Our Team
EXEC & SUPPORT STAFF
exec staff
PASTOR RYAN
PASTOR RYAN ROBERTS
LEAD PASTOR
Pastor Ryan is dedicated to fostering a community grounded in discipleship and sound doctrine, his messages often blend humor with Biblical insights, empowering you to unlock your God-given potential.
Ryan, a Gainesville-Hall Co. native, joined The Edge Church in 2019 as a Youth Pastor and became the Lead Pastor on June 5, 2022, after a three-month tenure as interim pastor.
Prior to The Edge Church, under the mentorship of Pastors Todd Smith and Marty Darracott, he was spiritually raised and ordained, serving in the early years of the North Georgia Revival. Since beginning his ministry in 2012, Ryan has preached both to youth and adult congregations, led retreats, developed discipleship material, and has hosted a Christian podcast while engaging in various media ministry projects.
Ryan is a member of the Kingdom Ready Revival Network of Pastors and Ministry Leaders, a group dedicated to pursuing revival worldwide.
In his free time, Ryan enjoys hiking and savoring good coffee!
Pastor Ryan is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at The King's Commission School of Divinity. He earned a Master of Christian Ministry with High Honors from Oral Roberts University.
Additionally, Ryan has earned three diplomas from KINEO Ministry Training Center in Biblical Theology, Advanced Study, and Biblical Historical Studies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of North Georgia and is ordained and licensed in the Gospel Ministry through Christ Fellowship Church in Dawsonville, GA.
PASTOR WANDA
PASTOR WANDA ATKINS
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Pastor Wanda is the Associate Pastor at The Edge Church, bringing over 30 years of rich ministerial experience to her role. With a heart full of compassion, she has dedicated her life to serving those in need, whether through senior pastoring, homeless ministry, or providing pastoral counseling. Known affectionately as "Pastor Momma" to her many spiritual kids, she is deeply gifted in prophetic and encouraging ministries. When she’s not ministering, Pastor Wanda enjoys floral crafts, painting, and spending time with her family and her beloved dog, Shiloh.
Pastor Wanda is currently working on her bachelor's in Christian Caregiving and Counseling at Oral Roberts University. She holds two diplomas from KINEO Ministry Training Center, Biblical Theology, and Advanced Biblical Studies. She attended Healing School at The ROCK of Gainesville, she participated in the Grief Following Trauma course with 14 contact hours from UMBC.
PASTOR JENNY
PASTOR JENNY
PAITSEL
WORSHIP PASTOR
Jenny is the Worship Pastor at The Edge and has been leading worship for over 10 years. Her passion for worship was shaped through challenges, heartache, and sorrow. For Jenny and her team, worship goes beyond just singing; it’s a chance to guide people into His presence, where hope and healing are found. Her goal is to create unity between the team and the congregation, seeking the Father together with one voice and one song. Jenny brings a unique mix of purity and power to the atmosphere, reflecting her deep personal time with the Lord.
She has led worship at retreats, ministry conferences, weddings, various churches, and homeless outreach ministries. Jenny is also a talented speaker.
She earned a Diploma in Biblical Theology from KINEO MTC.
Jenny and her husband Kristopher are proud parents to two sons, Isaiah and Isaac and their daughter, Ella.
JAKE
JACOB LUMPKIN
MEDIA DIRECTOR
Jake serves as the Media Director for The Edge Church, where he oversees various creative elements in our services, events, and ministry teams. He is gifted in graphic design and artistic elements, serving through the streaming, technology, social media and other mediums for sharing the Gospel. Jake's passion is reflected in the Media team's mission: to "CREATE WITH PURPOSE, we strive to CREATE THE VISION!"
Beyond the Media of the church, Jake is a deacon on the board and has passion for helping others to understand Biblical truth.
Jake received his Diploma of Biblical Theology from KINEO MTC.
His hobbies include fishing, and spending time with his wife and son.
MRS. THERESA
THERESA MOTES
SECRETARY/TREASURER
info@myedgechurch.org
MRS. ASHLEY
ASHLEY
HELTON
MINISTRY ASSISTANT
support staff
Sharon
Ferguson
LOCAL MISSIONS DIRECTOR
Sharon leads the 5:13 Project, which reflects her heart and passion. Based on Galatians 5:13, which says: "Serve one another humbly in love." The mission of this ministry is to make a lasting impact in our local community by filling gaps, offering a hand up, encouraging our neighbors, and sharing the unending love of Jesus! This ministry offers: Food pantry, clothing closet, community resources, school supplies, Christmas assistance, and works with our foreign missions parter.
Sharon completed and earned her certificate at the School of Discipleship at Free Chapel Worship Center in Gainesville, GA
maggie
finlay
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Maggie leads EDen Children's Ministry at The Edge Church, serving toddlers through 6th grade. Her heart is to share the love of Jesus with every child who walks onto our campus. Her philosophy is not just revolved around watching the child, but teaching them the Bible, using creative themes, fun games, special events, and play in a safe, caring environment.
Maggie earned an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Penn Foster College in Scottsdale, AZ, a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University in Clinton, IA, and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a Reading Endorsement from Reinhardt University in Alpharetta, GA.
She was licensed into the Gospel Ministry through The Edge, and continues her Ministry training.
PASTOR JON PAYNE
AUXILIARY PASTOR
Pastor Jon serves as Auxiliary Pastor at The Edge Church, where he is passionate about teaching God’s Word and helping people grow in a real, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. He is committed to discipleship, sound doctrine, and Spirit-led ministry.
Jon has been married to his wife, Sarah, since 2015, and together they are raising their three children—Brantley, Ella, and Harper. He carries a heart to see lives transformed and believers walking boldly in their God-given purpose.
He was licensed into the Gospel Ministry at The Edge, has completed several courses in Biblical Theology and is continuing his education.
rico johnson
INTERIM YOUTH DIRECTOR
CHURCH BOARD
MR. JIMMY MOTES (VICE CHAIRMAN)
MR. BRAD HELTON
MR. JUNIOR PITTMAN
MR. JAKE LUMPKIN
MRS. THERESA MOTES (SECRETARY/TREASURER)
PASTOR RYAN ROBERTS
The Church Board serves as advisory board, financial accountability, health and stability to the church and supports the Church bylaws and statement of faith. They also serve as the Ordaining Cousel for ministers.