Kevin Shoemaker, Pastor
Kevin was born and raised in Jackson, MS. He attended The University of Mississippi and after graduating he joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru). He spent four years with Cru at Florida State before moving to Starkville to become the Campus Director of Cru at Mississippi State in 2005. Kevin and his family also spent one year with Cru serving at the University of Salerno in Italy. He has a Master of Arts degree from Reformed Theological Seminary. Kevin and his wife, Missy, have been married since 2003 and have four children, Tinsley (2006), Ezra (2008), Jude (2010), and Sy (2013)
Nick Pearson, Director of Worship
Growing up in Jackson, MS, Nick’s life revolved around sports until he was befriended and discipled by his best friend’s dad—Mr. Barber. It was through Mr. Barber’s mentorship that Nick’s love for God, His word, and His bride—the global church—grew. Nick was 16 years old when Mr. Barber took him on his first mission trip to Nicaragua.
Nick and his wife Sarah met while completing their Masters degrees in Spanish at Mississippi State and spent their free time singing in a choir at MSU. They have been married since December 2013, and have been at Redeemer Church since the spring of 2014. They praise God for the gift of their four children: Sofia (2014), Samuel (2017), Lucas (2020), and Ellie (2022).
Nick is honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve Redeemer through music ministry. His prayer is that the church would grow in their knowledge and love for God and find encouragement through singing praise to God together as one body.
Colton Ragan, Elder
Colton moved to Starkville in 2008 as a college freshman studying engineering. It was during this first year of college that the Lord opened his eyes to his need for a Savior. Ever since then, it has been a continual learning process of understanding and believing what it means to "not have a righteousness of my own that comes through the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ" (Philippians 3:9).
Colton and Kaylee married right after graduation and have called Starkville home ever since. They were a part of the initial core group that planted Redeemer Church. Leading, hosting, and participating in a Redeemer family group has been one of their greatest delights as a member of Redeemer since its initial planting.
Their greatest joys are their 4 kiddos: Collins (2013), Caden (2014), Clai (2017), and JB (2021).
Michael Brown, Elder
Michael grew up in church, was active in youth group, and was a cultural Christian.
Around 2016, the Holy Spirit used web comics and YouTube to draw him to Jesus (true story, just ask him). He started exploring Reformed Theology and fell in love with the Doctrines of Grace, which led him and his family to Redeemer in April 2017. They joined in early 2018 and love serving the body of Redeemer, corporately and individually.
Michael and his wife, Kimberly, have been married since December 2009 and have three children: Christian, Maddie, and Brandon.
He works for the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, trying to become a runner, playing a support role in homeschooling his children, and having a love/hate relationship with Mississippi State Athletics.
Clay Walden, Elder
Clay and Marsha Walden moved from Ridgeland to Starkville, MS in July 2017. Clay and Marsha attended Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church (PCA) for fourteen years, and Clay served as elder for six years prior to their move to Starkville.
Clay and Marsha have been married 33 years and are blessed with two children, Susannah and Sarah.
Clay serves as the executive director of Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS) at Mississippi State University. Clay and Marsha have enjoyed leading and hosting Redeemer small groups and RUF events during their time in Starkville, and also enjoy all sporting events.
Luke Nott, Elder
Luke grew up in a military family, which kept their family on the move and close to each other. The Lord used the consistent example and training of Luke’s parents to show him his sin and need of a Savior at a young age. Since then he has had opportunity to see God’s faithfulness through every season.
Luke attended Mississippi State, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2014, and he has worked in manufacturing since graduating. He and his wife Julie married in 2015 and have never left Starkville. They have been blessed with four children: Perry, Laura, Ethan, and Lucy. Luke and Julie have been members of Redeemer since 2021.