Leadership

Pastors Jimmy and Linda Mattio have been learning to love God and love people since they were both 16 years old. They are pastors at heart with an unwavering commitment to share the love of Jesus with all who will receive it. After 11 years of dreaming and praying, they are fulfilling their vision to build "Compassion on the Coast"—a place dedicated to bringing hope to the hurting.
Ordained and credentialed through the IPHC, they lead with authenticity, compassion, and a deep desire to see lives transformed through Christ's love.

Kenneth Wood serves as our Assistant Pastor and oversees our Celebrate Recovery program. Known as our “do-it-all guy,” Kenneth combines practical problem-solving skills with a genuine heart for helping people from all walks of life find hope and healing. His hands-on approach creates welcoming environments where people struggling with strongholds can experience Christ’s love and find lasting recovery.

Desirae leads our children’s ministry with an infectious joy and unwavering belief that “the children are the future of the church.” Her warm, inviting spirit and ever-present smile create an atmosphere where young hearts naturally open to God’s love. She considers herself “truly blessed to get the opportunity to love on them and share
Jesus Christ with them.”

Sarah brings a powerful testimony of transformation to her role as worship leader. In the middle of her sobriety journey, she encountered Jesus unexpectedly, and “the moment I surrendered to Him, my entire world changed.” Her journey from rejection to surrender gives her music authentic depth and purpose.

Pastor Jimmy calls her “Marvelous Marlee”—a new creation in Christ with a heart on fire for God. After graduating from Kingdom Institute in May 2024, she now leads our discipleship ministries with a team of 12 gifted individuals. She’s passionate about loving “the least, the last, and the lost,” helping people discover their true identity in Christ.

Jamie Lindsay serves as our Connections Director, leading 15 volunteers who create a welcoming environment from the parking lot to follow-up. Her passion centers on helping people take their next step in community and in Christ. She ensures every guest feels seen, valued, and genuinely connected.

From homeless, addicted, and depressed to a born-again, joyful, sober wife and mother, Ellie knows recovery is beautiful. She uses her marketing skills to spread Jesus’ message and connect people to hope and healing. Her “keep it real” approach shows others that faith and recovery go together perfectly.

Austin Brian Spinning serves as the Pastoral Assistant at Compassion Church. A devoted husband, loving father, and man powerfully redeemed by grace, Austin brings both passion and purpose to his role. His heart beats for those who need to experience God’s transforming love most. Through his authentic leadership and compelling testimony of redemption, Austin helps build a church community marked by genuine healing, unshakeable hope, and life-changing authenticity.

Since beginning his walk with Christ at Compassion Church, God has spoken clearly to Jared’s heart about being available for service. His calling centers on helping with the upkeep and maintenance of the church property by working with his hands and uniting others in the vital work of building up God’s house. Jared’s passion is helping people “find their fit in facilities” and discover the joy of serving by doing God’s work. Through his leadership, the practical needs of the church become opportunities for community, service, and spiritual growth as people work together to create a welcoming space for all who enter.

At 38 years young, he’s a Son of God who’s survived life’s toughest battles and stands today only by God’s grace through Jesus Christ. A father of six beautiful children, his heart burns with passion for sharing God’s love with the youth—the future of our people. Called to be vulnerable about his mistakes and how God corrects him, he’s eager to train under Pastor Jimmy while serving the body of Christ and shaping the next generation for
God’s Kingdom.

Patrick Calloway brings a natural gift for connecting with people and an open heart for helping those who are hurting. Having maintained a close walk with Jesus most of his life, he finds joy in watching others draw closer to their Savior. His eagerness for ministry and prayer makes him a valuable team addition.

Joe Hart serves as our Mental Health Director, bringing personal recovery experience and professional compassion to those struggling with mental health challenges. Understanding firsthand the battles many face, Joe creates safe spaces where people find both practical support and spiritual encouragement. His combination of lived experience and ministry calling helps bridge the gap between mental wellness and spiritual wholeness.