Pastor & Staff
Senior Pastor Nathan Rice
Proclaiming the Truth of the Gospel Message
I was born into a Christian home to parents who shared the Gospel with me at an early age. My father explained that God created us and loves us, but that we are separated from God, who is perfect, because we are not perfect. All of us have sinned- done something wrong- at some point in life and are not worthy of spending eternity in heaven with God. However, God sent His Son Jesus to die for us, and pay for our sin. I asked Jesus for forgiveness and became a Christian, which is the best decision I've ever made!
I have degrees from Texas Tech University (Computer Science), the University of Oklahoma (MBA), and Dallas Theological Seminary (Christian Leadership). However, I started off as a scholarship swimmer at the University of Kansas. While there, my faith was challenged by the wild party atmosphere and skeptical professors. My life trajectory changed while I was mentored by a couple godly men and evangelizing to others students on campus. I then dedicated my life to sharing the hope we have in Christ with others.
My passion is to equip God’s people for works of service, building the body of Christ to reach unity and maturity in the faith. (Ephesians 4:12)
My wife Camilla is from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil and followed her family to Texas in 2009. Camilla has traveled all over the South American continent doing evangelism and discipleship. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and her native tongue, Portuguese. We have been married six years and have two sons: Nathaniel and Samuel. We are expecting our third son in the fall!
When not at Christ Community Church, you can find me drinking coffee, running, enjoying the beach, going to the zoo or watching documentaries and family movies with the boys. I love watching these boys grow up, but I’m worried they are growing up too fast!
My favorite authors are God, Thom Rainer, RC Sproul, CS Lewis, and Tim Keller. My favorite music is by Andrew Peterson, Robbie Seay, and TobyMac. My favorite movies are Lord of the Rings, The Lion King, Rio, The Greatest Showman, Star Wars, Amazing Grace, Last Samurai, and Luther (2003).
Thanks for checking the page out. Please let me know if you have any questions, or would like a ride to church. We'd be happy to arrange a ride for you if you need one. I hope to see you soon!
Meet the Rest of the Staff and Leaderhsip
Ross Lehman, Assistant Pastor
Ross was born and raised on the west coast near Los Angeles CA in the town of Upland. He Received a degree in music performance from California State University Northridge in 1981 and began his music career as a musician for Disneyland in Anaheim CA playing trombone there in a brass quintet.
Following an internship at a church in Palo Alto CA in 1994, he was hired as the pastor of Worship and Music for an Evangelical Free Church in Burbank, CA where he served from May of 1996 to December of 2004. In January of 2005 he moved his family from Burbank, CA to his wife Margaret’s home town of Ocala, Fl. where they were privileged to help plant Christ Community Church that same year. He began leading worship as a volunteer and continues today in an expanded capacity as part time staff overseeing music and men’s ministries. Needing to be bi-vocational he also works as an independent insurance agent.
He and Margaret have been married for twenty-one years and have five daughters.
Shallon Rowe Administrative Assistant
In her position as administrative assistant, Shallon Rowe handles incoming and outgoing phone calls, mail, and emails, as well as ordering and purchasing of church supplies and materials. She works with Pastor Nathan, the Elders, Deacons, and Ministry Team leaders to keep the church office running smoothly and efficiently.
Shallon is from South Carolina originally, and lived in Texas for several years before moving to Ocala to be closer to family. She is married to Donald Rowe, and they have a cat and a dog. In her free time Shallon enjoys playing video games and making candles, and has a passion for coffee.
Patrice Akers Bookkeeper
Coming Soon
Charlie Stracuzzi Worship Assistant
Charlie is our assistant worship leader and tech team leader. Charlie has an associate’s degree in Electronics Engineering from Broward Community College. His last corporate job was working for Motorola as an engineer in the radio communications business in the Public Safety industry supporting Police and Fire departments throughout Florida. He has been a musician since he was 7 years old and a church worship leader and music director all of his adult life.
Charlie owns and operates Digisonic Productions and promotes national Elvis Presley and Blues Brothers tribute bands that have toured throughout Georgia and Florida. He led a Christian Rock band named Metanoia back in the late 80s and 90s. He now uses his worship leader, recording and live sound engineering skills here at Christ Community Church. He has recently become a writer for Technologies for Worship Magazine. Charlie is married to Virginia Stracuzzi and they both enjoy aviation and flying in their spare time.