Michael Criner
Senior Pastor
Dr. Michael Criner grew up in Texas and became a follower of Jesus at the age of 7, baptized soon after. Michael’s grandfather, Ed Hecht, led him to Jesus; discipled him in Jesus; and was with him when he surrendered to the call of vocational ministry at the age of 12. God led him to work with children and youth, with much of his time spent working with college students. Michael is passionate about Jesus and His church. One of the great joys for him is to see others come to know Jesus, learn to walk with Jesus, and begin to serve Jesus in the life of the church. His conviction is that there must be a pathway for people to hear the gospel, grow in the gospel, and share the gospel in the world. He is married to Abby, and together they have three daughters. His hobbies include training and running ultramarathons, reading, and drinking cold-brew coffee.