Steve Prestridge
Pastor
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
I was born in church (not literally), but my parents were both believers and took me to church since I was born. It was on a Tuesday night at anold East Texas revival that I knew God was drawing me to salvation and I gave my life to Jesus at the age of seven. I later answered God's call on my life to ministry at Piney Woods summer camp following my senior year of high school.
How I Came to Northside:
I came to Northside in September of 2012 to serve as Student Pastor and Worship Pastor. After a few years I also served as Associate Pastor and Pastor to our College and Career Ministry. Later, Northside asked me to serve as Interim Pastor before becoming Senior Pastor in late December of 2017.
What I Do at Northside:
I serve as Senior Pastor, Elder, and as Director of Church Ministry Staff.
Why I Do What I Do:
Because of the calling on my life, this is a must for me. Not an "I Can" or "I will"; "I must" serve Christ
in this way.
At Northside Church Since: 2012
On Staff Since: September: 2012
Married to: Jessie, 1999
Children: Abbie and Cole
Juvenico & Irma Gaspar
Spanish Ministry Pastor
Yo soy el Hno. Juvencio Gaspar. Nací el 20 de enero de 1970 en el estado de San Luís Potosí, Mexico. Mis
padres siendo católicos se convirtieron al Señor o al evangelio en 1977. A ese edad comensé ir a una
iglesia evangelica.
En mi etapa de adolecencia dejé de ir a la iglesia y a los 16 años salí de la casa de mis padres para
transladarme a la ciudad de Monterrey N. L. México. Allí fue donde conocí a mi esposa Irma Castillo
Galarza y el 2 de junio de 1988 contrajé matrimonio a los 18 años de edad, y en ese mismo año fui
bautisado en una Iglesia Evangelica de las Asambleas de Diós. Años despues nos vinimos al estado de
Texas y llegamos en la ciudad de Grand Saline, TX y nos congregamos en la Iglesia Bautista la Fé esta
misma ciudad. El 19 de Diciembre del 2004 fui ordenado diacono. Del 2004 al 2007 mi esposa y yo
estuvimos el el Instituto Baptist University of the America. En el 2012 el Hno. Pastor Adams me invito
para comenzar una obra hispana en la Iglesia Northside de Mineola, TX. Oramos al Señor yo y mi esposa
y comenzamos el 1 de junio del 2012. Y por la gracia de Diós aquí seguimos. Dios les bendiga a todos!
De mi matrimonio tenemos 1 hijo, 2 hijas y 6 nietos. El 2 de septiembre 2018 fuí ordenado como pastor
aquí en la Iglesia Northside de Mineola, TX. El proposito es para servir al Señor Jesucristo y ganar almas
para El.
I am Juvencio Gaspar. I was born January 20, 1970 en the state of San Luís Potosí, Mexico. My parents
being Catholics converted to the Lord, or to the gospel/protestantism in 1977. At that age, I began to go
to an evangelical church.
In my adolescent stage I stopped going to church and at the age of 16 I left my parents’ house to move
to the city of Monterrey in Nuevo León, Mexico. That is where I met my wife, Irma Castillo Galarza and
June 2, 1988 I entered into marriage at 18 years old. In that same year, I was baptized in an evangelical
church of the Assemblies of God. Years later we came to the state of Texas and arrived at Grand Saline.
We began attending Iglesia Bautista la Fé (Faith Baptist Church) in that same town. December 19, 2004 I
was ordained as deacon. In 2012 Pastor Adams invited me to begin a hispanic work in Northside Church
of Mineola. My wife and I prayed to the Lord and we began that work on June 1, 2012. And because of
God’s grace we are still continuing to serve here. God bless all of you.
From our marriage, we have 1 son, 2 daughters, and 6 grandchildren. I was ordained as Pastor here at
Northside on September 2, 2018. The purpose is to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and win souls for Him.
James Edwin Deel Jr.
Elder/ Trustee / Men's Ministry Leader
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
As a child, one Sunday after church, I walked into the house and suddenly was overwhelmed with the realization that I am a sinner and Jesus is the answer. At that moment I fell to my knees and stood up feeling relief. From that moment my life's journey has been an interesting adventure.
