Matt Blair

Lead Pastor

Matt was born and raised in Calhoun County, Alabama. He began following Jesus in the summer of 1991, and he says it has been an amazing journey ever since. Starting in 2001 Matt lived in Mobile, AL, New Orleans, LA, and Oak Island, NC for a total of six years. He married his wife Bethany on February 25th, 2006, and they moved back to Alabama in May 2007. He says it’s been so wonderful to be back home and to be a part of the ministry of the gospel here.

Matt is so grateful for Church Of The Cross and the opportunity to serve with our other elders and with our staff as lead pastor. He loves our church, and has enjoyed raising his family here. Since coming on staff, Matt & Bethany have had four daughters, Annabel, Evelyn, Lucy, and Joanna. It is Matt’s sincere desire to lead our church in loving God, loving others and making disciples. He would love to get to know you, encourage you in your relationship with the Lord, and hopes to see you soon!

Ken Ballard

Associate Pastor

It is Ken’s passion to know Christ and to introduce others to Him. Nothing motivates him more than to see someone grasp one of God’s principles and then start applying it in their life. Ken believes genuine faith in Christ is relevant and applicable to life, and he enjoys few things more than communicating that truth with whoever will listen. Ken would love the opportunity to get to know you!

Jonathan Franks

Worship Leader / Student Minister

Jonathan served as a volunteer at Church of the Cross for over a decade before having the opportunity to come on staff full-time as the Worship Leader and Student Minister. He loves leading our people to worship God in spirit and truth, and helping families to disciple their students. Jonathan is originally from Homewood, AL, but has been a resident of Calhoun County since attending college at JSU. He and his wife, Brittany, and their two sons Levi and River love being a part of COTC, and hope they have the opportunity to meet you soon!