Our Staff
Rev. Terry Bate, Senior Pastor
Terry has been our Lead Pastor since January 2009. He was raised near Ft. Wayne, Indiana and attended Olivet Nazarene University (BA Communications in '94). He has served on church staffs in Maryland, Ohio and Michigan.
As our Lead Pastor, Terry’s responsibilities include casting vision for our church, guiding the church in its mission to impact the Flushing community, to preach and teach the timeless truths of God’s Word in relevant and creative ways, and equip us all for service in the Kingdom of God.
Terry and his wife Tammy have been blessed with two great kids: son Corbin, and daughter Sutton. As a family, they love to ride their bikes, enjoy movie night and a great bowl of ice cream! The Bate family understands well the pressures and frustrations of life. They also know the power and freedom that flows from the love of God.
Feel free to contact Pastor Terry at terry@flushingcommunity.org with any comments are questions you may have!
Rev. Steve Close, Creative Arts
Steve was raised in Davison, Michigan, graduating from Davison High School. He received his B.S. in Christian Education from Olivet Nazarene University. He is a 20-year youth ministry veteran, now serving as our pastor for Creative Arts. Steve works with our creative team and excellent musicians to plan and lead our worship gatherings.
Steve is the staff “gearhead”, enjoying anything with a motor and loud exhaust and he’ll pinstripe anything that will hold still long enough. He’s been married to Julie since 1985 and is the father of two adult girls: Lindsay Mikhail (Jonathan) who lives in Joplin, MO and Brenna (attending ONU).
Joel Heald, Youth Pastor
Joel has been our Youth Pastor since July 2011. He was born in Kansas but spent most of his childhood in Illinois. Joel studied Youth Ministry at Olivet Nazarene University ('08) and is completing his Masters in Youth Ministry very soon. As our Youth Pastor, Joel’s responsibilities include reaching out to the youth of our church and of our community showing them God's love and acceptance while investing in them a life of discipleship and learning.
Joel met his wife, Emily, while attending ONU. Both love to sing and use their gifts to reach children of all ages with the love and grace of God. Feel free to contact Pastor Joel at joel@flushingcommunity.org with any comments are questions you may have!
Debbie Simmons, Children's Ministry Director
Debbie has been our Children's Ministry Director since May 2010. She brings a true heart for ministry and a passion for helping our children learn about the love God has for them. Debbie was raised near Cincinnati, OH and attended Warner University in Lake Whales, FL where she met her husband, David. As our Children's Ministry Director, Debbie leads a committed team of children's workers who care for children from the nursery through 6th grade.
The Simmons' family also includes three adult sons, Matthew, Christopher and Stephen. Feel free to contact Pastor Debbie at simmonsdeb@comcast.net with any comments or questions you may have!
Mary Ann Korte, Administrative Assistant
Mary Ann serves our Administrative Assistant. She brings energy, excitement, and commitment to everything she does. When she is not serving our church, she works as a computer lab manager for Flushing Community Schools.
Mary Ann and her wonderful husband Don have 2 grown children, Carla who teaches 4th grade in Atlanta GA, and Paul who works as a business consultant in Ann Arbor.