Our Leadership
Our church is guided our Pastor and men and women who love God and love people. Each member of this team serves with a heart for Christ and a desire to bless our congregation and community. Meet the leaders who help shape our ministry and discover how they serve.
Dr. Ricky Ray
Pastor Ricky and Shanova Ray
Ricky and Shanova are a team in every sense of the word. After more than thirty five years of marriage and ministry together, they bring joy, passion, and a whole lot of heart to everything they do. They love people. They love seeing lives changed by Christ. And they love being right in the middle of a community that is ready for God to do something big.
Ricky comes to Sherwood from Tennessee, where he cheered for the Vols with a level of enthusiasm that should probably count as cardio. Academically, he has put in the work. Doctor of Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Doctor of Biblical Studies from Andersonville Baptist Seminary. Master of Divinity from Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1990. Preaching since before some of our teenagers’ parents were born. He has spent his entire adult life helping people meet Jesus and grow strong in their faith.
Ask Ricky what he is good at and he will tell you. Preaching that helps the Bible come alive. Team building that brings people together. Discipling that grows believers. Leadership that moves a church forward. And a knack for figuring things out, from ministry strategy to why the copier is making that sound again. He loves the church. He loves the challenge. And he loves watching God use ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
Read more about Pastor Ricky Ray Here.
Shanova serves right beside him with a warm smile, a deep love for people, and a gift for making everyone feel at home. Together, they are thrilled to be part of Sylvan Hills Community Church and ready to pour their lives into this community.
If you are looking for a church family, Ricky and Shanova cannot wait to meet you. You will find a pastor who preaches the Word with passion, leads with conviction, and laughs easily. And you will find a church that is ready to welcome you with open arms. Be warned though, once you visit, you may never want to leave.
Deacons
The deacons at Sylvan Hills Community Church serve as a vital support to our pastor and church family. Their role is to care for the practical needs of the church, offer spiritual support and prayer, and help maintain unity within the body. Through servant leadership, our deacons help ensure that ministry runs smoothly so the church can stay focused on worship, growth, and serving others.
Deacons Ricky Carter, John Paul Burkhead, and Alvin Finch
Welcome Team
Austin Carter leads our Welcome Team, a group dedicated to making your first experience at SHCC warm, stress-free, and enjoyable. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted with a smile and offered assistance with anything you need—whether it’s finding a seat, locating a restroom, or checking your kids into their class. Our Kids’ Check-In station is conveniently located upstairs on the 3rd level, and a friendly team member will gladly walk you there to ensure you feel comfortable every step of the way. The Welcome Team is here to answer your questions, help you connect, and make sure you feel right at home.
WOrSHIP & Tech TEAM
Our Worship Team is passionate about creating an atmosphere where hearts are drawn into the presence of God. Under the leadership of Interim Worship Leader, Kim Carter, this talented group leads us in authentic, Spirit-filled worship each week. The team includes Kim Carter on vocals, Howard Duff on piano, Lily Burkhead & Avery Carter on vocals, and Pastor Ricky on bass guitar. Teresa Clements beautifully serves through sign language interpretation, ensuring that everyone can engage in worship. Together, they use their gifts to glorify Jesus and invite our congregation to lift His name in praise.
Teachers
We are blessed with dedicated teachers who love Jesus and have a passion for helping kids, youth, and families grow in their faith. From our caring nursery staff to our creative Kids Community leaders and our inspiring youth mentors, each person plays an important role in creating a safe, fun, and Christ-centered environment. Get to know the incredible people who make Sundays a time of learning, connection, and spiritual growth for all ages!
Pastor Ricky Ray, Foundations Sunday School
Doug House, Harvesters Sunday School
Tiffany Davenport, Children's Ministry Director
Jason Davenport, Kids Community & Youth Sunday School
Sarah Burkhead, Interim Youth Director & Kids Community
Dustin Burkhead, Youth 6:8 Crew
Austin Carter, Youth 6:8 Crew
Kim Carter, Youth 6:8 Crew
Chelsea Olsen, Kids Community
Mandy Carter, Nursery
Missions Team
Kara Smith serves as the Missions Team Leader at Sylvan Hills Community Church. She leads missions team meetings, organizes fundraisers, and coordinates local and global missions outreach opportunities. Through her leadership, Kara helps equip and encourage our church to serve others and share the love of Christ in practical ways.
prayer team
Brenda Palm serves as our Prayer Team Leader, faithfully guiding our church in prayer and fostering meaningful connections within the congregation. She helps gather and share prayer and praise requests, supports outreach needs, and makes sure we stay united by lifting one another up. Brenda’s heart for prayer keeps our church family connected, encouraged, and covered.
administration
Sarah Burkhead – Communications
Sarah is the voice behind our updates and the creative mind that keeps you connected. From social media posts to text alerts and email newsletters, she ensures that you never miss what’s happening in our church family. Her goal is to keep everyone informed, encouraged, and engaged.
Tammy Carter – Church Secretary
Tammy is the heartbeat of our office, managing the details that help our church function seamlessly. From administrative tasks to coordinating behind-the-scenes efforts, she keeps things organized so ministry can thrive. Her dedication makes everything flow with excellence.
Board Members
The Board Members of Sylvan Hills Community Church provide leadership, guidance, and accountability for the church. They help oversee the vision, finances, and overall direction of SHCC, working alongside the pastor and ministry leaders to ensure the church operates with integrity, wisdom, and faithfulness to its mission.
Austin Carter, President
Tiffany Davenport, Treasurer
Dustin Burkhead, Secretary
Mike Pinegar, Trustee
Kevin Wood, Trustee
Don Bergland, Steward
Kim Carter, Steward
Interested in getting involved or joining a class? Find out your next steps here.