Hannah Abbe
Youth Associate
Where I grew up:
Waco, Texas
Education:
Currently pursuing a B.S. in FCS in Child and Family Studies
Why Harris Creek?
I was immediately attracted to Harris Creek’s loving and genuine community. It is very evident that this church is actively seeking the welfare of the city and pursuing Christ daily.
Favorite Books:
Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion series, Radical, every Nicholas Sparks book
Favorite Music:
Phil Wickham, The Civil Wars, Needtobreathe, Shane & Shane, David Crowder Band, Carrie Underwood
Favorite Movies:
The Lion King (get’s me every time) and It Takes Two (yes, this is a Mary-Kate and Ashley movie)
Something I've always wanted to do:
Climb Kilimanjaro! And be able to sing like Carrie Underwood.
Follow Hannah on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/HannahNAbbe
Email:
Landon Collins
Youth Minister
Where I grew up:
Ogbomosho, Nigeria and Mt. Washington, KY
Education:
Bachelors in Communication Studies from Christopher Newport University. Currently pursuing MDIV from Truett Seminary.
Spouse:
Erin Collins
Kids:
Two dogs, Bama and Penny
Why Harris Creek?
I love being a part of what God is doing in this community of faith.
Favorite Music:
Can I put Mike and Mike in the morning on ESPN Radio?
Strange Hobby:
Checking weather.com repeatedly throughout the day.
Favorite Movie(s):
Pretty much any (cartoon) Disney movie.
Follow Landon on twitter!
http://twitter.com/landonkcollins
Email:
Erica Ellis
Administrative Assistant to the Lead Teaching Pastor
Where I grew up:
Phoenix, Arizona
Education:
B.A. in Communications from the University of Arizona- Wildcat for Life
Why Harris Creek?
My husband and I searched for a church home when we moved to Waco, but nothing made us feel more at home than Harris Creek. We love the sense of family and community we experience through life groups, even while we are 1000 miles from home!
Favorite Books:
I’m not exactly a “reader…”
Favorite Music:
Paramore, The Fray, The Rocket Summer, SafetySuit, Telescope, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, The Band Perry
Favorite Movies:
All The President’s Men – I love the Watergate scandal!
Most interesting thing you may not know about me: I obsess over reading the back of new bottled bathroom products: shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, makeup, cleaners, you name it!
Most interesting thing you may not know about me: I missed out on seeing all the “classic” movies of the 90s when I was a kid. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Dumb & Dumber, Edward Scissorhands, anything with Adam Sandler, Jurassic Park, Batman, Pretty Woman, etc. If you’re quoting it, chances are I haven’t seen it.
Life Goal:
Learn how to play piano
Emily Gist
Children's Minister
Where I grew up:
Houston, TX
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Baylor. MDIV from Truett Seminary.
Spouse:
Michael Gist
Children:
Titus John (9/6/11)
Why Harris Creek?
We were actually members here before I was asked to join the staff. We found community and authentic relationships here at key times in our lives, and it's been exciting to see how God has used this church to grow our love and passion for others.
Favorite Music:
Shane and Shane, U2, Straight No Chaser, David Crowder Band
Best Restaurant(s) I've ever been to:
Taste of Texas in Houston, Fiamma Trattoria in Vegas, Serendipity3 in Vegas, Cafe Red Onion in Houston
Something I've always wanted to do:
Go to Culinary School.
Follow Emily on twitter!
Email:
Drew Greenway
Worship and Arts Pastor
Where I grew up:
Stuttgart, AR (The rice and duck capitol of the world...and no, I don't duck hunt.)
Education:
B.A. in Music from Ouachita Baptist University, M.T.S. from Truett Seminary.
Spouse:
Paige Greenway
Kids:
Two dogs, one is a golden retriever named Bentley, the other is a border collie named Tucker. They shed a lot.
Why Harris Creek?
Harris Creek is where I would attend church even if I wasn't on staff here...I think that says a lot about this place. It is a unique community in that the people are ready for authentic living and worship and are so excited about serving in the city.
Favorite Music:
Too hard to choose! Things I'm listening to right now: Gungor, Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Sufjan Stevens, Phil Wickham, The Civil Wars
Most interesting thing you may not know about me:
I try not to touch anything in public bathrooms.
Favorite Movie(s):
Gladiator, Man on Fire, The Patriot, and Inception.
Follow Drew on twitter!
http://twitter.com/drewgreenway
Tumblr Page:
www.drewgreenwaymusic.tumblr.com
Email:
Rebecca Harris
Worship and Arts Associate
Where I grew up:
Garland, TX
Education:
Currently studying graphic design at Baylor.
