Love. Grow. Serve.

Ministry Team

Pastor Chris & Amy Ryan – Lead Pastor

Zach, Will, & Carli

Pastors Chris and Amy Ryan, along with their children, Zac, Will, and Carli, joined Celebration Church in August 2026. The Ryans have served together in full-time ministry for 18 years.

Pastor Chris began preaching at age 12 after sensing God’s call to ministry as a child. He was on track to become an accountant, but then he answered the clarion call to become a minister of the gospel. He studied at Lee University and has been involved in full time ministry leading thriving children’s ministries, pastoring churches, and ministering nationally & internationally.

Pastor Chris carries a passion for pastoral leadership, multiplication, and global ministry. Together, Chris and Amy desire to see people experience the overwhelming love of God, encounter His transforming power, and discover the strength of an authentic Christian community.

Their prayer is that everyone who walks through the doors of Celebration will encounter God’s presence and find a church family that encourages and strengthens them and their family.

Katie & Kevin Jarrell – Children’s Pastors

Kevin and Katie have a heart and passion for this generation. They desire to see them experience God and come to know him for themselves. They desire to disciple kids into a life love and relationship with Jesus. They believe that there are no age limits to knowing God and experiencing him in His fullness. They have served on staff as children and youth pastors for the last year and half. Prior to this they volunteered in kids and youth ministry at their home church. Pastor Katie has 13 years of experience as a Kid’s, Youth and Associate Pastor. Pastor Kevin has been serving in ministry for the last 2 years in various positions. Pastor Katie is ordained through the Church of God. Pastor Kevin is in the process of studying and testing for his ordination.

Kevin has his Ba and MA from ECPI in system security and Cybersecurity. Katie has 2 AS degrees from Reynolds Community college in Deaf Studies and Eng-ASL Interpretation. Kevin and Katie were recently married in 2022. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling, hiking state parks, watching their current TV show, cooking, playing games and puzzles. Kevin details cars and Katie reads books and gardens when they aren’t doing something together.

Phillip and Christie Gervase – Administrative Pastors

Phillip and Christie are fervently dedicated to the call of Kingdom work. Their desire is to see the Kingdom of God increase, God’s people living in the fullness and freedom that Jesus has paid for, and discipling others along the way. Celebration holds a special place in both of their hearts as it is the church Phillip found Christ and Christie has called home since she was 4 years old.

Phillip and Christie previously served at various churches as youth pastors and associate pastors, as well as evangelists with their outreach ministry. Christie is also a Clinically Informed Pastoral Counselor and loves seeing the transformation that Jesus brings to people’s lives through His healing word. Both have served in ministry since 2007 with the assignment to revive, restore, and renew. Additionally, they both find great fulfillment and joy in discipling and equipping others. They both are Ordained Ministers.

Furthermore, as owners of both a tax and a financial firm, they need strong administrative skills, which are essential as Administrative Pastors. Phillip has assisted a number of churches and ministries with their organizational structure. Additionally, Phillip holds a Bachelor’s in Organizational Business Management from Radford University and holds multiple certificates in various tax, financial, insurance, and ministerial studies.

Christie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with an Emphasis in Mental Health from Radford University, as well as a Master’s Degree in Clinical Christian and Pastoral Counseling. Furthermore, she has completed post-graduate work in trauma at Liberty University. Additionally, she is a Board Certified Mental Health Coach. Christie holds multiple certificates in counseling, coaching, ministry, and taxes.

They love spending time with family and watching their greatest joy, their son, develop into who God has created him to be. Phillip and Christie also love to travel to new and familiar places, but specifically to any place that provides the beauty of an ocean or a lake.

Ministry Staff

Lea Hatangimana – Worship Leader

Lea has been part of Celebration Church since the age of six. After spending her formative years growing in worship at Celebration, she pursued her calling by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music with a concentation in Artist Development. Now back home, Lea is honored to serve as the Worship Leader, coming full circle to lead the next generation in the same place where her own passion for worship began. Lea is passionate about creating a space for others to encounter God through music and is grateful to be part of the leadership team.

In her spare time, Lea enjoys language learning and watching films and TV. She also enjoys learning about different cultures.

Administrative Staff

Amy Ryan – CKids! Program Director

Amy has served as an Elementary School teacher for 22 years, bringing experience in education, leadership, and working with children and families. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching from Lee University and has dedicated her career to mentoring others and fostering environments where children can learn and thrive. She also served for 10 years as Co-Children’s Pastor, and currently serves as alongside her husband Chris, lead Pastor here at Celebration Church.

Phyllis Crum – Special Projects Director

Phyllis has served more than 30 years in church ministry, and she brings a wealth of experience to our church ministry. Phyllis and her late husband, Ed, have been Children’s Pastors, and Phyllis has also led women’s ministry, sunday school and children’s ministry.

At Celebration, Phyllis is the developer and manager of our church management software, has served in our Children’s Ministry, led small groups and assists with other projects.

Phyllis has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration.

Prior to an early retirement from Norfolk Southern, Phyllis was an IT Manager responsible for several key transportation projects. Outside of ministry, Phyllis enjoys traveling, entertaining, and reading

Bethany Powell – Administrative Assistant

Bethany was raised in a Pastor’s home and has a heart for ministry and service. She provides administrative support for various ministries in our church. Beyond this role, Bethany is gifted in working with children and serve as a Lead Teacher for our After School and Camp programs with Celebrate KIDS!. She also serves in our preschool ministry at church.

Bethany attended Lee University in Cleveland, TN and received a bachelor’s degree in Human Development in 2019. Prior to her ministry role at Celebration, Bethany worked in childcare.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading and watching her favorite television shows.

Celebration Church

4429 Buck Mountain Road
Roanoke, VA 24018
540-774-7711
office@celebrationcog.org

Worship Times

Sunday Senior Adult Study- 9:30am
Sunday Worship - 10:30am
Wednesday Night - 7:00pm

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