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 //
Pastor Overseeing Groups & Communications
Ben oversees our Micro Churches (i.e. - Community Groups). 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, and backpacker. He roots zealously for the Denver Broncos and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. He is also a graphic artist / website designer on the side.
Joey Boykin //
Pastor Overseeing Membership & Operations
Joey is a longtime friend of Chris, and he helped plant 24 church in 2005. Through this process, he met his wife Jenna. God has blessed Joey and Jenna with two sweet girls: Josie and Emorie. In addition to helping lead 24, Joey is the owner of Golly G’s Coffee, Ice Cream & Sweets. His desire is to see the local culture impacted with the truth of the gospel, and he is driven to make disciples that cherish Christ above all. Joey oversees our church membership and helps with church operations.
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.
Jason Pennington //
Pastor to Students
Jason leads our student ministry. 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 /
Elevate Preschool Director
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.
