Landon Collins
Youth Minister
Where I grew up:
Ogbomosho, Nigeria and Mt. Washington, KY
Education:
Bachelors in Communication Studies from Christopher Newport University, MDIV from Truett Seminary.
Spouse:
Erin Collins
Kids:
Liam Michael (9/24/12) and 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:
Hank DeHay
Youth Associate
Where I grew up:
Waco, Texas
Education:
Currently pursuing a BA in Communication Specialties and a minor in Religion.
Why Harris Creek?
I grew up in Waco and because of that I’m passionate about this city. It is Harris Creek’s passion and actions towards helping this city and being apart of the Waco community that brought me here and kept me here.
Favorite Books:
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harry Potter Series, Last of the Mohicans, Baseball Between the Numbers, and Encyclopedia Britannica.
Favorite Music:
Eli Young Band, James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, Ben Rector, Red Sox radiobroadcasts.
Favorite Movies:
I love movies, my favorites: Citizen Kane, Legends of the Fall, The Searchers, Goodwill Hunting, ESPN 30for30s, Batman Begins, and Moneyball.
Something I've always wanted to do:
Go to a Red Sox v Yankees series at Fenway, aka the dream.
Follow Hank on Twitter!
Email:
Erica Ellis
Executive Assistant to the Lead Pastor
Where I grew up:
Phoenix, AZ
Education:
Bachelor's in Communications from the University of Arizona (Wildcat for LIFE)
Spouse:
Karl Ellis
Kids:
Major (he's a mini goldendoodle)
Why Harris Creek?
My husband and I searched for a church 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 Music:
The Civil Wars; All Sons and Daughters; Paramore; The Fray; The Rocket Summer; SafetySuit; Telescope; John Mayer; Jason Aldean; Miranda Lambert; and the Band Perry
Most interesting thing you may not know about me:
I hate the taste of water; I avoid drinking it at all costs.
Life Goal:
Learn how to play piano
Follow Erica on twitter!
Email:
Christina Ferrero
Children's Programming Director
Where I grew up:
South Louisiana
Education:
BA in Biblical Studies, Central Bible College
Spouse:
Jeremy Ferrero
Children:
Jackson and Austin
Why Harris Creek?
After Jeremy and I married, we visited many churches in Waco looking for the right place for our family. We both felt overwhelmingly that Harris Creek was right for us. We enjoy the community we have found in Life Groups, and the mission to look outside of ourselves to reach those in our world. I'm very excited to be a part of this team and serve the wonderful people of Harris Creek!
Favorite Music:
Dave Barnes, The Fray, Kari Jobe, Jack Johnson, Lifehouse…this could go on and on
Something I've Always Wanted to Do:
Skydive, visit Italy in the fall, learn to sew
Most interesting thing you may not know about me:
I practice Yoga…emphasis on practice
Email:
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:
Jon Green
College Director
Where I grew up:
Bridgeport, Texas
Education:
B.A. in Communications from Baylor University. #sicem
Spouse:
On September 7, 2013 it will be Amanda Rutland. Until then, no one.
Why Harris Creek?
I first came to Harris Creek in the spring of my freshman year (January 2008) and never left for the next 3 ½ years. After two years on staff at another church, the opportunity to come back to Harris Creek was a dream come true. There’s always been something unique and special about what God’s doing at Harris Creek. The people are passionate about reaching the Waco community and beyond with the Gospel and I love getting to be a small part of it.
Favorite Music:
The Beatles, Randy Rogers Band, Coldplay, Matchbox Twenty, and any good 90s music.
Favorite Movies:
I’m a big documentary guy. Of those, I’d say A Small Act, King of Kong, and Searching for Sugar Man. And of course Wayne’s World and The Shawshank Redemption.
Favorite Books:
Too Small to Ignore by Wess Stafford, The Reason for God by Tim Keller, What the Dog Saw by Malcom Gladwell, Game Change by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin.
Strange Hobby:
I Wikipedia everything.
Follow Jon on twitter!
Email:
Drew Greenway
Worship and Arts Pastor
Where I grew up:
Stuttgart, AR (two words: back woods)
Education:
B.A. in Music from Ouachita Baptist University, M.T.S. from Truett Seminary.
Spouse:
Paige Greenway
Kids:
Noah Shepherd "Shep" (8/27/12), a Golden Retriever named Bentley and a Border Collie named Tucker.
