Welcome to our Staff page. If you would like to e-mail staff members, click on their name.
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Lloyd D. Bertine
Senior Pastor |
Life Verse: "LET NOT YOUR heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me. There are many homes up there where my father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am. If this weren't so, I would tell you plainly. And you know where I am going and how to get there." "No, we don't," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the Way - yes, and the Truth and the Life. No one can get to the Father except by means of me." (John 14:1-6)
Personal Message: I am in my 30th year of being a Pastor and feel God calling as strongly as ever. I love ministry - even with all the struggles and challenges of today that we didn't have 30 years ago. Gulf to Lake Church has been a "GOD-THING" from the very beginning and will continue to be so.
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Minister of Music/Worship |
Life Verse: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend upon your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and he will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:3-4)
Bio: I was born in Columbus, Ohio, but have lived in Florida since 1978. My studies concentrated in music education and performance at Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors of Education & Performance in Music. I was called into Ministry in 1989 in Spring Hill, Florida. I met Pastor Lloyd shortly after, and co-founded GTLC in 1994. I am passionate about music, and passionate about animals; we have 10!!!! I have served as Minister of Music and Worship since GTLC was founded and strive to live daily in God's presence.
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Leary Willis
Minister of Adult Education
and Small Groups |
Life Verse: "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NASB95-New American Standard 1995 edition)
Bio: I surrendered to God's call to preach the Gospel while I was a student at Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Florida. After graduation I attended the University of Tampa and Trinity College with some additional studies at the University of South Florida. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Gail, for over 51 years. We are blessed to have four children including one daughter, three sons, and seventeen grandchildren. Through over 40 years of ministry I have served as Senior Pastor of churches in Florida and Tennessee and for the past 4 years as Minister of Adult Education and Small Groups here at Gulf to Lake Church. Seeking to provide opportunities for growing believers in the image of Christ and developing fellowship [community] which creates a loving, caring atmosphere for Christians to enjoy the journey.
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Steve Phillips
Student Pastor
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Life Verse: But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them and will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to. (Matthew 6:33)
Bio: I graduated from the Baptist College of Florida with a BA in Christian Education and a minor in Youth Ministry. I have a Master of Arts in Leadership from Liberty Theological Seminary. I am married to Laura and we have two boys, Christian and Cason.
My passion in life is to see teenagers start the next great revival. I believe this generation of teens is the generation that is going to change the world. My desire is to disciple students to be dangerous disciples of Christ to reach the nations of His glory.
I love football and baseball. I also enjoy playing paintball, video games, going to the beach and spending time with my family.
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Marla Witt
Minister of Children
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Life Verse: God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
Bio: I have a BA in Early Education from the University of Kentucky and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. I taught elementary school for 20 years and joined the Gulf to Lake Church Staff in 2000. I have been blessed with two beautiful daughters, Anna and Laura.
I serve God in the Children's Ministry because I want to help them to know God and His Son, Jesus. I want to teach them the truth-God's word, build Christ's character into them, guard their spiritual growth and release them to serve God's purposes and model commitment. I pray for them.
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Music Associate/
CCA Administrator |
Life Verse: "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" (Psalm 56:4) NIV
Bio: I was born in Daytona Beach, Florida and raised in Citrus County, Florida. I studied voice and piano; and sang in choirs from a young age. I received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Florida State University (GO Noles!), where I specialized in voice and choral music. I taught elementary music in Marion County School District for one year. I am currently employed as the Music Associate and CCA Director/Administrator at Gulf to Lake Chruch, where I teach and direct children's and adult choirs, sing and play keyboard for the Praise Team and teach private lessons. I am grateful to the Lord for his abundant blessings, especially those of my family, including my husband Scott since 2007. |
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Chris Hope
Sports and Recreation Minister
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Life Verse: I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13) NIV
Bio: I have been in the mortgage business for over 15 years but my passion has been always been for sports. When I moved to Citrus County in 2005 I served on several boards for the local sporting clubs, but always had a hidden desire to have a sports club within the church. I am excited to pursue this opportunity that God has given me to lead people and players of all ages to Jesus through sports. This is a ministry outreach that can spread throughout the world. My wife Kelli and I have three loving and supportive children Andrew (9), Mitchell (6), and Alyssa (2).
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