LEADERS

Pastor Tom McCracken

Pastor Tom McCracken grew up in rural Western Pennsylvania. He completed a degree in Pastoral Studies at Bible Truth Institute and his MA in Christian Studies at Crown College. He also completed a BS in Horticulture at Penn State University, a MEd in Educational Psychology and Ed. D in Educational and School Psychology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Tom previously served as pastor of Mt. Carmel Church in Mahaffey, PA. Tom and his wife reside on a hobby farm in Henderson and have two children, Kaitlyn and Tessa. Tom and Fawn both also serve at Crown College where Tom teaches Teacher Education and Humanities courses and oversees Disability Services. Fawn is currently the Associate Vice- President of Adult Online, and Graduate Studies. In his free time, Pastor Tom enjoys cooking and gardening. He and his girls are also avid hunters and fishermen. As a family they enjoy the outdoors and ministering to others through the local church. Tom’s life verses are Matthew 28: 19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ” Pastor Tom believes it is our responsibility and duty to reach every man, woman, and child with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 Leona DeVlaeminck.- Children’s Church Leader

I am married to my husband, Paul. We have lived in Gaylord, MN for 42 years. We have four adult children and eight grandchildren. I am a retired Registered Nurse. I received an Associate Degree in Nursing from St. Mary’s Junior College in 1977 and worked in Long-Term Care for 40 years. I also received a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry from Crown College in 1998. I have used this degree in various positions in churches including Children’s Ministries, Youth Group Leader, and Missions.

I have a heart for doing short-term missions trips. The Lord has used me to go to the nations to share the Gospel and love of Jesus with others. I have been on ten short-term mission trips to nine different nations. I also have a heart for teaching the next generation about the Word of God and Jesus’ transforming love. I have been attending Creekside Community Church for a year and a half. I am currently using the gifts the Lord has given me to serve as the Director of Children’s Ministries.

Fawn McCracken- Women’s Ministry Leader

Info about women’s ministry leader

Jeff Clarke

Treasurer. We have lived in rural Arlington for 16 years. I am thankful for my wife, Joni, son Zachary, daughter, Brianna. I came to know the Lord as my personal Savior in 1990 and was baptized in North Long Lake in Brainerd, MN. I went to college at Brainerd Community College and Northwestern College in Roseville, MN. I am currently employed as a staff technician at TEL-FSI Inc. in Chaska, MN. I enjoy seeing people find the Lord as their personal Savior and grow in that relationship. I just recently joined the Gideons not only to help people to come to faith in Christ, but also for me to grow in my faith. I also enjoy fishing, hunting, and tinkering in the shop.

Greg DeVries

I have a wonderful wife, Cindy and we have been married 18 years. We have 2 boys, Nathan who is 17 and Cody, who is 15. I became a Christian when I was 25, and it has been an adventure ever since. I have been on several mission trips to places like the Philippines, Ecuador and Mexico. I Have a BA degree from Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, Minnesota. That's where I met Cindy. I have been a member of Creekside Community Church for the last 10 years and an Elder as long. I am on a preaching schedule every other month at the Oak Terrace Care facility in Gaylord. My employment is with Sibley County as County Ag Inspector and Ditch Technician. We live in Gaylord, Minnesota, so stop and visit!

Phil Devlaeminck

I was born and raised in Gaylord. My family and I currently reside in Gaylord. Eighteen years ago I married my high school sweat heart Candace. We have two children. Our daughter Alaina is 15 and our son Quintin is 12. I have been an electrician for 20 years. I’m currently employed at Laketown Electric. I started my journey as a Christian when I was a young teenager. My mom gave me a prayer booklet with the prayer of salvation. As a teen I went on three mission trips. When I was 25 I went on another mission trip as a chaperone. My family and I have been attending Creekside Community Church for four years. We became members of the church in 2017. I have been on the elder team for a year.