A Christ-centered, Bible-based, and Family-oriented church committed to God, each other, and our community.
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Ministers

“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” The apostle Paul to Timothy, in 1 Timothy 4:16

In the New Testament church, preachers (or ministers) were responsible for teaching God’s word, encouraging churches, and helping people grow in their faith. God’s instructions for ministers are found in places like Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, who were serving as ministers for some of the early churches. (Notice especially passages like 1 Timothy 4:7-16, 2 Timothy 2:1-26, 2 Timothy 4:1-5.) Our ministers are those who our elders have asked to serve here at Great Oaks in preaching and ministry roles.

Tim Alsup

I began serving as Great Oaks’ Preaching Minister in October, 2005, and we have loved Great Oaks and the Memphis community!  I believe strongly in the transforming power of God and His word, and I love the process of God’s people (me included) growing to be both more faithful and more missional.  Outside of ministry,…

Aarek Farmer

Aarek began his work at Great Oaks in the Spring of 2010. After 9 years working as the Youth and Family Minister, Aarek transitioned and began working with our college and young adult group. With experience in  both ministry and education (Aarek taught middle school for several years, and now works with the graduate education…

Moises Umana

Moises and Maritza Umana came to work with our Spanish-speaking ministry in July 2018. Moises and Maritza have 2 sons, 1 daughter, and 5 grandchildren. Moises was buried with Christ in baptism in 1985. Two years later, he and Maritza were married on February 28, 1987. Five years after he was baptized he entered into…

Chase Surrell

  • Youth Minister

Chase Surrell began serving as Great Oaks’ Youth Minister in August 2021. He and his wife Allison were married on April 30, 2016. They have one girl, Jenny May. We are happy to have Chase and Allison working with our teens! Chase has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biblical Studies from Freed-Hardeman University, and he…

Derek Williams

Derek Williams began serving as our Associate Minister in June 2022. His role involves various ministry activities, including teaching Bible classes, occasional preaching, and focusing on relationships and ministry among our 50’s and up. Derek grew up attending the Thyatira Church of Christ, which is the oldest congregation of the Lord’s church in Mississippi. It…

Gary Reaves

Gary Reaves began serving as Great Oaks’ Involvement Minister in August 2022. Great Oaks has a long history with Gary, having overseen and supported him and his family in their Spanish-ministry and church-planting efforts for 15 years in Wisconsin, Peru, and North Carolina. Gary and Jennifer met while both of them were in college at…