How I Came To Northside:
When I came to Mineola my mother and I we're driving around every Sunday trying different churches. After visiting Northside it was very hard to go anywhere else; God kept pulling me back here.
What I Do At Northside:
I do whatever I'm asked. I serve as a Elder and a trustee.
Why I Do What I Do:
I've been given a gift that I could never deserve...To gratefully serve is the absolute least I can do.
At Northside Church Since: 2018
Married to: Darlene, 1986
Children: Robert, Jennifer, & Tyler
Kevin Matthews
Elder
How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
When i was 18 God used the music of a Christian artist to open my eyes, and so i asked a neighbor in my dorm for why he was a Christian. He helped me see that without Jesus we're not fit for heaven. Soon after i decided to follow Jesus.
How I Came To Northside:
My wife and i moved here in 2022 and after an internet search and checking doctrine online, northside was the second church we decided to check out. Pastor Steve's preaching for me was a big reason northside was a fit for us.
What I Do At Northside:
I am an elder, teach adult Sunday school, and play the drums in worship also.
Why I Do What I Do:
Because it's important to use our gifts to serve Jesus.
At Northside Church Since: 2022
On Staff Since: 2024
Jessie Prestridge
Women’s Ministry Leader / Prayer Team Leader
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
I gave my life to Jesus when I was 9 years old. After losing an infant brother to severe birth defects, my heart and mind began to question death and eternity. Coming home from church one Sunday, I knew I needed and wanted Jesus. Kneeling beside my bed, my dad shared The Gospel with me and I was born again! God changed my heart that day and I’ve never been the same.
How I Came To Northside:
I came to Northside with my husband, Steve, and our two kiddos in September 2012 when he answered the call to serve as Student and Worship Pastor. I worked alongside him in both ministries until December 2017 when he became the Senior Pastor.
What I Do At Northside:
I currently serve as the Women’s Ministry Leader and Prayer Team Leader. I teach a Women’s Sunday School Class and facilitate weekly Bible Study, as well as other women’s events. I also lead our Prayer Team and coordinate organized prayer events.
Why I Do What I Do:
I absolutely LOVE Jesus and God’s Word! I love being with my church family, and I especially love being with God’s girls. God has clearly called me to serve The Church, but He has also given me a sincere love for ALL people. He is so wonderful and has done so many amazing things for me, I cannot help but tell of His goodness. I long to share His amazing love and the hope of The Gospel with everyone He brings into my life!
At Northside Church Since: 2012
On Staff Since: 2012
Married to: Steve, 1999
Children: Abbie and Cole
Brittany Ortiz
Kids Ministry Director
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
I grew up in church, like most people here in East Texas. My parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents talked about God often and it was never a question if we were going to church on Sundays when I was little. I remember when I was 7 or 8 years old, I was in the car with my mom and I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to ask God into my heart. My mom pulled over on the side of the road and led me into asking God into my heart. As I became a teenager I wasn’t living my life for Christ and really just turned my back on Him. Thankfully, God didn’t leave me or turn His back on me. After getting married and having our first child, I knew that we needed to raise our child in church. So we started going to church and I began to have a relationship with Christ. In 2014, our son was born 3 months early and at that point I truly had to lay it all down at Christ’s feet and know that I couldn’t do anything on my own.
How I Came To Northside Church:
My husband and I had been friends with a few couples that were attending Northside Church and my husband wanted to visit. We were attending church somewhere else and I really liked it, so I was ok with visiting but was not ok with attending Northside full time. We visited Northside Church and my husband really wanted to start attending there and I just kept resisting. I knew that I needed to follow my husband’s lead so we began attending Northside Church in 2013. I am so thankful God placed that nudge on my husband's heart that we needed to be at Northside Church.
What I Do At Northside Church:
I serve as the Kids Ministry Director and Awana Director.
Why I Do What I Do:
I began volunteering in our Kids Ministry and loved it. It is so awesome to watch the excitement in the kids eyes when they are learning more about God and His word.
