Pastor Richard Gurganus Lead Pastor Pastor Richard & Lisa founded Church on the Rise back in 1995. It started with just a few people and now there are close to 800 people that call COTR their church home. Pastor Richard is from Rocky Mount while Mrs. Lisa is from the Charlotte area. They met when she was his boss in his first job out of college, Shoney’s Restaurant. Pastor Richard graduated from Elon University and Raleigh Christian Community School of Ministry. They also have 3 children: Haley, Brooke, and Arron. Here are a few things Pastor Richard likes to do: listen to classical music, loves sports, loves to teach the Bible, the Outer Banks, and also loves to eat Fried Chicken which is the only stereotype of a pastor. Follow Me on Facebook

Pastor Jason Cockrell Associate/Worship Pastor Pastor Jason has been at COTR since the beginning. He was at  the first service and been there ever since.  Pastor Jason was born in Rocky Mount. He attended college at Nash Community College, Certified Behavioral Consultant through IML, License minister through the NC Pentecostal Holiness Church in 1995, and Ordained through NCAG in 2005. Pastor Jason has been working for COTR since 1997. Pastor Jason has 2 children: Amanda and Scottie. Pastor Jason feels like if he was not called into the ministry, he would have been led to pursue a career as a sports commentator for a major network. He loves sports however he is not very athletic! He is a Tarheels fan all the way! Follow Me on Facebook

Pastor Larissa Reimer Children's Pastor Larissa is the children’s pastor here at COTR. She was born in Oberlin, KS. She went to college at CBC (Central Bible College) in Springfield, Missouri. She moved to Rocky Mount May of 08. She thoroughly loves Jesus and enjoy sharing Him with others. Kids are fun! She loves music especially jazz and books and coffee are her favorite pastime; however she loves being outdoors walking, running, biking, or relaxing...wherever the sun shines! Follow Me on Facebook

Mary Lou Deans Administrative Assistant Mary Lou Deans is the Administrative Asst. here at COTR. She has been on staff here for 6 yrs now. She is the voice that most people here when they call or visit COTR in the week. Mary Lou is married to Jimmy Deans for 38 wonderful years. They have one daughter, Genny, who lives in Colorado. Mary Lou graduated from Lee University, Cleveland, TN. She taught 1st and 2nd graders for 35 years before coming on staff here at COTR. Follow Me on Facebook

Johnny Rice Graphic Designer / Finances Johnny Rice is from Valley, AL. He is married to Kaycee Rice from Raleigh, NC. He started working at COTR in June 07. He graduated Evangel University with a degree in Electronic Media. Some of Johnny's interest are: Computers, Sports, Buildings, Mountains, and going to explore new places. Also his favorite team would either be Titans or Crimson Tide. Follow Me on Facebook