technical College with an emphasis on child development. As she leads Harvest Kids with a sense of humor, she encourages children and their parents to follow Jesus. She also heads up Harvest1:27, our ministry to local foster care families. Brittany has been married to Jeremy Monteleone since November 2015. Jeremy is a gifted member of our Sunday morning worship band. The Monteleone’s are state-certified foster care parents.
Worship Leader, Associate Pastors Jerry and Debbie Fleming
Pastors Jerry and Debbie Fleming love being involved in Spirit-filled ministry together. Pastor Debbie leads our Wednesday worship team with positive energy. She's happiest with a microphone in her hand for a song or a sermon. Pastor Jerry always supports Debbie to be her best for Jesus. He is a powerful part of our prayer team on Sundays and Wednesdays. Jerry helps lead our Micah Men. He also has a flair for the dramatic when we need support for skits or sermon illustration. They're both apt to provide spoken ministry when called on. They're lifelong residents of Pensacola and love traveling to the mountains.
Connections Director, Robbie Hodge
Robbie is married to Wayne Hodge, and they have two adult children. She is an endearing soul with proficiency in administrative details. Her daily responsibilities include the handling of communications and finances. She helps oversee most of our volunteer teams with a great love for people. With a skill for juggling, she never runs out of tasks to accomplish. Most of the time, hers is the voice you’ll hear when you phone our Resource Center. She is the youngest of five daughters, and she thinks she is Elaine’s favorite child.