Why Harris Creek?
Firstly, I don't know of another community that is quite like Harris Creek. The warmth and the welcoming way in which the Church invites people in is like no other! Secondly, I think that this body of believers is pursuing Christ in full force. I want to be a part of a place that is doing what it says it is...and I think Harris Creek really is seeking the welfare of the city.
Favorite Music:
Things I'm listening to right now: Matthew Perryman Jones, Fleet Foxes, Mumford and Sons, Paper Route, and All Sons and Daughters.
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, Nacho Libre, and Inception.
Follow Drew on twitter!
http://twitter.com/drewgreenway
Tumblr Page:
www.drewgreenwaymusic.tumblr.com
Email:
Rebecca Harris
Worship and Arts Director
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:
Gungor, NEEDTOBREATHE, Green River Ordinance, Robbie Seay Band, Ben Rector, Mumford and Sons, Hillsong
Something I've always wanted to do:
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Backpack around Europe
Favorite Movies:
The NEW Parent Trap, Remember the Titans
Follow Rebecca on twitter!
http://twitter.com/RebeccaAHarris
Email:
Brady Herbert
Lead 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 and Rebecca Harris; Coldplay; Robbie Seay; The Killers; David Crowder Band; Ray Lamontagne; Rend Collective Experiment; and Jay-Z
Favorite Books:
What Are People For? by Wendell Berry; The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer; Daring Greatly by Brené Brown; The Tipping Point, Outliers, or anything by Malcolm Gladwell; Switch by Chip and Dan Heath; God in Search of Man by Abraham Joshua Heschel; Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle; The Problem of Pain, The Weight of Glory, or anything by C.S. Lewis; A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller; In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen; The Different Drum by M. Scott Peck; So Beautiful by Leonard Sweet; The Crucified Life by A.W. Tozer; A Plain Account of Christian Perfection by John Wesley; and The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
Books of the Bible: Ruth, James, Amos, Colossians, and Matthew
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:
Galan Hughes
Community Pastor
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:
Christin Peel
Missions Pastor
Where I grew up:
Waco, TX
Education:
Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work from Baylor University
Spouse:
Joel Peel
Kids:
Hannah Kathryn (11/16/12) and a border collie named Charlie
Why Harris Creek:
Joel and I were searching for a church home that could offer sound biblical teaching, a sense of community, and an environment that our family could grow into. I still remember driving home from our first Sunday morning visit and feeling a sense of relief because we had finally found it: our home! It was so welcoming and inviting. That day, God was, and is still, very present within Harris Creek. Since joining Harris Creek, we have settled into a wonderful Life Group, found a community that will last a lifetime, made the decision to be baptized, and have seen God move in some very big ways!
Favorite Music:
David Crowder Band, Gungor, Rascal Flatts, Coldplay, JJ Heller, Phil Wickam, The Digital Age, Hillsong
Favorite Books:
Anything written by Tim Keller or A.W. Tozer, One Thousand Gifts, Unplanned, A Lineage of Grace, the book of Ruth, The Help, and Bloom.
Most interesting thing you may not know about me:
I have never eaten an olive and I never will! I love listening to audio books.
Life Goal:
Learn Spanish. And by "learn Spanish," I mean be able to write, speak, and understand the language.
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:
Austin Schneider
Administrative Assistant to the Executive Pastoral Team
Where I grew up:
Atlanta, GA
Education:
Bachelor's in English from Baylor University
Why Harris Creek?:
From the moment I walked in the door, I felt immediately welcomed and at home at Harris Creek. The teaching is so deeply rooted in Scripture that I always leave each service feeling challenged and encouraged. I love being part of a church body so committed to following after Jesus.
Favorite Music:
The Civil Wars, John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Ben Rector, Steve Moakler, Relient K, Aaron Keyes, Meredith Andrews, Sara Bareilles
Favorite Books:
The Ragamuffin Gospel, Harry Potter, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Mere Christianity, The Complete Sherlock Holmes
Most interesting thing(s) you may not know about me:
I own all 10 seasons of Friends and work quotes from the show into every possible conversation. I also can't go a day without a Diet Coke (seriously, it's a problem).
Follow Austin on twitter!
https://twitter.com/englishnerd621
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:
