Matthew M. Marrs, Senior Pastor

Matt Marrs has been on the church staff since 1996. He served as Associate Pastor/Youth Minister for four and a half years and has served as Senior Pastor since 2000. He earned his BA in Christian Ministry from Southwest Baptist University in 1995 and his Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000. The emphasis of Matt's ministry is preaching and teaching God's Word and leading the church to accomplish it's mission. Matt has previously served as Youth Pastor of Glendale Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo. for three years. He has also served on mission teams to Haiti, Japan, Jamaica, Mexico and several places in the United States.

When asked about his most memorable ministry experience he replied, "It is impossible to narrow it down to one. The most memorable times for me involve times spent on the mission field." Matt prefers having his quiet time in the morning, but admits that doesn't always work out. "The important thing is that I get it done at some point in the day!"

Matt grew up in Kansas City, Mo. He is married to Kerry and they have three children, Mason, Micah & Kalynn.

(e-mail: pastor@northlandbaptist.org)

John Riley, Associate Pastor of Music

At the age of sixteen, John delt with two life altering choice…salvation and a calling into full-time Christian service. John’s describes that time as his wrestling match with God. After graduating high school, he pursued a music degree from Shorter College; and five years later, his B.S. in Christian Ministry degree was firmly in his hands.

During college, ministry opportunities opened up for John. He serviced as a volunteer work with YFC, lead worship for retreats, formed a band and traveled through the southern portion of the U.S. singing original tunes and leading worship for camps and conferences. The most amazing "college day's" event occurred in the spring of 1995, when he met his future bride, Cathy. The two married on December 6, 1997 and currently have four kids.

The Riley's moved from Atlanta to Kansas City so John could work on his Master of Divinity at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. When asked about his calling to the ministry, he reveals that he was "called to be a servant of God.” In the past, John served churches as Youth Pastor and Minister of Music. In November 2006, Northland called his to serve there. Outside of family and ministry, John enjoys sing/songwriting/arranging, disc golf, and numerous other outdoor events.

(e-mail: music@northlandbaptist.org)

Joe Nelson, Associate Pastor of Youth

Joe earned a BA in Church Ministries with an emphasis in youth and a BA in psychology from Southwest Baptist University in 2005. He will soon begin work on his Masters of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The emphasis of Joe's ministry is helping students give glory to God with every single aspect of their life. Joe previously served on staff at Immanuel Baptist Church in Springfield MO for two years. He has also served missions in Mexico, Peru, and several places in the United States.

"My most memorable ministry experience was baptizing one of the youth at Immanuel. I got to work with that student through the whole process and to see her follow the Lord in obedience through baptism was an experience I will never forget. I like to try and do my quiet time when I first get into the office. It is quiet here (usually) and I am awake by that time."

Joe grew up in Kansas City. He his married to Renee, whom he met at Northland!

(e-mail: youth@northlandbaptist.org)

Cody Dowell, Associate Pastor of Education & Outreach

Cody Dowell is the elder member of the church staff, having been called into vocational ministry later in life. He retired from the U.S. Army in April 2007 after over 20 years of service. God used experiences during this part of his life to allow him to serve in many different positions in churches throughout the country and in multiple cross-cultural contexts around the world. Cody was the Missions Director for 5 years before coming on staff at Northland. His passion is summarized by the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20 which makes his focus on the teaching, missions, and outreach ministries of this church a perfect fit. Cody earned his BA from Texas A&M University in 1986, an MBA from Webster University in 1997, and is currently working on a Masters of Divinity in Christian Education at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Julie, grew up in Texas and have one daughter, Meghan, serving there with the youth organization, Teen Mania.

(e-mail: education@northlandbaptist.org)

Debby Nelson, Administrative Assistant

Debby has served Northland for more than five years, both as recording secretary and now as our Administrative Assistant. Her primary ministry emphasis is to ensure that the ministries of everyone else do not derail. Debby has a hand in just about everything we do. She and her husband, Dave (pictured), also direct our Sunday Morning Children's Worship program, a wonderful time of worship, learning, and fun for our preschool-2nd graders.

(e-mail: office@northlandbaptist.org)