Spouse:
Happily married to Ryan Gosling (from the notebook, duh.)
Why Harris Creek?
I love serving at Harris Creek because of the genuine people and community evident here. I appreciate the attitude the church congregation and other staff has towards servanthood and their desire to be obedient to God's calling for their own lives and that of Harris Creek and the surrounding community as well.
Favorite Music:
Robbie Seay Band, Ben Rector, Mumford and Sons, Hillsong
Something I've always wanted to do:
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Go Skydiving, Backpack around Europe
Favorite Movies:
The NEW Parent Trap, Remember the Titans, The Help (recently added)
Follow Rebecca on twitter!
http://twitter.com/RebeccaAHarris
Email:
Elise Haykin
Missions Associate
Where I grew up:
Pleasanton, CA
Education:
Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work from Baylor
Why Harris Creek?
I am passionate about the church's mission statement and am extremely appreciative of this community that has turned into a family.
Favorite Books:
Radical by David Platt and Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
Strange Hobby:
Making lists about anything and everything while laying in a hammock
Something I've always wanted to do:
Adopt
Email:
Brady Herbert
Lead Teaching Pastor
Where I grew up:
Borger, TX
Education:
Crockett Elementary School (Certificate of Completion) in 1993, Borger Middle School (nothing to show for it) in 1997, Borger High School (High School Diploma) in 2001, Baylor University (B.B.A in Human Resource Management and Real Estate) in 2005, and Truett Seminary (MDiv in Theology) in 2008.
Spouse:
Becca Herbert
Kids:
Camden Beck (8/3/11) and two French Bulldogs named Amos and Zoey
Why Harris Creek?
I love the mission and vision that the church has of seeking the welfare of the city. I also love the way people at Harris Creek are focused on living out that mission on a daily basis. I frequently say that Harris Creek is the "perfect" church for Becca and I because we truly believe it doesn’t get any better than this place. Needless to say, we are very blessed to be a part of this community.
Favorite Music:
Drew Greenway, Coldplay, Robbie Seay, The Killers, David Crowder Band, Ray Lamontagne, Phil Wickham, and Jay-Z.
Favorite Book(s):
The Bible (my favorite books are Ruth, Amos, James, Colossians, and Matthew), The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Bobos in Paradise by David Brooks, The Different Drum by M. Scott Peck, The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard, What Are People For? by Wendell Berry, The Humanity of God by Karl Barth, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection by John Wesley, Switch by Chip and Dan Heath, The Problem of Pain, The Weight of Glory, or anything by C.S. Lewis, and The Tipping Book, Outliers, or anything by Malcolm Gladwell.
Most interesting thing you may not know about me:
I ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain and actually got hit by a bull (and obviously lived to tell about it).
Follow Brady on twitter!
http://twitter.com/bradyherbert
Email:
Brian Horn
Lead Community Pastor
Where I grew up:
I grew up in Colleyville, TX, which is right between Dallas and Fort Worth but I feel like I am from Austin where my wife and I began our life and ministry together.
Education:
I graduated from Texas State with a degree in Business, I have a M.A.B.S from Dallas Theological Seminary, and I will graduate with my Doctorate this year. (After which time both my wife and Brady have promised to refer to me as Dr. Horn)
Spouse:
Wren Horn
Kids:
Braden (7/16/2008), Eli(8/11/2010), and another on the way due (10/23/2011)!
Why Harris Creek?
When my wife and I were looking for a church, we were looking for a place we could have lots of friends, have fun raising our kids, and make a difference in the community. We have found all of those things at Harris Creek!
Favorite Music:
When it comes to worship I am really connecting with, Desperation Band, Will Reagan, Jesus Culture, Brian Johnson and Josh Garrels. When it comes to live music I love Classical and Texas country, the best present I ever received was season tickets to the Austin Symphony. And, the best new artist I have heard lately is Ryan Bingham from Stephenville Texas.
Favorite Books:
The books of James, Hebrews, and Isaiah have all played huge roles in my life. Other transformative books have been (Leadership, Peacemaker, anything by Jim Collins, Blink, Sticky Teams, Elders and Leaders, Made to Stick, The Ascent of Money, (History) The Twelve Caesars, Hannibal the Great, 40 Ways to Look at Winston Churchill, Beethoven, Into Africa (about David Livingston) and Over the Edge of the World. (Literature) Anna Karenina, Aeneid, I Claudius. (Spiritual) Life Together, Spirit of the Disciplines, St Patrick of Ireland, and Bonheoffer. Have I mentioned I love to read?
