Ministry Staff

Our leadership team recognizes the authority of God, and realizes that we are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We desire to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. Our passion and goal is to equip the believers for the work of the ministry until we all attain maturity in the fullness of Christ.
 

Pastor 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

 

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 young adult children who are also a great addition to our church family. edmin@gatewayfellowship.org

 

Donald Young, Minister to Students 

Don Young became the Minister to Students in January 2018. He graduated Liberty University in September 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries. He is currently enrolled in Liberty University’s Master of Divinity program. Don and his wife, Sabrinia, have 13 Children. Donald@gatewayfellowship.org

 
 
 
Colter Bonaroti, Minister of Music
Colter Bonaroti became the Minister of Music in March 2023.  He graduated from Grand Canyon University in April 2023 with a Bachelor of Theology in Worship Arts.  He is newly married to his wife, Lindsay.  colter@gatewayfellowship.org
 
 
Carl Brooks, Minister of Children
Carl Brooks born in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Arizona when he was 23 with his wife, Christie, and their older daughter Britney. They then had two more children after moving to Arizona, Ashley and Brendan. Carl is a US Navy veteran who worked as a plane captain for an A6 squadron VA75 called the Sunday Punchers. He served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm attached the USS John F. Kennedy. Carl has been attending Gateway Fellowship for over 15 years along with his wife Christie and was so grateful to have Ashley and Brendan grow here with them too. Carl and Christie have been teaching 4th-6th grade Sunday School for many years and also teach Team Kids on Wednesday nights for K-6th grade children. He serves as the Children’s minister as well. Carl is grateful God has called me to serve here. He knows Jesus is Lord and Savior, and knows he died and rose again to free us from sin. One of Carl’s favorite bible verses is;
John 15:5 NASB
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.