Leadership Team

We believe that God has assembled an incredible team of Ministry Leaders who are committed to leading our church to impact our community for Christ! Take a look below to find out more about them...

Pastor
Dr. Kevin Muilenburg [ contact ]
Phone: 361-729-5320

Dr. Kevin Muilenburg

Pastor Kevin and his wife, Kelley, came to Coastal Oaks from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and have enjoyed nearly 14 years of ministry here in Rockport. Kevin loves sharing the life-changing message of the Bible in a creative, practical, and relevant way.

His passion is to develop leaders who will impact their community for Christ.

Pastor Kevin was raised in El Paso, TX. He is a graduate of The University of Houston (BS), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (DMin). L to R: Karissa, Kelley, Cameron, and Kevin Muilenburg

Kevin loves his family and his favorite pastime is to spend time with Kelley and his kids when they are in town. His hobbies include playing the guitar and woodworking.

Pastor's Pen

Assoc. Pastor to Students
Andrew Barlow [ contact ]
Phone: 361-729-5320

Andy Barlow and family joined our ministry team on June 15 of this year, moving to Rockport from Newark, TX where they served in ministry there for 4 years. Andy and Mary have been married for 6 years and have 1 beautiful daughter named Aubrey.

Andy's vision for ministering to students includes teaching students to be life-long followers of Jesus Christ through discipleship and service opportunities, and has served in student ministry for 6 years.

Andy is a 2002 graduate of East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX with B.A. in Church Careers, minor in Youth Ministry. He has also completed 10 hours of Master's level work for a M.A. in Christian Education. His hobbies include family time, web/graphic/print design, playing guitar, video games, and hanging out with the COC students.

Mary is a 2001 graduate of ETBU with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She taught for 4 years at Northwest ISD and 1 year a Grand Prairie ISD, and now works full-time at home and with the COC Mother's Day Out program.

Connection Ministry Team Leader
Verna Ashcraft [ contact ]
Phone: 361-729-5320

Verna and her family moved to Rockport in 1997. In addition to serving as the Connection Ministry Team Leader, she also serves as the Assistant to the Pastor and church secretary. She leads a team of volunteers who prepare the weekly program, regular newsletter and scores of other office related tasks. She has a background in leadership, administration and education, and has served the Lord for many years in various roles in church, public & private schools, and civic organizations. She loves ministering to and encouraging people.

Verna was raised in Walnut Springs, Texas, where she graduated high school and attended McLennan Community College in Waco. She married her high school sweetheart, Kevin, in January 1979 and they have two daughters, Deidra and Johnna.

She enjoys spending time with family & friends, opening her home for gatherings, reading, singing, spending time at the beach and her cat, Peaches.

Children's Ministry Team Leader
Brenda Whitaker [ contact ]
Phone: 361-790-9597

Brenda leads a team of volunteers who maintain a vibrant children's ministry here at Coastal Oaks. This ministry includes nursery, preschool, and children's Sunday School. In addition, Brenda's ministry team provides childcare for events, children's church, and a monthly Parent's Night Out.

Music Ministry Team Leader
Larry Stewart

Larry has been serving as the Music Ministry Team Leader here at Coastal Oaks Church for the past 11 years. He was raised around music and started playing piano at the age of four. He first played the organ as an accompanist in church at the age of 7 and played for a week-long revival service at age 9. He grew up playing for Sunday School classes, church choirs, school choirs, programs, and talent shows.

Larry has been married to Rosemary for 33 years and they have two grown children, Matthew Stewart, and Tamara Thedin. They also have three grandchildren; Kristen, Sydney, and Brooklyn.

Larry graduated from high school in Crystal City, TX and attended Victoria College and the University of Corpus Christi. He served as the Staff Instrumentalist for Rudy Hernandez Evangelism International playing major crusades in the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, and also served on the Board of Directors of RHEI for 27 years. Larry’s first church ministry position was Youth Choir Director and church organist for Primera Iglesia Bautista in Corpus Christi, Texas, the largest Mexican Baptist church in America in the 1970s. Larry has also served as the Choir Director/pianist at FBC Crystal City, TX for 14 years and as Orchestra Director/pianist for the FBC Rockport for 7 years.

Women's Ministry Team Leader
Dee Ann Hill [ contact ]

Dee Ann and her husband Shawn moved to Rockport in the spring of 2000 with their two children, T.J. & Justin from Mena, AR. They were led to Coastal Oaks in the summer of 2002. Dee Ann is employed full-time at MMR in Ingleside, TX where she works in the office.

God has kindled a passion in Dee Ann to help lead the women of Coastal Oaks to the true heart of God. Through study groups, focused prayer, and Godly leadership, she hopes to help the women of Coastal Oaks find their passion for Jesus.

In addition to her ministry at Coastal Oaks, Dee Ann enjoys reading, walking, singing, and creating an inviting home for friends and family.

Missions Team Leaders
Kevin & Michelle Kennedy [ contact ]

Kennedy family 2008 Kevin and Michelle have accepted the challenge to lead Coastal Oaks in missions. Their passion is to help others see missions as an easy-to-do, normal, fun part of every day life. This passion has consumed their life to the point where they will be moving to Thailand in January 2009 to serve there full-time.

The Lord has blessed them with 2 wonderful children, Rayanne & JC, and a church family that loves them as their own. Rayanne & JC attend Coastal Oaks Christian School.

Kevin enjoys helping others, anything outdoors, and a challenge. Michelle enjoys scrapbooking and volunteering in various ministries at Coastal Oaks.

Deacon Ministry Team Leader
Clyde Bryan

Clyde serves as Chairman of our deacons, leading this group of men to assist the pastor in ministering to families in need. He leads in hospital visitation and oversees the benevolence ministry.

Prayer Ministry Team Leaders
Dick & Edie Martin

Dick and Edie have led the Prayer Ministry for two years. They have a desire to lead the church in meaningful experiences of prayer.

Discovery Classes Team Leaders
John & Esther Atkinson

The Atkinsons moved to Rockport in 1994 from Colorado, their home for many years where John was a 'home-builder' and Esther was a 'home-maker'.

Coastal Oaks Church has given them a place of service leading the Discovery Study series. They enjoy meeting new people and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord.

John also serves as General Contractor for The Journey building project. Esther works in the church Finance office and is a part of the praise team.

Building Maintenance Team Leader
Shawn Hill