As the Pastoral Staff of The Pentecostals of Peoria we have the responsibility to shepherd the flock of God as we lead in the spiritual development of our church. We take this responsibility very seriously and do it with joy. As spiritual leaders, we are responsible for the doctrine and accurate teaching of the Word of God, being led by the Spirit of God. If you have any doctrinal or spiritual questions, please contact one of us. We are glad to be of assistance in your daily walk with God.

Bishop came to Peoria in 1966 and began building the current church building in 1970. He faithfully served as the Pastor here for 40 years, along with the Mother of our church, his lovely wife, Alice. During this time Bishop served on numerous regional boards and as the Presbyter for our section. He currently serves as the Dean of Students at Christian Life College in Stockton, California and summers at home here in Peoria.

Pastor and his lovely wife, Shelly, have been blessed with three beautiful daughters. They and their children have been born and raised in Peoria; therefore, they have a great burden to see God’s vision for this community come to pass. Pastor served for better than 10 years as our youth pastor then as an Elder before taking over the pastorate of our assembly in 2005. His gentle spirit is combined with an unyielding adherence to the scriptures which provides a rock solid spiritual foundation for his preaching and shepherding of the congregation. Pastor’s passion for God, and the precepts of God, inspires us all to grow in Christ and shows us there is more to life than just physical existence.

Jonathan and his lovely wife, Carie, have faithfully served The Pentecostals of Peoria in a full-time capacity for nearly 20 years. Having served as the Principal of New Life Christian Academy for 17 years, Jonathan currently serves as our Business Administrator overseeing Ministry Leaders as well as the everyday business of the church. He also serves as Dean of Illinois College of Ministries, a satellite campus of Purpose Institute in Canton, OH. Working together, this couple continues to be a powerful ministry team with a strong passion for excellence.

The Lord has blessed Jason and his lovely wife, Jennifer, with three great sons. They have served at The Pentecostals of Peoria in various capacities over the years including roles as Sunday School Teachers and Members of the Youth Committee. He has also served as Sunday School Director, Premarital Counselor and Family Life Pastor. Jennifer is the music director and both are involved in playing instruments in worship. Their lives are a testimony to the fact that while a good marriage is never easy, it is the plan of God, and with hard work it can bring the fulfillment for each partner that God intended.

Elder Merricks has been married to the love of his life, Judy, for 35 years. Their children, Jeff and Anshirley, have added tremendous joy to their lives along with their two wonderful granddaughters. Elder Merricks has attended the POP for 36 years and Judy has been a member for 43 years. Over the years they have faithfully served the church in a variety of ministries. Currently, Elder Merricks is involved in our music department and also serves as an instructor at Illinois College of Ministry. He loves the Word of God and passionately teaches Biblical truths to his students.

Elder Staton has been a member of The Pentecostals of Peoria for 20 years. His lovely wife, Barbara, grew up in this church and attended the church school, New Life Christian Academy, during her high school years. They have served in various departments of ministry; in the past, they served in the Sunday School Dept, Bus Ministry Dept, and the Hospitality Department. They are currently serving on the Young Marrieds staff, and they are in charge of one of the eight care groups in the church. They have been blessed with two beautiful daughters and a wonderful son-in-law. They have recently been blessed with their first grandchild.

Andrew and his lovely wife, Ashley, recently graduated from Christian Life College in Stockton, California and moved to Peoria. Andrew is serving as our Youth Pastor as well as the Principal of our Christian school ministry, New Life Christian Academy. NLCA has served the community for 30 years and is a vital part of training Godly young people to lead our community. Ashley is instrumental in making both of these areas of ministry successful. This couple’s Godly example is a beacon of light to young people who are making their way through the turbulent years of adolescence.