Leadership

Shane and Pam are the founders and lead pastors of The Bend Church. Cookeville natives, they felt God calling them back home and returned to the area after sixteen years of leading a thriving church in north Louisiana. Both are graduates of Lee University in Cleveland, TN. Pastor Shane is also a sought-after speaker in churches, corporate environments, and academic settings. Together, Shane and Pam carry a vision to see lives transformed by the presence and power of God. 

Scott serves as the Administrative Pastor at The Bend Church, working closely with Pastor Shane to oversee daily operations and help carry out the vision of the house with clarity and care. A Cookeville native, he brings decades of leadership experience from owning and managing businesses across several major industries. Alongside his professional background, Scott has faithfully served in ministry for many years, with a special heart for missions. He has led outreach efforts both locally and abroad, including trips to Africa, South America, and other parts of the world. His steady leadership, clear communication, and genuine love for people make him a trusted and valued part of our church family. 

Adam serves as our worship pastor, leading our congregation into the presence of God with both skill and sincerity. He is completing his master’s degree from SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary and also teaches music and voice. His wife Lequitsha—known as "Qui"—is pursuing her master’s in clinical social work. Originally from Tennessee and Louisiana, Adam and Qui bring passion and purpose to both worship and their ministry to young married couples. 

Noah serves as our media pastor, bringing years of experience in technology, live production, photography, and videography to help tell the story of what God is doing at The Bend. Liz leads our small groups ministry and directs our merchandise and branding. A graduate of the Brownsville Revival School of Ministry, Liz also served as a missionary in Japan. Originally from Dallas, TX and South Louisiana, Noah and Liz met in Hawaii and now serve together with a heart for connection and community. 

Sherri leads our Bend Kids ministry with a heart full of love for children and a passion to see them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Originally from Illinois, she and her husband Kurt bring years of ministry experience to the Upper Cumberland. Sherri is dedicated to helping each child feel seen, safe, and excited to come to church. 

Marcus and Alicia serve as our youth pastors with a dynamic passion to reach, teach, and empower the next generation. Originally from California, they bring a fresh perspective and years of ministry experience as they lead students into authentic encounters with God and help them discover their identity in Christ. 

Tim and Lindsey lead our young adults with a heart to cultivate faith, foster community, and develop leaders. Their desire is to help young adults grow in their walk with God and build a Kingdom mindset that prioritizes purpose, identity, and the presence of God in everyday life. 

Deborah serves as our office administrator and event coordinator, helping to organize and support the teams that make ministry happen. Originally from North Louisiana, she now calls Tennessee home along with her husband and two of their three sons. With a heart to serve and a gift for hospitality, Deborah plays a vital role in keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. 

Emma manages our social media and YouTube presence, serving under our media pastor Noah Erickson and playing a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the media department. She helps lead the team in producing services, coordinating projects, and shaping long-term strategies. Studying at Valor Christian College online, Emma is majoring in Organizational Leadership. Originally from Memphis, TN, she moved to Cookeville in 2020 and brings creativity, consistency, and a heart for ministry to her role. 

Sam serves part-time at The Bend Church, supporting both our worship and media teams with technical setup and hands-on assistance. He also lends a hand with facility maintenance and behind-the-scenes needs that help Sunday services run smoothly. Sam is the son of legendary Southern Gospel singer Squire Parsons and carries his own anointing as a worshiper and singer. He and his wife, Leah—herself from a musical family—serve alongside their two sons and Leah’s father, making ministry a family affair. 

Havana serves as an intern at The Bend Church with a heart full of passion for God's presence and His people. She feels deeply called to ministry and desires to help others experience healing, restoration, and purpose through the love of Jesus. Through this season of serving and learning, Havana is committed to growing in character, leadership, and the practical skills needed to walk in her calling with humility and excellence.