Our lead Pastors
Pastors Josh & Carissa Couch
Josh Couch is a graduate of Valor Christian College, where he completed advanced studies in Pastoral Leadership, earning an Associate of Applied Science degree along with a Diploma in Arts in Religion. His formal education, combined with nearly two decades of hands-on ministry experience, has equipped him with a strong foundation in theology, leadership, and pastoral care.
Licensed with the Church of God, Josh has been active in ministry since 2006. He and his wife, Carissa—both natives of Hamilton, Ohio—were married in 2011. Together, they are the proud parents of two children, Ainsley and Malakai. The Couch family is widely known for their passion for unity, God's Kingdom, and mentorship.
Over the years, Josh and Carissa have ministered in conferences and revivals throughout the eastern United States and the Caribbean. They share a deep desire to see the gifts of the Spirit powerfully demonstrated and to remain sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Josh Speaking Request
Thank you for expressing your interest to have Pastor Josh Couch speak at your event. He appreciates your interest in his ministry. The first step to getting Pastor Josh to your event is to complete the Speaking Request Form below. We look forward to your response.
Our executive pastors
David & Charity Comer
David Comer is an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) with more than 20 years of ministry experience as an evangelist, an Associate Pastor, and a Lead Pastor. David has served as a member of the Indiana State Council, Youth & Discipleship Board, Music Committee and Ministerial Internship Board. Charity has served on the Indiana Women's Ministries Board. Through all of their ministry experiences they have developed a strong passion for God's presence and God's people and are excited to see what God still has in store for them and the
congregation at Gulf Coast Church. Married in 1996, David and Charity have four sons, four daughters-in-
law, and four grandchildren.
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
Pre-K Directors: Saul & Kristen Moreno
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
Pre-K Directors: Saul & Kristen Moreno
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.
Middle School Pastors: Ryan & Brooke Mecham
Middle School Pastors: Ryan & Brooke Mecham
Middle School Pastors: Ryan & Brooke Mecham
Ryan Mecham and Brooke are newlyweds who have called this area home for over four years. Ryan has a heart for mentoring and has been leading youth for more than three years, all while running his own wildlife company that focuses on humane animal removal. Brookey is all about pouring into the next generation and stays busy working as a pa
Ryan Mecham and Brooke are newlyweds who have called this area home for over four years. Ryan has a heart for mentoring and has been leading youth for more than three years, all while running his own wildlife company that focuses on humane animal removal. Brookey is all about pouring into the next generation and stays busy working as a part-time nanny and waitress. She’s originally from Nebraska, while Ryan has lived all over but calls Iowa City, Iowa, home. Together, they share life’s adventures with their two dogs, Boone and Aspen, and love being part of the community—whether it’s helping people, spending time outdoors, or just making life a little more fun!
High School Pastors: Tristen & Maleah Comer
Middle School Pastors: Ryan & Brooke Mecham
Middle School Pastors: Ryan & Brooke Mecham
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