Meet Our Staff
Lead Pastor - Jud Jordan
Jud Jordan is Embark’s founding and lead pastor. He graduated from The Citadel with an undergraduate degree and from Columbia Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity degree. He has served as an associate and senior pastor of other churches before God called him to start Embark. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) denomination. To read more about his story, click the button below.

Rachel Carter
"Make a Difference" Ministry Coordinator / Executive Assistant
Rachel leads First Steps, helping new guests discover if Embark is the right fit and take their next steps in faith. She’s passionate about helping people move from attending to belonging by finding their place to serve and use their God-given gifts.

Jeremy Woods
"Reach Our World" Ministry Coordinator
Jeremy leads our efforts to “reach our world” by building partnerships with local organizations that are making a real impact in our community. He’s passionate about connecting the church to the needs around us and being a light beyond our walls.

Brandy Parler
Administrative Specialist
Brandy provides vital administrative support for our children’s, student, and small group ministries. With a heart for behind-the-scenes service, she helps keep things organized and running smoothly so each ministry can thrive.

Blake Cramer
Worship Team Manager
Blake oversees the musicians and vocalists who lead worship each week, cultivating a team that points people to Jesus through heartfelt and Spirit-led worship.

Sarah Mercer
Student Intern
Sarah supports a variety of ministries across Embark, jumping in wherever needed to help things run smoothly. She’s eager to learn, serve, and grow in her calling as she gains hands-on experience in church ministry.
Our BOARD OF ELDERS
Our Leadership Structure
Believers who invest their hearts, time, families, and finances into the building of a local church deserve to have confidence in their church leadership. People are looking for leaders who conduct themselves with integrity and respect when making decisions. That’s why we want to give you an overview of our structure:
1. Guided by Pastoral Staff
The pastoral staff team, led by the lead pastor, oversee the day-to-day ministry and operations of the church. They are responsible for the administration and development of the spiritual life of the church.
2. Protected by Elders
The elders are the governing body of our church. The elders, along with the lead pastor, oversee all aspects of the church by developing policies. They are nominated by the congregation and appointed by the current serving elders.
3. Strengthened by Oversight
The oversight team is tasked with helping, guiding and resourcing the elders as needed. However, the primary purpose of the oversight team is to serve as a leadership, spiritual and operational resource to the lead pastor.
our elders

Clem Ferris
Elder
Founder, Clem Ferris Ministries
Founder, Clem Ferris Ministries

Jimmy Currence
Elder
Lead Pastor, GraceLife Church
Lead Pastor, GraceLife Church

Bob Clanton
Elder
Professor, Manna University
Biblical Studies (Graduate Program Director), History, and Practical Ministry
Professor, Manna University
Biblical Studies (Graduate Program Director), History, and Practical Ministry

Ley Pickens
Elder
Vice President, Patten Seed Company
Vice President, Patten Seed Company