"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (1 Pet 5:2-3, NIV)

Rev. Dr. D. Derrick West
Senior Pastor

" And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul was preaching, he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead." (Acts 20:9-10)

What you see is what you get with Pastor Derrick. He married his bride, Dawn, in 2003 and together they have two awesome kids: Miller and Samantha. He's originally from Spartanburg, SC and is unashamed of all things Clemson. He has four great ministry passions: (1) Expository Preaching (2) Teaching (3) Writing and (4) Engaging in the first three with the congregation he loves.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Christian Education and Youth Ministries from Toccoa Falls College; a Master of Divinity with a Specialization in Biblical Languages from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; a Master of Theology in Old Testament and Hebrew (NOBTS); and a Doctor of Biblical Studies from Colorado Theological Seminary (Summa Cum Laude). An Examination of the Original Twelve Through The Lens of Narrative and Canonical Criticism was the title of his dissertation.

He is the author of The League of Pardoned Rebels (Ambassador's International Publishing Co.) and is currently writing another book on the Gospel of Mark.

Rev. Dr. Matt Parris
Associate Pastor

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. “(Romans 12:1-2)

Pastor Matt Parris serves as Associate Pastor and has been in ministry since 2001. He began his ministry journey serving for many years as a Youth Pastor, where he developed a deep love for investing in the next generation and helping students build a lasting foundation in Christ.

Having grown up in the same town as the church, Pastor Matt is grateful to now serve in the very community that helped shape his faith. He and his family have raised their children here as well, and they cherish being rooted in the life of the church and the local community.

Pastor Matt has a strong passion for discipleship and finds great joy in walking alongside others as they grow in their faith. His heart is to see people mature spiritually, discover their God-given purpose, and live out their calling with confidence and conviction.

He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida and completed his graduate studies at Life Chiropractic College.

Rev. Edmund Nalzaro
Associate Pastor of Praise and Worship

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20)

Edmund serves as Director of Praise and Worship after a long professional stage career including many Christian productions and a leading role in a Broadway musical. He, along with his wife Cathi, moved to Vero Beach in 2006 with their 4 children (now all adults) Jerzi, Josiah, Naomi, and Micah. If you would like to know more about him and his love for the LORD, he'd be glad to take you to lunch at his favorite local cafe.

Amy DeVault
Director of Family Ministries

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your heart to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:16-17

God has given me the privilege of living all over His creation. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the foreign landscape of the Balkan Peninsula. It was here, during a tour of duty with the Army, that I met my amazing husband Jeremy. 26 years and two beautiful daughters later here I am. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Christian Ministry from Hope International University. I am currently working on my Masters in Elementary Education. I have been a teacher for 16 years both in private Christian Schools and as a homeschool mama to Ali and Abby.

We have called Vero Beach our home for the past 13 years. We recently welcomed a son-in-law, Levi, married to Ali and will welcome another, Adam, engaged to Abby. I love reading, crochet, travel, hiking, and spending every chance I can with the kids.

Jeff Smith
Church Administrator

I was born in McKees Rocks, PA in 1956 and moved to Orlando in 1963 where I grew up until moving to Vero Beach in 1984. I grew up Presbyterian and baptized in a Southern Baptist Church in Geneva, Florida in 1978. Jeff has been married 24 years to his wife Wanda. They have 4 children Brad, Amanda, Trent and Kimberly (died 10/15/83).

I was Clerk of the Court & Comptroller for Indian River County having retired in June 2023, and served 30 years in the clerk's office. Prior to the Clerk's office I ran my own CPA firm here in Vero Beach. I served as Deacon of Genesis Church from 2022 through 2024. I am a classic car enthusiast, a wannabe professional golfer and love the Gators and UCF Knights.