Ben Carver
Lead Pastor
Ben grew up in Shelby and is passionate about his hometown. He believes that the local church is the hope of the world & the local church was meant to be for its city & its world.
Ben earned a BA from the Bible & Theology Department at Malone University. He has worked in full-time ministry for the past 13 years and started as Lead Pastor of Core Community Church in 2015. He is blown away every day that he has the opportunity to be a part of the only-God story that is being written at this place.
He enjoys spending time with his wife, Krista, his two sons, Beckham & Brantley, and their Chocolate Lab, Sulli. In his spare time, he enjoys playing, or watching any sport and is a loyalist to all the hometown sports teams (even the Browns).
He strongly believes there is nothing better than a Shelby High School basketball game on a Friday night in the winter or a cup of Paul’s homemade vanilla in the summer!
Russel Cushman
Family Life Pastor
Russell grew up in Columbia, SC and has been looking for a town like Shelby for most of his adult life. He is passionate about building community and supporting families and believes the local church should be a solution to many problems in a city.
Russell holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Liberty University in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Religious Studies, Pastoral Ministry, and Business. He’s currently weighing going back for his Masters. He’s been in some form of ministry since 2004, full-time since 2011.
He spends most of his time with his wife, Kelly and his black lab, Link. Russell, having been a foster kid, is passionate about foster care as is his wife Kelly, who knows way more about it than he does. They both will talk your ear off if you let them.
On a Sunday you will probably find him goofing off with kids ages infant to eighteen, don’t judge him too harshly. It’s part of his job.
Jonathan Kline
Worship and Creative Arts Pastor
Jonathan grew up in Oklahoma, but has spent most of his life moving around all over the globe. He and his wife Tiffani are so excited to finally find a place to call home. He is passionate about the local church and the creative team. He wants to see people worship with their whole heart and use their creative talents to glorify God in everything they do.
Jonathan finished his schooling at Hillsong college, but before that he went to Oral Roberts University studying worship arts and vocal performance. He plans on pursuing a theological degree.
He and his wife Tiffani enjoy spending time with friends playing board games and building community. They are passionate about building friendships that last forever.
If you see him on a Sunday go say hi!