"Train up a child in the way he/she should go; even when he/she is old he/she will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
At Northside Church Since: 2013
On Staff Since: 2018
Married to: Phillip
Children: Khloe and Jude
Chelsea Brown
Assistant Director / Kids Ministry
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
I wasn’t raised in church until I started attending Northside as an 11 year old. Not long after, I fell deeply in love with my church. I felt called to serve in any way I possibly could. I knew this was something I was supposed to do. By the time I was 15, I was going through the motions. I was in a place of serving because it
was what was expected of me. My focus was horizontal, not vertical. I got a wake up call the day before I turned 16. I was at camp, crying as God rocked my world and revealed to me that my motivations were out of line with His plan for me. That’s when it became real for me. In this intense encounter with my Creator, I felt the importance of doing everything I do for His increase, not mine. I knew that my purpose was to reveal His glory, not to be the best servant, or for any other reason. I must decrease. It isn’t about me; it’s about King Jesus. From that point forward, my serving has had purpose. And serving here at Northside has filled my heart with so much joy. I love my church.
How I Came To Northside:
I came to Northside with my family in 2008 as a young 11 year old after my family was invited by a friend. We were instantly in love with this sweet place. I know this is where God wants me to be.
What I Do At Northside:
I have had the chance to carry out many responsibilities here at Northside! I currently serve as the Assistant Kids Ministry Leader. I love that I get to work alongside our Kids Ministry Director and serve in our Kids Ministry area.
Why I Do What I Do:
I know that God has called me to serve at Northside. With all of the duties I get to do, it allows me to put my talents and passions to use for the glory of God. My mission is to increase His Kingdom!
At Northside Church Since: 2008
On Staff Since: 2016
Jason and Tammy Smith
Student Ministry Leaders
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
Jason Smith
I've known about Jesus my whole life, but it wasn't until I was 23 that I asked Him to be my Lord and Savior. At the time, I didn't fully understand what it meant to follow Him. I knew I wanted Him in my life, but I wasn't sure what that looked like.
Over the next 25 years, I experienced God's relentless pursuit. He provided numerous testimonies and opportunities for me to deepen my faith. It wasn't until I joined Northside five years ago that I truly embraced a relationship with Him, putting Him first in my life. This transformation brought me a sense of peace I had never known before."
Tammy Smith
I grew up feeling God's presence in my life, though I didn't fully understand it at the time. It wasn't until 1999, after marrying my husband, that I accepted the invitation of salvation. Unfortunately, our move out of state led to a hiatus in my spiritual journey.
Years later, in 2008, we reconnected with our faith by attending a local church. While this experience helped me grow spiritually, it was our son's desire to go to church in 2019 that truly reignited my faith. At Northside, I began a more authentic relationship with Jesus.
How We Came To Northside:
Our son's desire to attend church led us to visit Northside. After seeing a friend's post about the church, we decided to give it a try. It felt like God was guiding us there, and we quickly found our church home.
What We Do At Northside:
As student ministry directors, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. We're committed to providing support and guidance wherever needed.
Why We Do What We Do:
In 2008, God presented us with a unique opportunity to serve as camp directors. This experience ignited our passion for working with students, and we're grateful for the chance to make a positive impact on their lives.
At Northside Since: 2019
Married: 1997
Children: Elisa, Cheyenne, Savannah, and Garrett
Grand Children: Jasper, Avery, Juniper, Liam, and Owen.
Josiah and Jordon Cunningham
Student Ministry Assisant Leaders
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Still Under Construction
Jennifer Little
Office Administrator / Worship Coordinator
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
I came into relationship with Christ as a young girl. My family attended church regularly, and served in ministry. I was about 6 when I began asking a lot of questions about faith.
My mom always had a ready answer and Scripture to point me to.
One Sunday morning, during the sermon, I recall being overwhelmed with amazement
and gratitude at what Jesus had gone through to save me from my sins. As I sat there in my seat,
I knew that I had to do something about it. Jesus just couldn’t do all that for me, only for me to
ignore Him. I couldn’t think of anything else to do but to commit my life to Him. When the
Pastor gave the invitation at the end of service, I went down the aisle and he knelt with me on
the front pew. He showed me Scriptures in his Bible, asked me if I understood what they meant,
and prayed with me. I was so thrilled! I couldn’t wait to be baptized, but had to wait as our little
church at the time did not have its own baptistry, and it was too cold to be baptized outdoors.
