Leaders & Staff

What is a Church Leader?

Being a leader in a church can be tough. They face expectations from everyone in the congregation—even unrealistic or misguided expectations. They live in glass houses. They face tough issues with the people they serve. They often have late nights. You can’t pay them enough to do what they do; but they do it—often without pay. Why? Because they love the church and its people. Character is important. It is important how our leaders interact with others. In business dealings, honesty and integrity are always present. When dealing with difficult people, they are patient, kind. They pray for those who give them a hard time.

That said, we also expect people to serve in the manner for which they are appointed. Leaders are intended to be servants, equippers, learners, inspirers, and visionaries. In many churches, the Preacher serves the role of the Pastor/Shepherd. Elders do what Deacons should do (like “making decisions”). And, Deacons are not sure what they are doing. The Bible tells us how God wants us to design our church leadership (Ephesians 4:11-12). Apostle means: “One sent”—like a missionary. Prophets: Proclaimers of the church’s interaction with its culture; vision caster. Evangelists: Preacher; soul winner by proclaiming the gospel. Pastors (Shepherds/ Elders/Bishops/Presbyters): Counselors; Caregivers; the church’s guardians. Deacons (Servants/Ministry Leaders): Making sure the “nuts and bolts” of ministry gets done. Teachers: Assisting others to discover and live God’s will.

We must do what it takes to build up the church. So, people should take care of each other. One does not have to have a title to do this. Just be a Christian. However, the main focus for each leader is the ministry in which they are appointed. Preachers/Ministers cast the vision and serve to bring the congregation toward maturity and a common direction. Shepherds provide pastoral care—getting into people’s lives and showing compassion. They also serve as the guardians of our faith community. Deacons are Servants who lead by example, inspiring others on their ministry team to serve.

Gary Payne

Gary has been serving as a shepherd for the North Broad family for almost five years. He has valued leadership experience as a church planter and as a chaplain. Gary's wisdom in these areas is immeasurably edifying for our congregation. He also serves as one of our three preaching ministers (we call all of our preaching ministers, "co-ministers").

Marty Hall

Marty is a long time member of our family. He has served here as a leader in many capacities in the past. For almost five years he has served as one of our four shepherds. Marty also serves as one of our worship leaders. His enthusiasm, "can do" attitude, and spirit is contagious!

Brad Jones

Brother Brad Jones has served roughly five years as a shepherd and has been committed to the North Broad Street family for many years. Brad is a hard worker and has one of the most humble hearts there are. Because of this, the congregation here values him and trusts him as one of their leaders.

Women's & Executive Minister

LeAnne Wooten

LeAnne serves in a variety of ways. She has been ministering in this compacity for North Broad several years. She maintains the church calendars and leader calendars, pays the expenses and salaries, monitors the budget, screens phone calls, screens benevolence requests, makes referrals, maintains a continuity book, integrates with the rest of the staff and leaders in our meetings, teaches many of the lady classes, counsels, publishes our bulletin, and plans several activities. We cannot put words to how much she does for our church family in her ministry!

Worship Ministry

Jason Simmons

Jason has been serving as a worship minister at North Broad for over 20 years. He doesn't see himself as a "song leader" but as a "worship leader." Song leaders just lead songs, but worship leaders guide the hearts and minds of the family into a dedicated environment of adoration and thankfulness towards God. If you join us, you can easily see the joy and the sincerity Jason brings as he shares his God-given talent with us all. Jason also works with our technology and trains our praise team!

Children's Minister

Rachel Eller

Rachel has been a member or closely connected with our church family for many years. In 2021, the leadership made her the part-time children's minister for those who are 5th grade and younger after seeing how talented and creative she is with that age group. Rachel has a son in that age group and she also works part-time for the Boaz city school system, so she has a natural talent and passion for giving children a safe and fun environment to learn about Jesus and be a part of His family. We are excited to see how God uses her in this important ministry!