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Staff Bios 

Sam Belisle ~ Senior Pastor
Pastor Sam has committed his life to serving, helping, and ministering to others.  He has been the Senior Pastor at Celebration since 1995.  Pastor Sam began his work in Youth ministry, and has been serving in full-time ministry since 1976.  Pastor Sam is an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God, Cleveland, TN.  He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Lee University and a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from the Master’s Graduate School of Divinity, an affiliate of Trinity University.  He is the father of two young adult children, Josh and Jennifer.  Pastor Sam’s greatest desire is to win the lost to Christ and encourage people to grow in their relationship with God.

Interesting facts about Pastor Sam:

• He is a native of Florida and likes having fun in the sun with the sand under his feet.
• His favorite food is Mexican which he eats every Wednesday and every other chance he can.
• He enjoys playing softball and traveling with Susan.

 

Ray Kilgore ~ Worship & Student Pastor
Pastor Ray joined our ministry team in 2011.  He has more than 20 years of experience in both music and student ministries and has served in small, medium, and large churches in Florida and Alabama.  He is accomplished in all facets of music and fine arts ministries, and has a special gift in working with young people.   Pastor Ray is an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God and is completing a Bachelor’s degree in Music through Lee University.  Pastor Ray’s wife, Stacy, is a gifted vocalist and also has a heart for mentoring young girls.  Pastor Ray and Stacy have a son, Justin, who lives in Florida, and their daughter, Hannah, attends Cave Spring High School.

Interesting facts about Ray:

• He is a native of Florida and is an avid Florida State Seminoles fan. Go Noles!
• He enjoys all types of outdoor sports especially golf, football, basketball, and running.
• He is a 4th generation Church of God minister following in the footsteps of his dad, grandfather, and great-grandmother.

 

Terry W. Kemp ~ Sr. Children’s Pastor
Terry has served as the Sr. Children’s Pastor at Celebration since 1998. He has been actively involved in Children’s Ministry for the past thirty years.  His experience includes directing Children’s Worship Services, conducting Vacation Bible Schools and Kid’s Crusades, organizing Community Outreach Events, conducting Ministry Training Courses, serving as Boys Ministries Leader, and volunteering as a Summer Camp Counselor.  Terry is a 1987 Graduate of Virginia Tech University, majoring in Architecture with a minor in History.  He is married to Tammy who is the Coordinator of the Children’s Music Ministry.  Tammy and Terry have two beautiful children, Zachary and Hannah.  

Interesting facts about Terry:

• He is a Professional Clown and Founder of ‘The Sonshine Company’ Children’s Ministry Team.
• He was awarded the “Shepherd’s Cup” Award in 2005 for excellence and lifetime achievement award in Children’s Ministry. 
• He enjoys coaching youth Basketball and Soccer.      

 

Stephanie Alderson ~ Jr. Children’s Pastor
Stephanie has attended Celebration Church since 2001 and has served as the Jr. Children’s Pastor since 2007.  She oversees the Little Lambs Nursery and Jr. Children’s Church – Celebration Station.  Stephanie has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Virginia Western Community College.  She loves children and has worked with them most of her life.  She believes that the world can be a better place a hundred years from now because she touched the lives of children.   Stephanie is happily married to Bill, and they have two beautiful children, Grant and Erika. 

Interesting  facts about Stephanie:

• She loves anything to do with Mickey Mouse and is a collector of Mickey Mouse memorabilia.
• She is a Tennessee Volunteers fan. GO VOLS!!
• Her favorite few:  Food – chocolate; color – purple; quote – “If God brings you to it, He can bring you through it.”             

 

Susan Belisle ~ Discipleship Pastor
Susan has served as the Discipleship Pastor at Celebration since 2004.  She also leads Women’s Ministries and supports our church in various administrative capacities.  Susan grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Lee University in Cleveland, TN where she received a Bachelor’s degree.  She later earned a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from The George Washington University.  Her professional work experience includes management, human resources, and training & development.  Susan’s passion is to help people identify their spiritual gifts, discover their life purpose, and achieve their God-given potential. 

Interesting facts about Susan:

• She likes sharing through speaking, teaching, and writing and hopes to publish a book some day.
• She has been singing and involved in church music since she was a child.
• She enjoys traveling with her husband, Sam.  Her favorite vacation was a trip to Israel. 

 

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