We borrowed a baptistry from another local church and had a special service one day after
regular church service for me to be baptized!
How I Came To Northside:
I came to Northside in January of 2021. We had been looking for a
church, and a friend had invited me several times. I always found a reason to turn her down.
Yes, even though we were looking for a church, I found reasons to turn her down. I visited
several churches, but felt no direction from the Holy Spirit. Finally, in frustration, I reached out
to Jessie, whom I had met at a baby shower for my friend’s daughter. I just wanted to talk to
someone about my situation, and didn’t want it to be someone who knew me well. The Holy
Spirit used her to speak directly to me and touch some broken places of my heart, and highlight
the truth. I began visiting Bible study, and Sunday discipleship and services. As I have been here,
I have seen change and fruit in my own heart and life, and found a family of believers to be part
of. I’m grateful that God led me to this place!
What I Do At Northside:
I help coordinate worship planning and leading worship services. I serve
in our Awana minstry. I clean weekly and work as the office manager.
Why I Do What I Do:
Because I love the Lord and this place He has led me. I want to worship Him
by my service to Him. I want others to grow in Him, and love Him, serving Him too.
At Northside Since: January 2021
On Staff Since: Worship ministry since 2023, office staff since 2024
Married To: Mike Since:2009
Children: Haleigh, Alyssa, Cade, Eli, and Brooklyn
Cathy Guth
Worship Coordinator / Website Coordinator
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
I was taught as a child into adulthood that we are saved by keeping the laws and regulations of the old testament. The God I knew as a child was a mean and unloving God. In 1995 I was married with 2 children when God revealed to me that He was a loving God, and that we are to have a relationship with Him, not religion like I was taught. That we were saved by grace and not by works. It wasn’t hard to grasp that concept. I realized that I wasn’t ever going to be perfect, but to strive for perfection through loving and serving my Creator. I love to show others what Jesus has done for me by serving my brothers and sisters. And to share with everyone my testimony of forgiveness and grace. I love to use my gifts of music and to bless others with my talents that were gracefully given to me.
How I Came To Northside:
My husband and I moved to Texas for retirement. We were looking for a church home. When my aunt told me about a beautiful women of God. She was attending and invited us to join her. We came to Northside and immediately fell in love with my church family.
What I Do At Northside:
I share my love of Jesus through playing my keyboard and singing praises to Him.
I also work on the church website. I just fill in when and where needed.
Why I Do What I Do:
I love serving the church body. I love using the gifts that Jesus gave me to help and encourage others to use theirs as well.
At Northside Church Since: 2022
On Staff Since: 2024
Married: James 1988
Vennie Bass
Trustee / Kitchen Coordinator / Special Events
How I Came Into Relationship with Jesus:
I was raised in church and continued as an adult. We were raised Church of Christ, but as an adult started going to Macadonia Baptist Church in Longview, TX.
How I Came To Northside:
David and I were invited by the Wellman Family.
What I Do At Northside:
I’m on the Board of Trustees. I also help with the kitchen. On Wednesday nights I cook for Awana Kids and the adults that volunteer.
Married to: David Bass - Widow for 8 yrs
Children: Shawna Bealock, Natalie Furlington.
Step Children: David Jr. Bass, Joseph Bass, Garrett Bass, 3 grandchildren
Michelle Brown
Trustee
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
As a young child I didn’t go to church. I moved to Texas when I was 10 years old. When I was 11 years old, my mom met her now current husband. He was a church member of a local church. Myself, my mom, and my brother started attending church with him and his children. After a short time of attending church we all started asking questions about salvation. One evening my Sunday school teacher came to the house and between her and my now step father led me to Christ. During the same time period my mom and brother were also led to Christ and we were all three baptized together.
How I Came To Northside:
One of my coworkers was a member of Northside and she had been telling me for several weeks about how awesome her church was. My family and I had not been attending church because we had become lazy. I feel like God sent my coworker to invite me to her church. We visited at Easter time, April of 2008. We walked in and felt so much love from people that we didn’t even know. We immediately felt at home. Shortly after that first Sunday that we visited we made Northside Church our official church home.
