Our executive pastors
Jesse & Maria Batey
Jesse and Maria are passionate about building the Church through authentic relationships, intentional discipleship, and the life-changing presence of Jesus. Originally from opposite sides of Lake Texoma — Jesse from Texas and Maria from Oklahoma — they met young, married at 19 and 20, and began their journey in ministry shortly after, attending Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, TX.
Jesse spent several years in the corporate world, ultimately serving as Director of Technology for a hospital system. During that time, God began to stir his heart toward ministry. He transitioned into a staff role at their home church, where he helped develop systems and streaming technology to support a growing multi-campus model. As the church expanded, so did Jesse’s heart for people, leading him to step more fully into a pastoral role — one that prioritized shepherding, leadership development, and building healthy, sustainable teams.
Alongside ministry, Jesse also founded and operates a technology business and opened a Christian counseling center to serve individuals and families in need of care and support.
Together, Jesse and Maria have served in executive leadership for over a decade, giving their lives to building the local church. From behind-the-scenes roles to executive-level leadership, they’ve remained committed to serving wherever needed — always with a heart for people and a desire to see lives transformed.
Today, they serve as Executive Pastors over Life Groups and Next Generation Ministries at Gulf Coast Church. Their heart is to see vibrant community formed, the next generation empowered, and every person walk in the fullness of God’s purpose for their life.
They’ve been married for 21 years and have three amazing children — Kayla, Isaiah, and Ezra — who are their greatest joy and first ministry.
Our Pastoral staff
Worship Pastors: Ben & Katie Wissner
High School Pastors: Tristen & Maleah Comer
Pre-K Directors: Saul & Kristen Moreno
Ben and Katie Wissner are a couple that is passionate about worship and the presence of God. Both being called to ministry in high school, they've been leading worship since 2007, and leading worship together since 2014 in various capacities. They were trained in California and educated in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern Univers
Ben and Katie Wissner are a couple that is passionate about worship and the presence of God. Both being called to ministry in high school, they've been leading worship since 2007, and leading worship together since 2014 in various capacities. They were trained in California and educated in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. Since getting married in 2016, they have been worship pastors; first in Louisiana, then in Pensacola, and now here at Gulf Coast Church. They have two children; Reuben and Elliot. Ben and Katie's heart is for congregational worship and to see the church unified under the greatness of our God and the move of His Spirit.
Pre-K Directors: Saul & Kristen Moreno
High School Pastors: Tristen & Maleah Comer
Pre-K Directors: Saul & Kristen Moreno
Saúl and Kristen Moreno have a heart for children to be surrounded by a loving and godly environment in the home and in the local church. They were married in 2012 and have five children; Delannay, Catalina, Liam, Mateo, and Noela. Kristen has previously taught children in a private school and preschool for five years. She served as nurse
Saúl and Kristen Moreno have a heart for children to be surrounded by a loving and godly environment in the home and in the local church. They were married in 2012 and have five children; Delannay, Catalina, Liam, Mateo, and Noela. Kristen has previously taught children in a private school and preschool for five years. She served as nursery coordinator at Gulf Coast Church from 2017-2022 and saw tremendous growth. Saúl and Kristen are passionate about young children being taught and trained with God's Word and uplifting and supporting parents in a godly way.
High School Pastors: Tristen & Maleah Comer
High School Pastors: Tristen & Maleah Comer
High School Pastors: Tristen & Maleah Comer
Tristen and Maleah Comer are ordained ministers in the Church of God, with a special passion for youth ministry, particularly high school students. Throughout their ministry journey, they have served in various roles, always prioritizing the spiritual growth and mentorship of young people. Their heart for guiding teenagers through life's
Tristen and Maleah Comer are ordained ministers in the Church of God, with a special passion for youth ministry, particularly high school students. Throughout their ministry journey, they have served in various roles, always prioritizing the spiritual growth and mentorship of young people. Their heart for guiding teenagers through life's challenges and helping them build a strong foundation in faith is evident in all they do. Their commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders is a central focus of their service. Aside from church ministry, they have 2 children; Adrien & Ainsley Comer who you can find running around the nursery