OUR ELDERS
Our church is led by a group of men called elders. The term “elder” is a word the Bible uses alongside “pastor” or “shepherd” (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5). These men serve the church primarily by teaching the Bible, providing pastoral care, and equipping the church for ministry.
OUR STAFF
Ben Adkison //
Associate Pastor
Ben is our Associate Pastor and tends to be involved in lots of different projects. He helps oversee all our groups (Micro Churches, Bible Studies, Care Groups, etc.) as well as communications and missions. In 2017, he re-joined our staff after having left to plant a church in East Nashville in 2011. He is married to Magen and together they are the proud parents of: Stratton, Starkville, Keller, & Slater. Ben is an avid coffee geek, vinyl collector, Apple apologist, climber, hiker, and backpacker. He is a diehard Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and Mississippi State Bulldogs fan.
Abbey Cartwright //
Director of Elevate Preschool
Abbey is the Director of Elevate Preschool. She overseas 17 staff members and 86 kids that she coaches and teaches on a daily basis. In her own words, “I get to love on all of these kids every day. I get to plant the seed of Christ at this young age and nothing makes me happier.” Abbey is married to Chris, and together they are the parents of Brinley, Evelyn, and Lucy. She grew up in Willmington, IL and worked in an emergency room for fifteen years before becoming a mom and transferring to the preschool world. Abbey enjoys: boating/tubing/kayaking, anything on the water, camping, cricut crafting, fostering dogs, and working with rescues. She’s a fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Nashville Predators, and UK Basketball.
David Goniotakis //
Associate Minister to Students
David is part of our Student Ministry team along with Jason Pennington and Tricia Taylor. He also helps lead men’s ministry and Men’s Tuesday Night Bible Study. He is married to Nikki and together they are the parents of MaeElynn and Esther. Growing up in a military family, David moved around a lot, but spent considerable time in Florida, California, and New Mexico. He enjoys spending time outside exploring the waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails in middle TN and is a fan of “the only team worth cheering for, FSU. When they stink I cheer for UGA.” Finally, he loves all things Christmas, and thinks it should be celebrated 365 days a year.
Deb Haines-Kulick //
Director of Finance
Deb has held many roles at 24, and currently serves as the Director of Finance. She does an amazing job helping care for and manage our budget and monetary resources. She is married to Louis, and has a beautiful daughter, Danielle. You can often find Deb and Louis cheering loudly for the Nashville Predators.
Nathan Loxley //
Worship Pastor
Nathan leads worship for our 24 church gatherings. In 2006, he married his longtime sweetheart Rachel. They have four awesome kids: Noah, Kate, Ella, and Lillian. He loves reading, writing, hunting, disc golf, and the Tennessee Volunteers. He and Rachel are committed to living on mission with other believers for the good of their neighborhood and the glory of Jesus. They are known for having a full house and throwing legendary parties. Nathan loves God’s word, and is determined to be actively involved in equipping the saints for ministry and the worship of Jesus Christ.
Stephen Palk //
National Director of Hope Center Ministries
Stephen is the National Director of Hope Center Ministries and has a heart to help others escape the grip of addiction. He grew up in Waverly, TN. He is married to Emily and together they are the parents of Oliver and Baron. Stephen enjoys sports and playing with his kids, and cheers for the Predators, the Vols, the Grizzlies, and the Titans.
Jason Pennington //
Pastor to Students
Jason leads our student ministry along with David Goniotakis and Tricia Taylor. He’s an avid kayaker, wrestling coach, and overall outdoorsman. He is the co-owner of Run-A-Muck Outfitters, a local kayaking and outdoors outfitter. He and his wife Jessie are parents to Ruger and Rubi. Jason has a big personality and is devoted to impacting students’ lives.
David Rawls //
Minister to Families & Children
David leads our children’s & family ministries at 24. He is originally from Greenbrier, TN. He and his wife Melissa have a beautiful daughter, Morgan. Before joining 24, he served as the Associate Children's Minister at First Baptist Church Joelton. David is a kid at heart and is up for almost anything. He loves outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and golf. He and Melissa are big time foodies largely due to David’s many years of service in the hospitality industry.
Chris Royalty //
Lead Pastor
Chris planted 24church in 2005 with his wife, Erin, and lifelong friend, Joey Boykin. He has six beautiful daughters: Gracie, London, Violet, Savannah, Anniston, and Daisy, and one son: Cash. He enjoys hot rods, vintage collectables, arcade games, anything made of tomatoes, and 80’s rock. He is passionate about loving others as God has loved him, and his heart for ministry is clearly evident. Chris longs to see the people of our city awakened to saving faith in Jesus Christ. He serves as the primary teaching pastor and oversees the church staff.
David Royalty //
Pastor Emeritus
Overseeing Pastoral Care
& Seniors Ministry
David pastored First Baptist Joelton for 33 years. After recently retiring from vocational ministry, he joined the 24 team to help with pastoral care and seniors ministry. David is married to Linda Carol and they have one son, Chris.
Debbie Shearon //
Executive Assistant
Debbie is our executive assistant and the proverbial glue that holds everything together. She is married to Darryl, and the mother of two sons: Darryl and Lucas. She is also ‘Nana’ to Lauren, Emma and Hutton. Debbie loves reading, especially Bible studies and commentaries, and enjoys birdwatching, perennial gardening, conversing, napping, and all things rural. After forty fun years in the corporate world, Debbie is excited to serve at 24 church.
Tricia Taylor //
Associate Minister to Students
Tricia is part of our Student Ministry team along with Jason Pennington and David Goniotakis. She is married to John and together they are the parents of Donovan and Alexis. Tricia cheers for the Tennessee Vols, the Tennessee Titans, and the Chicago Bears. She enjoys: podcasts, hiking, books, watching football, reality tv, games shows, and board games. She LOVES church camp, and in her own words “she can be a tad bit competitive.”