Christ's Fellowship Church Leadership & Staff

The staff and leadership here at Christ's Fellowship Church is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them.

JIM PETERSON

LEAD PASTOR

Jim Peterson has served as the Senior Pastor of Christ's Fellowship Church since July 2019. He and his wife Stephi have two children: Ingrid and, Jim Jr.


Jim has pastored churches in California, Canada (MB) and Michigan prior to coming to Valdosta / Christ's Fellowship. Jim holds a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Denver Seminary.


ROBERTO SILVA

PASTOR-IN-TRAINING & YOUTH PASTOR

Roberto Silva has been serving at Christ’s Fellowship Church since 2024. As a Pastor-in-Training, he oversees the youth ministry and periodically preaches, while being discipled and equipped by Pastor Jim and the church elders. Roberto is passionate about proclaiming the gospel to the lost and delights in studying God’s Word. Although he does not hold formal theological education, Roberto’s deep love for God and Scripture shapes his ministry and fuels his desire to serve the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. Roberto met his wife at their previous church in Haines City, Florida and were married in 2022 before moving to Georgia in 2024 and making Valdosta their home. Together, they were recently blessed with their daughter, Isabella. Outside of ministry, Roberto works as an insurance claims adjuster for Progressive Insurance and enjoys woodworking as a hobby.

Roberto can best be reached at (407) 632-5595.

ELLEN SIMS

MINISTRY ASSISTANT

Ellen Sims has served as the Ministry Assistant since 2007. Her main responsibility is the day-to-day operations of the office, but many times she will be found helping in other areas of the church as the need arises. She was born in Valdosta and has lived in south Lowndes county since she was 5 years old and was an Honor Graduate of Lowndes High School, class of 1979. She has been married to the love of her life, Roger, for 38 years but has known him many more years through their growing up together and attending the same church. Together they have raised two boys who live and work in the Atlanta area: Joshua and William and they have been blessed with one daughter-n-love, Victoria (no in-laws in their family). Ellen loves talking about Jesus and sharing the Gospel whenever given the opportunity, and loves any time that she and Roger are able to spend time together and with their family whenever Roger is not traveling on the mission field.

MALLORY SUTTON

WORSHIP LEADER

Mallory Sutton has served as the Worship Leader at CFC since December 2019. For as long as she can remember, Mallory has had a passion for singing, music, and all things worship related. Mallory attended Highland Christian Academy from Kindergarten through Graduation (2018). While there, she was given a thorough biblical education as well as many opportunities to learn servant leadership. Following Graduation, she completed her Associates Degree in General Science at Georgia Military College. Mallory has two siblings. Her parents are Kerry and Mandy Sutton, who also attend Christ’s Fellowship Church. Her favorite things are singing, dancing, and spending time with family, especially her new nephew Wesley.

KURT PETERSON

AUDIO/VIDEO and WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA

Kurt Peterson has served as the audio/video manager since 2021. He graduated from Belmont University in 2006 with a degree in audio engineering and worked in a studio on Nashville's Music Row for 5 years. He has a passion for playing and recording music and also plays the drums in the praise band. His wife, Erin, and children, Liam and Cora, also play and sing in the praise band.

STAN ALDERMAN

ELDER

Stan Alderman and his wife, Carolyn, have two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. They have been members of Christ’s Fellowship Church since its inception. Stan has faithfully served as both an elder and treasurer for many years, counting it a true honor and blessing to serve the Lord and His church in these roles.

Stan can best be reached at (229) 561-8381

BRAD KEEL

ELDER

Brad Keel, along with his wife, Gail, has been faithfully serving at Christ’s Fellowship Church. Brad studied for two years at Presbyterian College before transferring to Clemson University, where he completed his degree in 1975. He went on to work for 30 years in the Chemical Distribution Industry before retiring in 2017 at the age of 65. Currently, Brad serves as an Elder at CFC, focusing his ministry on Christian education and biblical counseling.

Brad can be best reached at (229) 630-6384

JIMMY WHATLEY

ELDER

229-740-0057

JON KRISPIN

ELDER

Jon Krispin was born and raised in Center City Philadelphia, where his father served as a church planter and founded a diverse, multi-cultural congregation. Growing up in that urban environment shaped Jon’s faith, and he cannot remember a time when he did not know and trust in the name of Jesus for eternal life. Jon met his wife, Paige, while in college, and the two married in 1993. In 1996, they moved to Valdosta and began attending Christ’s Fellowship Church, where they have remained deeply involved ever since. Professionally, Jon serves as a professor in the Langdale College of Business at Valdosta State University. He and Paige are the proud parents of four grown children, two of whom have been joined by spouses in recent years. Jon enjoys using his musical gifts by playing guitar and singing on the church worship team. Together, he and Paige also love teaching Bible studies, continuing their shared passion for discipling others in the faith.

Jon can best be reached at (229) 630-9066.

PASTOR BRUCE MERRIMAN

ELDER

Bruce Merriman and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 53 years. Together, they have been blessed with two daughters and sons-in-law, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Valdosta State University, a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Christian Life School of Theology. Over the course of their ministry, Bruce and Nancy have served in, pastored, and planted churches across five states. Although Bruce is no longer serving as a full-time pastor, he continues to invest in the life of the church as a member of the Christ’s Fellowship Church elder board and as a regular fill-in Sunday school teacher.

Pastor Bruce can best be reached at (828) 342-8982.

RANDY EPPS

ELDER

Randall “Randy” Epps has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 35 years. They have two children: Caleb (30) and Rachel (26). Randy works as the Chemical Warehouse Supervisor at Chaparral and Robalo Boats in Nashville, GA. He and Michelle have attended Christ Fellowship Church for the past three years, where they serve together in Children’s Church and also teach an adult Sunday School class. Randy has faithfully served as an Elder at Christ Fellowship Church for the past two years.

Randy can best be reached at (229) 237-4127

AUSTIN KEEN

ELDER

229-300-0190

Christ's Fellowship Church Deacon Board

List the names of the deacons here

Christ's Fellowship Church Praise Team

(left to right) Kathy Hendricks (vocals), Kurt Peterson (drums), Kerry Sutton (vocals), Mallory Sutton (piano, lead vocals), Erin Peterson (piano, vocals), Liam Peterson (bass), Cora Peterson (vocals), Paige Krispin (vocals, tambourine), Becky Alderman (vocals), Jon Krispin (guitar, vocals)

Christ's Fellowship Childcare Volunteers

List the names of the nursery workers here