Husband to Krista (Bowers) since February 12, 1994. Father of four incredible kids: Isabelle, Isaac, Ireland and Israel. Serves as the Lead Pastor and also Executive Director of Mission Georgia Master's Commission School of Emerging Missional Leadership. He is a certified Church and Ministry Consultant and a much sought after speaker. He is better described as a "Life Coach" or "Spiritual Conversationalist." He loves movies, politics, and is fascinated with pop culture. His personal pursuit in life is to rediscover, redefine, rethink, re-imagine, and revolutionize "church" and what it means to be a Christian. That includes inviting and inspiring as many people as are willing to join the journey of becoming more like Christ -- the full Image of God. He devotes the vast majority of his time and energy into helping people connect to God and discover their greatest purpose (to reflect Christ) and fulfillment in life (living for others).
Jeff received his call to ministry while in college and began his pastoral life as a Youth & Music Pastor in 1990. Shortly thereafter, he met and married his wife, Donja. They have three beautiful girls, Taylor, Xandra, and Ashton, who enjoy serving alongside their parents in a life of ministry. Jeff has a passion for music, the arts, movies, riding his motorcycle, Moe's, and spending time with his family. Jeff has served in various roles throughout his church career. He currently serves as the Executive Pastor, overseeing the staff and administrative aspects of the church.
LaRon grew up in metro Atlanta. When he was 19 he felt God leading him to join the Mission Florida Master’s Commission program in Lakeland, Florida.Upon graduating from the program, LaRon was hired at Abundant Life Church of God as the Assistant Student Ministries Pastor & Multimedia Director. His personal vision statement: “Through my faith in Jesus Christ, who died for my sins, I will serve, inspire, train, and educate the youth of America in churches and schools.”LaRon longs to see the youth grow to understand that there is more to life than just the here and now; life is short but eternity is so much longer.LaRon loves to be outdoors and is a huge UGA and Braves fan.
Krista had her first real experience with God at the age of 17, and her passion to live for Christ was ignited. She has been married to her husband, Patrick, since February 12, 1994, and they have four amazing children: Isabelle, Isaac, Ireland, and Israel. Krista’s roles have changed over the years with each new stage of life. For a while, she felt “out of touch” when her main focus was raising her children. She felt left behind until she realized that the most precious gift that God had given her had become her purpose! Krista began volunteering in Children’s Ministry at The Bridge in January 2010, and her intentions were to simply help facilitate changes; she never imagined that God would stir up something more. Krista not only has a heart for the program but for the children as well; she wants every child to realize their worth in God, and she wants to see the entire family inspired by what God can do in the lives of these little ones. Krista has said, “With God’s help and with the help of all of the parents, we can help lead these children to amazing places with God!”
JJ Chiara, Mission Georgia Master's Commission Director (http://missiongeorgiamc.com/home)
J.J. married Jeanna Stephens in January of 2007. He is originally from the San Francisco bay area, where he grew up in a pastor's home, and is a graduate of LeeUniversity and the Church of God Theological Seminary. J.J.'s vision is to raise up disciples who will love God, love people, and serve the world. His heart for the church causes him to continually ask what it means to be a follower of Jesus in today's culture, and he is passionate about helping college-age students discover their identity in Christ. In addition to church ministry, He has also been involved in video production and media for a number of years. J.J. is a loyal Giants baseball fan, and he loves movies, Apple, music, sports, and almost every dessert out there.
After graduating from Lee University, Jeanna went on to teach 4th grade for 3 years. She then completed her Master's degree in education in 2006. Jeanna serves as the Preschool Pastor at The Bridge where she oversees Wee World, the ministry for infants through kindergarten. Jeanna also works with her husband, JJ, as Mission Georgia Master's Commission directors.
Married to his best friend Brandi, and father of two (Raegan, Tanner), Joe grew up in Cleveland, Georgia. He received a call to ministry immediately upon the completion of his Ph.D. at The University of Southern Mississippi. Joe teaches Civics at the White County Ninth Grade Academy, and Social Studies/auxiliary administrator at the Habersham County Mountain Education Center High School. He currently serves as iCampus Pastor, developing relationships and discussing sermons and “next step” discipleship. Joe loves spending time with his wife and kids outside, reading, conversations over coffee, and playing the bagpipes. Joe’s vision is to help people find connections between life and faith, so that through Christ’s revolutionary grace we might do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly in a manner that is relevant in the 21st century.
John Chiara is a relevant communicator who teaches biblical truth with practical illustrations from real life. . He holds a B.S. in Biblical Education from Lee University and a Master of Divinity from Melodyland School of Theology.
Originally from New Jersey, he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ in 1969. In 1975 he married Jeannie and they have two sons, J.J. & James. J.J. is married to Jeanna and they have one daughter Ava and twins due in February.
John’s life as a professional drummer has taken him from the club scene to the concert hall to contemporary Christian music. His life in ministry over the years has taken him from New Jersey to Tennessee to California to North Carolina and now to Cleveland, Georgia. His passion is to preach, teach and reach people with the message of God’s love!
