Pastors

Larry Deskins – Senior Pastor

Pastor Larry served two other churches in Arizona before coming to Gateway Fellowship in 1991.  As a counselor, Larry has keen insight into life’s struggles.  He thoroughly enjoys teaching God’s Word and leading people to Christ.  He is married to Carol and has three grown daughters.

Educational Background – B.A. Psychology/Religion, Grand Canyon College, M.A. Family and Marriage Counseling Western Theological Seminary

pastorlarry@gatewayfellowship.org

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Joey Baysinger – Pastor to Students

Pastor Joey came to serve Gateway students and families in August of 2002.  He brings a wealth of experience in teaching and in serving people both in churches and in the secular world.  Pastor Joey served at two different churches in his home state of Missouri before coming to Arizona in 1998.  Pastor Joey worked 3 years for the Gilbert Police Department as a dispatcher and 911 operator before coming to Gateway.  Joey is married to Becky and they have two daughters.

Educational Background: B.S. Ed Social Science Education from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Mo, MDiv from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Phoenix Campus.

pastorjoey@gatewayfellowship.org

John Phelps – Minister of Education

John Phelps stepped into the part-time position of Minister of Education in January 2012  to fill a great need we have in that area.  John gives direction for all of the education ministries of the church and he will give leadership for teacher training and curriculum selection.   He graduated with a Master of Divinity in 2007 from the Arizona campus of Golden Gate Seminary.   He and his wife, Theresa, have 4 teen children who are also a great addition to our church family.

edmin@gatewayfellowship.org

Church Staff

Bonnie Sheeler – Director of Children and Preschool Ministries

Bonnie  joined our staff in July, 2011 following the retirement of our dear Judy Lemons.  She has worked in Children’s and Preschool ministries here for several years and brings a huge measure of enthusiasm for teaching preschoolers and children.  Bonnie is a South Dakota/Iowa transplant loving the warmth of Arizona.  Her pet lizard, Harley, is a big hit with the kids, too, and proves that God is an imaginative creator.

bonnie@gatewayfellowship.org

Malachi Tresler – Worship Music Director

Malachi has been a member of Gateway Fellowship since he was a child and has become one of our newest staff members.  He leads the Sunday Worship Music and works with all of Gateway’s  instrumentalists and vocalists to create an atmosphere of great praise and worship of our Lord.  Malachi is an extremely gifted musician and he and his wife, Melissa, and their two boys are a great addition to the Gateway family staff.

malachi@gatewayfellowship.org

Patty Kirchner – Office Administrator

Patty has served on the Gateway Fellowship staff since 1979.  She is the pastoral/financial secretary and administrates the church office.  An Arizona native, Patty and her husband, John, have been Gateway members since 1977 and live in Queen Creek.

gateway@gatewayfellowship.org

Gary Morford – Campus Management

Gary joined us in December of 2010 and supervises the cleaning staff, as well as overseeing the maintenance and repairs of the campus buildings, systems, and equipment.   Gary and his wife, Cheryl, hail from Kansas and are still puzzled by some of Arizona’s quirks.

maintenance@gatewayfellowship.org

Michele Thompson - Preschool Center Director

Michele has been a member of Gateway Fellowship since 2000.  In April 2011, she became our Preschool Center Director.  Educational background consists of her Child Development Associate Degree and is currently working towards her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.  Michele and Rob have been married for 17 years and have three children.

michele@gatewayfellowship.org