Best Restaurant I've ever been to:
Easy!!! My wife’s home made cooking!
Email:
Galan Hughes
Discipleship Minister
Where I grew up:
Burleson, TX
Education:
- B.A. in Religion (Baylor University)
- Masters of Divinity (George W. Truett Theological Seminary)
Spouse:
Allison Hughes
Kids:
A West Highland Terrior named Truett.
Why Harris Creek?
Life. Two years ago, Allison and I began our marriage and looked for a local church community, and our first visit to a Life Group at Harris Creek offered immediate clarity to our church search. Our continued involvement with our Life Group and the life of the church has provided vitality to me personally and to our marriage. We serve a Living God and this church community is alive, thriving, and eager to share and give life to the city!
Favorite Music:
I don’t always listen to music, but when I do, I prefer David Crowder Band or Drew Greenway.
Favorite Books:
I’m always searching for a new favorite, so I’ll just offer the last five books I’ve read: The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas), Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art (Madeleine L’Engle), Orthodoxy (G.K. Chesterton), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (J.K. Rowling), College Men and Masculinities: Theory, Research, and Implications for Practice (Harper and Harris III).
Favorite Movie(s):
The Count of Monte Cristo, Christopher Nolan films, The War, Slumdog Millionaire, Little Rascals, ESPN 30 for 30 series
Best Restaurant(s) I've ever been to:
Capri (at the Barcelo Maya resort in Cancun)
Follow Galan on twitter!
http://twitter.com/galanhughes
Email:
Emma Hunter
College Associate
Where I grew up:
Tyler, Texas
Education:
Currently pursuing a B.A. in Spanish at Baylor.
Why Harris Creek?
Harris Creek was the very first church I visited in Waco. I appreciate that the staff is quick to plug people in and offer ways that they can serve in the congregation and community. This church body is filled with life, energy, and authenticity that makes me understand what true community looks like.
Favorite Books:
Harry Potter series, Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, and almost anything by Francine Rivers.
Favorite Music:
David Crowder Band, Gungor, Matt Wertz, Ben Rector, Caedmon's Call, Bon Iver, Ray LaMontagne, and Jon Foreman
Something I've always wanted to do:
Live in a Spanish speaking country, backpack through Europe, and own a lot of cats. (I realize that those probably cannot be done simultaneously.)
Follow Emma on twitter!
Email:
Kelly Merritt
Finance Director
Where I grew up:
Garland, TX
Education:
B.B.A in Accounting and Financial Service and Planning from Baylor.
Spouse:
Brent Merritt
Kids:
Haylee and Hayden (11/3/2006)
Why Harris Creek?
I love the mission of this church, to "seek the welfare of the city." I love being challenged by other believers who keep me accountable to my faith. I love Brady's desire to establish true, authentic community within our church body...because, let's be honest; we all could use a little support in this crazy world!
Strange Hobby:
Jigsaw puzzles
Something I've always wanted to do:
Take a trip to the Holy Land, skydive, kayak and go white water rafting.
Most interesting thing you may not know about me:
Kin to Mark Buehrle, pitcher for the WhiteSox.
Email:
Carol Underwood
Community Ministries Director
Where I grew up:
Mansfield, OH
Education:
B.A. in Business Administration from Taylor University.
Spouse:
Jim Underwood
Kids:
Travis, Tyler, and Tanner
Why Harris Creek?
Because people at Harris Creek love God and love others.
Best Restaurant I've ever been to:
Tum Nuk Thai in Largo, FL, or Sticky Fingers in Chattanooga, TN
Something I've always wanted to do:
Go parasailing.
Most interesting thing you may not know about me:
I can name the line-up of The Big Red Machine from the mid 70's.
Email:
Robin Zapotocky
Children's Associate
Where I grew up:
Mesquite, TX
Education:
Currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with Gifted and Talented Certification from Baylor.
Why Harris Creek?
I love Harris Creek’s passion to reach out to the community and spread the gospel locally as well as globally. It is encouraging to be part of a church that, as the people of God, take the biblical foundations we know to be true and apply them to extend God’s glory to all people.
Favorite Music:
The Civil Wars, Gungor, Phil Wickham, S. Carey, Tenth Avenue North, Steve Moakler, Justin Bieber (yes, I have “Bieber Fever”), Coldplay, OneRepublic, The Fray.
Favorite Books:
Radical by David Platt, The Holy Wild by Mark Buchanan, Passion and Purity by Elizabath Elliot, Living the Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney, Radiant by Marian Jordan, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.
Most interesting thing you may not know about me:
I’m a drummer!
Email:
