Meet the Church staff

Senior Pastor 

Travis Hewuse

Pastor Travis, his wife, Heidi, and their 3 children moved to Kentucky in 2010. They served First Assembly as the youth pastor and music pastor for 7 years before becoming the senior pastor in 2017.  Pastor Travis is a graduate of North Central University in Minneapolis and is currently working on his master's degree in theology from Global University. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God.

Children's Pastor

 Patsy Dennis

Pastor Patsy Dennis is our children's pastor and has over 55 years experience in children's ministry. She is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and she also serves as the KY Assemblies of God District children's director. She has been married to her husband, Larry, for over 50 years. They raised 3 children, and have 3 grandchildren. Patsy was presented the Legacy Award at the National Children's Conference as well as the National Award for Excellence in children's ministry. She is deserving of every award she receives but the kids at First Assembly just know and love her as Miss Patsy!

worship Pastor

Media Director

Heidi Hewuse

Pastor Heidi Hewuse graduated from North Central University in 2000 with a degree in church music. She serves First Assembly as the part-time music pastor and leads worship in the main service on Sunday. In addition, she is responsible for both church and school websites and other media production. One of her passions is helping to

train young musicians for worship leading and prepare them for participation in worship teams. Heidi is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God.

School Principal

Chriss Rooney

Chriss Rooney is the principal of our school, Summit Christian Academy. Summit serves preschool ages 2-4 and

grades K-12. Chriss, her husband Brian, and their two kids, moved to Lexington from Florida. After teaching a few years at Summit, Chriss took the position of principal. She is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and is finishing her master's degree in practical theology. If you would like more info on our school please visit 

Youth
Ministry Director

Karen White

Karen White is First Assembly's youth ministries director.  She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Western Connecticut State. She has a huge heart for the next generation and has been leading youth for over 30 years. She and her husband,Dave, served in the foster care program and adopted 3 boys as well as raised 2 biological children. She homeschooled 3 of her children. Karen worked at a runaway shelter and a home for troubled teens. Currently, she works with the Asbury Tumbling Team, co-leads the Young at Heart ministry at First Assembly and occasionally 

substitute teaches at Summit Christian Academy.

Audio Production Manager

Joel Nelson

Joel Nelson serves First Assembly as the audio production manager He is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University where he earned a bachelor's degree in music industry with an emphasis in the recording arts. Joel grew up at First Assembly and we are blessed to have his talent and expertise in our media and communications departments. Joel is an excellent musician and does much of the arranging and band leading for our worship teams. He also does a lot of sound engineering and recordings for us when he is not doing local contract work.

Preschool/Nursery Director

Rachel Osborne

Rachel Osborne came on board in 2020 as our school and church preschool director.  Rachel has worked as a children's pastor in various churches for 7 years. She has worked with Girls Ministries, JBQ and church wide children events. She has also worked in the Louisville public school system 

for several years. She is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and currently serves as the KY Assemblies of God Fun Arts Director.  She and her husband, Scott, have two adult sons. We are excited to have Rachel join our team!

Business Manager

Dee Hiett

Dee Hiett serves First Assembly as our business manager.  She came to us with over 47 years of financial expereince.  She received her associate's degree in accounting. Her meticulous attention to detail makes her an invaluable asset to our church office. She and her husband, James, live in Lexington and have raised 8 children. 

Building Manager

Ron Preston

Ron Preston and his wife, Martha, have faithfully served the church for years in various forms of ministry.  He is a retired electrician who is currently responsible for the school and church facilities as the building manager. We are grateful for his extensive knowledge and ability to keep everything in good working order. He and his wife, have raised 3 children, have 6 grandchildren, and now 3 great-grandchildren.

Office Manager

Bethany Stendel

Bethany Stendel has recently joined our staff as office manager. She is a graduate of Asbury University where she received a communication degree with minors in business and Christian ministries. She was also awarded the Communication Academic Excellence Award. She has volunteered with our youth group for 4 years and is engaged to be married this year. We are excited to have her bright smile in the office.