Who We Are

LEAD PASTORS
The Arnesons became the pastors of GTChurch in August 2015. They previously ministered in Kathmandu, Nepal, for 10 years. Before they were married Brandon also pastored in Peoria, Illinois, Springfield, Missouri, and Salem, Oregon; and Bethany served in Kathmandu, Nepal. Brandon and Bethany were married in 2005. They have six children: Josiah, Mikayla, Hannah, Noah, Judah & Olivia. They are also proud to be foster parents. Both Brandon and Bethany are ordained ministers with the Assemblies of God. They enjoy long road trips, good movies, family games, and Nepali/Indian food.

EXECUTIVE PASTOR

Eric and Kristin Massey have been in vocational ministry together since 2010. They met and began their romance while volunteering as youth sponsors at GTChurch. In fact, they were married at GTChurch in 2001. Pastor Eric oversees the details, supports the lead pastor and does a lot of behind the scenes work at GTChurch. He started his ministry journey as a youth sponsor and through schooling, time, and God’s grace became the youth and associate pastor at GTChurch in 2010. After ministry stops in Roscoe/Rockford, Illinois, and Elburn, Illinois, the Masseys returned to DeKalb in 2016. Kristin has been a high school mathematics teacher since 2000. They have two wonderful children Gideon and Isabella. They also have 2 cats, Maynard and Violet. The Masseys love to watch films, play board games, and go on adventures as a family. They are also die-hard Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fans.

KIDS MINISTRY PASTOR

Emily, GTChurch’s KidMin pastor, was born and raised in Pekin, IL. She attended North Parkway Assembly of God, where she met Derek Montgomery in 2003, they were married in 2011. Emily has always had a heart for kids and has served many roles together, with Derek ever since they met. Derek runs the tech opstations of GT Kids and also serves as a deacon after being elected to the role in 2018. The Montgomery's have one son (Isaac) and two dogs (Jade and Charlie).

WORSHIP PASTOR

Patrick, aka Pastor Andy, was called into ministry as a student in Teen Challenge. After graduating Teen Challenge, Pastor Andy began serving as the worship pastor at First Assembly of God in Pekin Illinois where he completed his ISOM classes. Mallory attended Southwestern Assembly of God University and served at Whiteriver Assembly of God School of Missions on the Fort Apache Reservation for multiple years. Pastor Andy and Mallory were married in 2011 and have 3 amazing children. They began serving at GTChurch in January, 2016. They enjoy music, ministering together, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

YOUTH PASTOR

Adrian and Lynnette have been attending GTChurch for many years. Since 2014, they have been serving God faithfully in youth ministry and volunteer in the nursery and tech ministries, as well. Originally from Indiana, they met at Purdue University and were married in August of 2014. Blessed with two young children, they enjoy family road trips and frequent visits to the local parks. They are humbled to be a part of the GTChurch team and look forward to serving God according to HIS will.

TREASURER/OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Mary and Curt Johansen have been members of GTChurch since 1990. After spending a number of years as a fund administrator and a company controller, Mary became the GTChurch's church treasurer. She has served as church librarian and leads the women’s Bible study and fiction book club. Curt has served as elder and is currently serving as a deacon. They both are on the prayer team. Curt and Mary enjoy working on their old house, and Mary likes to read and is also a freelance editor. They have three children and love spending as much time as possible with their new granddaughter, Adelaide.