Ministry Team
Sam Belisle – Lead Pastor
Pastor Sam has committed his life to leading, developing, serving, and ministering to others. He began his journey as a Youth Pastor serving in several churches where he developed successful ministries. After several years of youth ministry, God called him to serve as a Lead Pastor. He began his pastoral ministry in Virginia, and God led Him to Celebration in 1995. Pastor Sam is known as a caring and loving shepherd to those at Celebration, and also to those in the Roanoke Valley and beyond. He has dedicated nearly 30 years to training, developing and raising up people who serve in ministry. Pastor Sam’s greatest desire is to win the lost to Christ and encourage people to grow in their relationship with God. His highest priority and joy in life is his family including his wife, Susan, son – Josh, daughter – Jennifer, and his grandkids.
Pastor Sam is an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God, Cleveland, TN. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Lee University and a Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies from the Master’s Graduate School of Divinity, an affiliate of Trinity University.
Susan Belisle – Worship Pastor
Pastor Susan’s heart’s desire is to raise-up leaders, build alliances, and advance God’s Kingdom. After working many years in the business world, God called Susan to a life of full-time ministry. She ministers both inside and outside of Celebration Church. Pastor Susan is a passionate worshiper and has the privilege of leading our worship ministry and raising-up worshipers at Celebration. She also provides oversight to our women’s ministries. Outside the walls of Celebration, Pastor Susan ministers to women called to ministry through the organization she founded in 2017 – Called 2 Ministry. Her mandate is to encourage, equip, and empower women called to ministry. More than her love for ministry is Pastor Susan’s love for her family. Some of Susan’s favorite things include traveling, bike riding, and drinking herbal tea.
Pastor Susan is a credentialed minister with the Church of God, Cleveland, TN. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Lee University and a Master’s degree in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University.
Maria Morales-Acosta – Children’s Pastor
Pastor Maria was raised in a Pastor’s home and has a rich history of serving in the
local church in both Texas and Arizona. She began serving in children’s ministry
when she was only nine years old and has a tremendous love and passion for
children. Pastor Maria has an extraordinary gifting to minister to children both
inside and outside the local church and has a heart for outreach and missions.
Most importantly, she is a passionate prayer warrior and worshipper.
Pastor Maria has completed the Calling and Ministry Seminar (CAMS) program
with the Church of God and will be testing for her Exhorter’s License in 2023.
Additionally, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree with the University of Arizona.
Pastor Maria’s husband, Joseph and daughter, Catalina serve alongside her in
Children’s Ministry. They enjoy traveling and living life with their German Shepherd,
Olive, and Husky, Oreo.
Steve Neace – Youth Pastor
Pastor Steve was raised in a Christian home and has a rich Christian heritage. He has a passion for outreach and evangelism and seeing young people commit their lives to Christ and grow radically in their faith.
Pastor Steve received training with Master’s Commission, an urban discipleship program of Lee University, Cleveland, TN. This training led him to involvement in several inner- city outreach and youth ministries such as Urban Commission and Revolution Ministries. He also established ChristCore where he led bible studies and youth groups. He has extensive experience teaching bible and prayer classes. He has also assisted in setting up Celebrating Freedom programs in several ministry centers. His ministry experiences have allowed him to do missions work throughout the United States and in Honduras.
Pastor Steve attended Southern WV Community and Technical College receiving a degree in Radiation Physics. He also studied at Marshall University and is a certified MRI Technologist. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, hiking, and flying his drone.
Administrative Staff
Phyllis Crum – Special Projects Director
Phyllis has served more than 30 years in church ministry, and she brings a wealth of experience to our church ministry. Phyllis and her late husband, Ed, have been Children’s Pastors, and Phyllis has also led women’s ministry, sunday school and children’s ministry.
At Celebration, Phyllis is the developer and manager of our church management software, has served in our Children’s Ministry, led small groups and assists with other projects.
Phyllis has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration.
Prior to an early retirement from Norfolk Southern, Phyllis was an IT Manager responsible for several key transportation projects. Outside of ministry, Phyllis enjoys traveling, entertaining, and reading
Bethany Powell – Administrative Assistant
Bethany was raised in a Pastor’s home and has a heart for ministry and service. She provides administrative support for various ministries in our church. Beyond this role, Bethany is gifted in working with children and serve as a Lead Teacher for our After School and Camp programs with Celebrate KIDS!. She also serves in our preschool ministry at church.
Bethany attended Lee University in Cleveland, TN and received a bachelor’s degree in Human Development in 2019. Prior to her ministry role at Celebration, Bethany worked in childcare.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading and watching her favorite television shows.
Worship Times
Sunday Senior Adult Study- 9:30am
Sunday Worship - 10:30am
Wednesday Night - 7:00pm
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