MEET THE TEAM
ABOUT OUR PASTOR
DR. ASHLEY OLINGER
Pastor Ashley holds a Bachelor of Christian Ministry, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry. He fearlessly led our church through the pandemic and major growth since February 2020.
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A glimpse into his family life will reveal the blessings God has granted him, having been married to his wife Lisa now for over 30 years. God blessed the pair with two children, Aaron and Adam, as well as 6 grandchildren who continually keep them on their toes.
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Growing up in Northwestern Canada, he spent most of his time behind the wheel of a truck in the mountains before God called him into full-time ministry. Having been involved in both blue-collar and ministerial work gives him a practical and down-to-earth perspective on both life and ministry.​​
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It is with excitement and anticipation for the future that Ashley continues to lead Waypoint Church in our journey of Finding Purpose. Together.
ABOUT OUR TEAM
TIMOTHY
BUCHANON
YOUTH & WORSHIP MINISTER
Tim became the Youth and Contemporary Worship Minister in 2021.
Tim has a passion for walking alongside youth and seeing them have a true and authentic relationship with Christ. His desire is to see teens living Christ centered, Spirit empowered lives that are intent on sharing the hope of Jesus and the love of the Father with the lost. Tim also has a deep heart for cross-cultural missions. He served as a short-term missionary in Honduras for 6 months in 2016.
He enjoys songwriting, language, traveling, and spending time with people.
CYM
McCOY
CONNECTIONS DIRECTOR
Cymanthia McCoy (Cym) serves as the Connections director.
She helps people get connected with small groups, the church, and Jesus. She has served in ministry here for more than 30 years.
She enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim, their two daughters and nine grandchildren.
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Cym lives a blessed life and is grateful to see what God does at Waypoint Church!
DENISE
PEARSON
CHURCH SECRETARY
Denise Pearson serves as the church secretary. She manages the office and helps the pastor and staff with administrative tasks.
Denise has served in ministry for 43 years. She has a son and a daughter and enjoys being Memaw to 4 grandchildren. Her hobbies are spending time with her family and fishing with her husband.
You can contact Denise at office@waypointkansascity.com.
LISA
OLINGER
CUSTODIAN
Lisa serves as our custodian with an energy that few can keep up with or even keep track of. If you are quick, you might find her cleaning, painting, laying flooring, or patching a wall!
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For the past 25 years she has served in ministry alongside Pastor Ashley in every imaginable way.​​
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If she's not at church working on something then Lisa is likely doing something for one of her 6 grandchildren.
BRENDA
SANDERS
TRADITIONAL WORSHIP LEADER
Brenda leads hymn singing for the traditional worship service.
Previously, she led worship music for 15 years at another Independence church.
She has a big collie named Boomer and a cat named Punkie who keep her company!
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We hope to see you at our services sometime soon!
CARL
PEARSON
MEMBER CARE
Carl Pearson serves as Member Care and has served for over 40 years.
He addresses the needs of individuals, couples, family, and children.
Carl is a veteran from Desert Storm. He enjoys being a Pepaw to his 4 grandchildren, golfing, and fishing.
You can reach Carl at cpearson@waypointkansascity.com.
EMILY
THATCHER
CHILDREN'S CHURCH DIRECTOR
Emily Thatcher leads the Large Group activities every Sunday in the Children's Ministry.
During the weekdays Emily runs a little daycare /preschool in her home. Needless to say, she truly enjoys spending time with and teaching kiddos! From doing silly voices, music, dancing, bringing bible stories to life and everything in between... she's here for it!
Jesus is her favorite subject, so she feels beyond blessed to get to teach so many children about Him and His great love for all of them and for all the world!
DEE
ALBERTSON
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
Dee Albertson is a follower of Jesus who has been leading Women for the past 12yrs.
Dee believes the storms in life can be used by God to help strengthen and encourage others in similar seasons of life. Everyone has a purpose!
Dee enjoys music, traveling with her husband Joe, spending time with her grandchildren and moments with friends for Coffee/Lunch & Conversation.
JOE
ALBERTSON
FACILITIES & ADMINSTRATION
Joe has been following Jesus for nearly 45 years. During that time God has taken him on many journeys to deepen his faith and train him for service.
Currently he is serving as a Bible teacher, men’s ministry co-leader and facilities manager at Waypoint.
Joe enjoys taking trips with his wife Dee, running, listening to music, riding his motorcycle (when he can find the time) and spending time with family and friends.