Jay and his family came to Georgia in June of 2013 to be the Lead Pastor here at Northwest. He grew up in Clearwater, FL and, after graduating high school, decided to move to some place with mountains. He chose to attend Johnson University located in Knoxville, TN where he got a bachelor’s degree in Bible. But the mountains of Tennessee were not enough!

After graduation, Jay moved west to Colorado where he spent several years as a youth pastor at a church in Canon City. From there, he worked at churches in Phoenix, Colorado Springs and Mechanicsville, VA. Eventually, Jay found himself back at that first church he worked at in Canon City, Colorado. This time as the Lead Pastor. That was the church he was serving in before moving to Georgia.

Jay met and married his wife, Carrie, while he was living in Phoenix. Carrie was born and raised in Arizona and had no plans to ever leave the desert. Unfortunately, she married a pastor and God had different ideas! The two have been married since 2003 and have four incredible kids: Abigail, Hannah, Caleb, and Elizabeth.

Being a husband, father, and pastor definitely keeps Jay busy, so there’s not a lot of spare time in his life. When he does get a few moments of down time, he likes to fish, camp, attempt to play golf (albeit it very poorly) and build things in his woodshop.

Jay is passionate about winning people to Christ, training people to be disciples and sending people out on mission to reach their friends and neighbors for Jesus. He would describe his preaching style as deeply biblical, practically relevant, and (in his mind at least) quite humorous. Jay loves to laugh and to make others laugh as well...especially on a Sunday! As he says often, “when in doubt, go for the laugh.”

He would love to connect with you over coffee and hear your story. Feel free to reach him via email here. Just be ready, though...he is going to try and tell you a few jokes. Humor him as best you can. It makes him feel better about himself!

Originally from Omaha, NE, Jerran and his family moved to Georgia in 2015. Jerran joined the staff at Northwest in 2019, having a passion for kids of all ages and a desire to see marriages grow deeper, parents encouraged and families stronger. Jerran has a background in youth and children’s ministry, as well as in the retail and customer service industry. He’s also self-proclaimed sci-fi geek and enjoys reading, woodworking and spending time with his wife, Nicole, and their 4 kids - Keegan, Lincoln, Brinley, and Felicity.

The Walker family came to North Georgia in January of 2016. He grew up in Chattanooga, TN where his ministry and leadership training began. From that time until now Stacey has grown by the Spirit of God serving the Church as a planter, deacon, preacher, youth pastor and ministry chaplain.

Stacey met his wife Santrile after moving to Florida for training in 1996. In October of 1998, they were married and God has entrusted them with three beautiful God-fearing children: Stacey Jr, Samia and Ariel.

Soon after in the fall of 2000, Stacey would follow in his father’s footsteps and enlist into the United States Army where he served three combat tours and two peace keeping tours. After sustaining career ending combat injuries, Stacey retired from the Army in 2015. During this transition and recovery period, Stacey surrendered to
God’s original purpose for his life and began vocational training for professional ministry. During this time, he studied at Belhaven University Atlanta-Campus and Christian Leaders College completing a double bachelors in Christian Leadership and Chaplaincy. Stacey also earned a certification as a Peer Support specialist through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities where he served veterans and adults in Bartow County coping with metal health challenges.

Stacey is very grateful to his wife for her support and strength as they have partnered together in ministry for the past 14 of their 25 years of marriage. He has an intense passion for teaching the principles of scripture and an equal passion for local missions. Stacey has mentored over 150 men and boys in the Greater Atlanta Metropolitan area in leadership as a Prison Fellowship ministry chaplain, FCA character coach, and a Program manager for Atlanta’s At-Promise Initiative.

Stacey has a “godly” infatuation for coffee and loves meeting for random or intentional conversations. He would love to connect with you to discuss the hills and valleys of this journey called life.

My name is Bonnie Prewett and I am married to my husband Jarred (who can typically be found somewhere taking pictures). We have two children: Owen (11) and Lydia (10). I was raised in Powder Springs and have strong roots in the area. I’ve been the Children’s Ministry Director at Northwest since November 2021.

My background is that of a former teacher. I taught elementary and PreK, as well as Music. I was a double major in college—in both Music-Vocal Performance and Elementary Education. I originally went to school for Youth and Children's Ministry….but Greek was Greek to me. I failed it miserably and changed majors! Ministry with children is something I have always felt called to do and I am thrilled to serve our church in this role. It's so much fun!!!!

I am also a die hard Braves fan! Dale Murphy may or may not be aware I am one of his biggest fans!!! Now you can guess my age I'm sure! I enjoy singing and reading books but also spending time outside in nature! I love to go for long walks and have picnics in the park with our family. If you see me out and about, I can assure you that you'll likely see me drumming in the car to the song on the radio or dancing in Target. I like to have fun and be silly!

I know it’s a privilege to serve the Lord as a leader over our children’s ministry. My desire is that each child will come to know the amazing love of God in his/her life. I want to partner with parents to help the children of Northwest to become firm in the foundation of their relationship with Jesus Christ. I enjoy the work God has provided for me here at Northwest and am blessed to work with amazing volunteers!

If you’re new or interested in our children’s ministry, don’t hesitate to contact me or introduce yourself to me in passing on a Sunday morning. I look forward to meeting you!

Colt Dillard and his family came to Northwest in October of 2021 to join the staff to serve as Worship Arts Pastor. In his role, Colt’s passion is to point Northwest to Christ through worship and shepherd the next generation of worshippers and worship leaders. Outside of the office, Colt enjoys spending time with his family, fitness, and all things nerdy. 

Sheryl Massey attended Johnson Bible College for 2 years with her studies focused in working in a church office. Sheryl finally began that career in 1997 when she first started working for Northwest Christian Church, then known as East Marietta Christian Church. Besides enjoying her work at Northwest, she has always had a passion for working with kids. She led the Children's Choir for many years and now loves teaching in Kidstown.

Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else. That’s what Pel realized when he retired after 5 years in the Army and 40 years as a corporate marketing director. Pel and his wife Dianne have served in the church all of their adult lives, but being able to now devote full time to the Lord’s work is the most rewarding gift of a lifetime. Serving at the pleasure of the lead pastor, Pel is responsible for not only administration at Northwest but also facilities and technical maintenance. He still finds time on Sunday mornings for one of his passions from corporate life: Video production of the Northwest services. Asked about how he enjoys retirement, Pel’s response is always “I really don’t know how I ever found time to work!”

Ivy was raised in Marietta, Georgia but has been residing in Dallas, Georgia since 2021 after a few temporary stops in Belgium, California, and Forsyth County, Georgia. She began working in the corporate world at 19 years-old which soon led her to Belgium where she met her husband, Fred. Ivy and Fred have been blessed with two amazing children, Eva and Ethan. After spending over 22 years in corporate project management and quality assurance, Ivy was led to step away. Now Ivy is involved in the Children’s and Youth Ministries here at Northwest. Her desire is to see others become and grow as disciples of Jesus. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children doing all kinds of things such as going on walks, shooting pool, family Bible study, and playing games.

Bob is originally from the Boston, Massachusetts area and moved to the south in 1979 for a job opportunity. Bob and his wife, Darla, and their two children moved to the Atlanta area from Charlotte, North Carolina in 1987. From that time, Bob has been involved in the Christian church’s work and serving God’s people. In January 2022, Bob took over the role as Care Ministries Director and directly oversees the Northwest Community Food Bank. When he is not at the food pantry, Bob enjoys golfing, running, hiking, boating, and going on long walks.