Jerry has been part of the Evergreen staff since the very beginning in December of 1999. As an Elder and Lead Pastor, he currently oversees financial administration and construction management, playing a vital role in the day-to-day and long-term operations of the church. His call to ministry came in a powerful moment—on a flight to Vietnam, where he sensed God’s promise to keep him safe and use his life for a greater purpose. After returning home, Jerry married his wife, Linda, and they began serving in ministry together. He led Sunday School at Riverside Baptist and later at Woodland Acres Baptist, where he served as SS director for 17 years and was ordained as a Deacon. When Evergreen was just getting started, Michael invited him to join the staff, and Jerry was soon ordained as a pastor. He began as Discipleship Pastor, launching both Sunday School and AWANA, and eventually transitioned into his current administrative role. Jerry holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Southwest Missouri State and an Associate Degree from Southwest Baptist College. He and Linda have been married since 1971 and are blessed with one daughter, four granddaughters, and eleven great-grandchildren—all of whom are active in church. Jerry loves spending time with his family at their farm in Southwest Missouri, and finds great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.