“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”
1 Peter 5:2–4 (NLT)
Pastor Jay Rhodes has been in pastoral ministry since 1994 & has led South Decatur Church since 2004 — over two decades of faithful, Spirit-filled leadership. He holds a Bachelor of Theology from Lee University & dual Master’s degrees in Theology & Organizational Leadership from Pentecostal Theological Seminary. Pastor Jay is driven by a deep passion for preaching the Word of God & investing in the spiritual growth of every person who calls SDC home. His vision, his heart, & his commitment to discipleship is at the core of everything we do.
Pastor Lynn Rhodes has been a vital part of the SDC family since 2004, serving in music ministry, women’s ministry, & teaching before stepping into her current role as Counseling Pastor. An ordained minister in the Church of God, she holds a Bachelor’s in Counseling from Lee University & a Master’s in Counseling from Pentecostal Theological Seminary. She is also a licensed counselor in the state of Alabama & a certified mental health coach. Pastor Lynn brings both professional excellence & genuine compassion to her ministry, creating a safe & supportive environment for those navigating life’s most difficult seasons.
J.W. Church has been part of the SDC family since 2005 & brings a powerful combination of academic credentials, ministry experience, & servant leadership. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business from Lee University & a Master’s in Business from Regent University & is an ordained Bishop in the Church of God. He served eight years as a full-time staff pastor in student & associate ministry before transitioning into his current role as Men’s Ministry Director. He leads Man Church every Wednesday night & has been a cornerstone of the Royal Rangers program, serving as both Master Commander at SDC & North Alabama District Commander & Training Commander — a role that reflects his deep commitment to raising up the next generation of godly men.
Chance & Alivia Ellsworth have led SDC Kids for the past five years, creating a vibrant, faith-filled environment where children encounter God & build a foundation that lasts a lifetime. Chance is a high school educator at Falkville High School, where he teaches History & English & coaches both football & basketball. Alivia is an educator in Hartselle City Schools. Together, they bring a wealth of teaching experience, creativity, & genuine love for kids to every aspect of the SDC Kids program.
Lonnie & Amber Roy took the helm of SDC’s student ministry in 2026, bringing fresh energy, deep faith, & real-world experience to one of our most vital ministries. Amber is a high school educator at Hartselle High School with a Master’s degree in Engineering, & also leads SDC’s media team — helping shape the way we communicate & connect with our community. Lonnie is the owner of his own engineering fabrication company. Together, they are passionate about meeting students where they are, challenging them to grow in their faith, & building a youth culture that is bold, relevant, & rooted in the Word.
Dan Nielson has devoted decades of his life to the Royal Rangers program & has served as Master Commander of SDC’s Ranger outpost since 2025. He holds a degree in Engineering from the University of Phoenix & works in the technology industry, bringing a sharp, detail-oriented mindset to everything he does. Dan’s love for Royal Rangers runs deep — he has helped build a program that is structured, safe, & genuinely fun, where young men are discipled, challenged, & equipped for life. Dan also serves as SDC’s sound technician, contributing his technical expertise to the broader mission of the church.
Leslie Chapman has been serving the SDC family since 2004 & currently leads our Greeter Team — one of the most important roles in the entire church. Leslie has an unmistakable gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, & loved from the moment they walk through the door. She understands that for many guests, the first few seconds inside a church can set the tone for their entire experience — & she takes that responsibility seriously. Under her leadership, SDC’s Greeter Team doesn’t just wave hello, they create the kind of first impression that makes people want to come back.
Kathy Chapman has been the backbone of SDC’s operations since 1998, & it’s not an overstatement to say she is one of the primary reasons South Decatur Church runs as seamlessly as it does. Before joining SDC, Kathy served as the Chief Financial Officer for Redstone Arsenal — a testament to her extraordinary leadership, financial acumen, & organizational excellence. She brings that same level of precision & dedication to SDC every single day, ensuring that every ministry, every program, & every detail is handled with care & excellence.