MEET OUR LEAD PastorS
Nolan & Kathy Edwards
Lead Pastors
Nolan & Kathy have a passion for the presence of God and to see the Kingdom of God established on the earth as the people of God awaken to their destiny, impacting their world as an accurate representation of Christ while simply demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit.
Nolan and Kathy have been married for over 30 years and in that time have had three kids Briana, Brittany and Jeron who have grown to be amazing young adults. Nolan is a third generation pastor who with Kathy began their ministry leading worship in churches around the nation. The first of those churches was Cypress Cathedral in Winter Haven Florida where in 1991 they left the church in order to pursue the other things that God had for them to do. In their departure from Winter Haven they had no plans or idea that God would lead them back as the Lead Pastors but in 2009’ that is what happened. Cypress Cathedral’s name changed soon after to Champions Church; taking the focus from a building where people meet to proclaiming the identity of the people who are the victorious church.
Nolan and Kathy are part of the Bethel Leaders Network (out of Bethel Church in Redding, California) and carry the same DNA of bringing heaven to earth and bringing transformation to our city. Nolan is an anointed singer and trumpeter who loves producing events using the arts and multi-media. He ministers regularly in other nations, releasing healing while encouraging pastors and ministries to be all that God wants them to be. He loves the outdoors including deer hunting and a round of golf with friends but he especially loves hanging out with his family. Kathy is a part of the worship team who helps usher in the presence of God. Along with her passion for her family she loves spending her time helping others which led her to put together a team that started Champion Churches House of Hope ministry to our community.
Nolan and Kathy are part of the Bethel Leaders Network (BLN) out of Bethel Church
in Redding, California. We share the same DNA
MEET OUR YOUTH Deveopment & Evangelism Directors
Bob & Michelle Illes
Youth Deveopment & Evangelism Directors
Bob and Michelle have a huge heart for this next generation (young adults, youth and children). They have served as Children’s Pastors, Youth Pastors and Mentors for many years and they carry a true heartbeat for the upcoming generations, connecting the heart of the Father to children and Youth. They have a wealth of experience and maturity in their gifts. One of their passions is outreach and church outside the walls of the church. Bob and Michelle founded Xtreme Team Ministries over 20 years ago which is a ministry that excels in training up youth to minister and utilize the gifts God has given them to be effective world changers for Christ. They love teaching and training and have a gift of seeing destiny in people and helping people begin to step out in it. One of their greatest passions is getting to play a part in the development of a child or youth finding their place in the Kingdom of God and utilizing their gifts.
Both Bob and Michelle love the arts. Bob is a writer, communicator, actor and takes the word literally that says, “Laughter is a good medicine” as he loves a good prank and joke. Michelle is very talented and specializes in characters, puppets, dance, clowning and has had her hand in Les Miserables on Broadway. She has been in a couple of Bollywood movies that are in theatres now, along with lead roles in several short films.
Bob and Michelle have been married 30 years and love spending time with their son Tyler and his wife Sabrina. Michelle loves to travel and find new adventures and brings an unparalleled spunk and heart to everything she does. She loves to cook, host friends and is always up for a spontaneous trip to the beach or amusement park.
This is a very creative team that we believe has been sent to partner with us to reach the youth of our city and to be a part of the arts movement that we know that Champions is to help initiate in the Kingdom. Bob and Michelle bring a broad scope of vision as it pertains to youth ministry and we have created a title for them that more appropriately carries their calling and the vision that we see together, so they will have the title of Youth Development and Evangelism Directors.
