Leadership Team
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
Pastor 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
Jim Carpenter, Minister of Music
Jim filled the part-time position of minister of music in January of 2015. Jim comes to Gateway with 40 years of ministry experience. He has served in California, Washington, and Arizona. For 7 years Jim and Mary Lu traveled the US sharing through music with over 200 churches a year. He has 5 solo albums. His ministry overseas saw involvement with mission organizations in Europe, Eastern Europe and Asia. He was among 5000 itinerate evangelists from around the world to be invited to Amsterdam 83, an event held by the Billy Graham Association. It was there that Jim’s friendship with Cliff Barrows began, and his continued involvement with BGA. Jim directed music for BGA associate evangelists in crusades in the US and in Canada. He is also CEO of IDR LLC a custom coachbuilder, design, race and restoration shop for Ferrari automobiles. Jim and Mary lu have been married for 40 years and have three adult children.
jimmarylu@hotmail.com
Donald Young, Youth Ministry Director