What I Do At Northside:
Currently at Northside I serve on The Board of Trustees. I also serve in the Kids Ministry. I help with Awanas on Wednesday night and help during VBS week in the summer. During my 16.5 years at Northside I have also taught Sunday school(Pre-K/Kindergarten), helped in Woman’s ministry, my husband and I helped the Student Ministry leaders when our daughter was in the student ministry, and we also helped out with many community outreaches that Northside hosted.
Why I Do What I Do:
I love the Lord. I love people and I love my church family! I enjoy serving at my church and giving back to the Lord!
At Northside Church Since: 2008
On Staff Since: 2018
Married: Kerry Brown since 1995
Children: Chelsea and Isaiah
Michael & Jeannie Hipp
Trustee / Greeting Team
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How I Came Into Relationship With Jesus:
Jeannie:
Growing up, my dad was on the road alot with providing for our family so my mom became the staple to ensuring my brother and I were spiritually fed. Mom was the church secretary and consequently, we were at church every time the doors opened. I have very fond memories of playing in the Sunday School classrooms at the church while my mom labored over her secretarial duties. I guess all the imaginary friends I “schooled” in those Sunday School classrooms planted seeds of educational motives to be harvested in years to come.
All this to say, I knew very much who Jesus was and how he loved me. But, for me being so engrossed in church it was almost a misconception that I wasn’t a born again Christian. After all, I was doing everything right and goodness knows I had a picture perfect childhood that reflected my church attendance and involvement! As I got older and friends would ask if I was a Christian, without hesitation, I would say, “of course!” Again, on the outside, everything was sparkles and glitter; I was church perfect! As I got older, I began to discover that while things looked great on the outside, deep down on the inside, something was missing. Questions began to arise within me pertaining to scriptures and discontent began to trickle through some areas of my life.
At the age of 13, some friends and I attended a community wide event known as “Youth Explosion For Christ”. It was at that event that God spoke to my heart and told me He wanted to know me in the most intimate way - not through the church doors, but through the doors that led to everlasting life! It was then that I invited him into my heart. I remember running through the doors as soon as I got home that night and grabbing my vintage see-through rotary phone and calling friends to say I was going to be baptized!
I don’t recall the events of the day that I was baptized, but I remember specifically the night I made my profession of faith in front of my church family.
Michael:
Growing up, my parents made sure church was a part of our family’s regular routine on Sunday mornings and evenings. It didn’t matter if my brothers and I were out late on Saturday night as teenagers, we were expected to be up for church on Sunday mornings. Not everything was perfect in our lives, but making sure us boys were being fed the word of God was something both my parents found to be essential for our lives. So throughout my childhood and teen years, I was fed spiritually through bible studies at church, as well as influential pastors and youth ministers.
I was active in our church youth group and sang in our youth choir. I never doubted who God was, or the fact that Jesus died on the cross for me, a wretched sinner. I believed the Bible was the word of God and in it was truth. I just didn’t have a personal relationship with Him in my heart.
But at the age of 14, I really began to feel God working in my life and calling me to a deeper love relationship with Him. One Sunday morning while listening to our pastor, Glenn Clifton, God spoke to me and I repented of my sins and asked Jesus to come into my heart. At the conclusion of the service, I got up out of my seat and went to the front to make my public profession of faith.
While life has had its ups and downs, I have never doubted Jesus’ love for me and have always had the security of knowing that because of my personal relationship with him that I have been given eternal life.
How We Came To Northside:
God prompted a simple trip to Walmart and provided an opportunity to engage in a random conversation with a former colleague of Jeannie’s. We were looking for a church home at the time and an invitation was extended to us to join them in worship on Sunday. We did that very thing and the rest is history….
What We Do At Northside:
We are the leadership team behind the Welcoming Ministry, and Michael is a trustee.
Why We Do What We Do:
God has given us a nature to love people and an enthusiasm for His Kingdom work, so it’s a winning combination to greet people as they arrive at church and have small conversations.
At Northside Church Since: 2018
On Staff Since: 2022
Children: Kirbee ( 26); Karlee (23); Kallie (19); Michael (18); Kinsey (15)