Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Brandon Mathis

Lead Pastor

Brandon Mathis has served as the Lead Pastor of Celebration Church since 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Colorado State University and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry from Southeastern Seminary. Brandon and his wife, Melissa are the proud parents of three children.  

Rick Hale

Discipleship Pastor

After many years of faithful service as a lay Elder at Celebration Church, Rick Hale joined the staff as Discipleship Pastor in 2022. He is passionate about verse-by-verse Bible teaching and helping others pursue God’s highest calling for their lives. Rick and his wife, Julie, have two grown children and a daughter-in-law. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and camping. 

Jason Lawson

Marriage & Family Pastor

Jason is a devoted disciple-maker with a deep passion for teaching God’s Word and equipping others to make disciples. With seventeen years of ministry experience and multiple degrees from NOBTS, he has faithfully served in various roles, including children’s ministry, youth ministry, pastoral ministry, Christian education, and discipleship ministry. Known for his love for his family and God’s people, Jason is committed to encouraging and building up others for God’s glory. Jason is married to Braci and has five children.
Favorite Quote: “Be careful laughing at your spouse’s choices because you are one of them.”

Titus Tiplea

Executive Pastor

Titus Tiplea serves as the Executive Pastor at Celebration Church. Titus received his bachelor’s in accounting and biblical studies from Biola University and is currently pursuing his M. Div. with an emphasis in Biblical Counseling from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He co-leads the Worship Team, oversees the Counseling ministry in the church, and serves on the Budget and Finance Team. Titus is married to his wife, Jenna, and together they have 4 children. 

Julie Hale

Pastoral Administrative Assistant

Julie Hale serves as the Pastoral Administrative Assistant at Celebration Church. She grew up in Montrose and returned home after earning a Communication degree from Milligan College in Tennessee. Julie loves being a part of God’s work at Celebration Church. She is married to Pastor Rick, and together they have 2 adult children and a daughter-in-law. 

Melissa Coram

Media & Communications Director

Melissa Coram serves as the Media and Communications Director at Celebration Church, where she oversees all digital content, communications, and creative media. She grew up in Montrose and has been active in ministry for many years. Melissa has served in Women’s Ministry, Celebration Kids, and various roles on the Worship Team. She and her husband, Ty, are proud parents of three children. 

Becky Gere

Event & Volunteer Coordinator

Becky Gere serves as the Event and Volunteer Coordinator at Celebration Church. She grew up in Puerto Rico and returned to the US to earn a degree in Spanish and French. Becky has served in various church & parachurch roles throughout the years. She loves working with kids, helping organize church events, and missions work. Becky is happily married to Harry, and together they have two grown children.

Dave Bowman

Elder

Dave Bowman serves as an Elder at Celebration Church. He oversees the missions ministry of the church, and is a small group leader.  He has a heart for evangelism and sharing the gospel, and has been on numerous mission trips to South America. Dave is married to his wife, Dawn, and together they have one married son and 2 grandchildren. 

Gary Coram

Elder

Gary Coram serves as an Elder at Celebration Church. Gary has been a follower of Christ for over 40 years, and is currently serving as  a D1 Teacher and a Small Group leader. He has been married to his best friend, Lisa, for almost 5 decades. Together they have two married children with a total of 5 grandchildren.

Drew Granzow

Elder

Drew Granzow serves as an Elder at Celebration Church. He was fortunate to grow up in a Christian home, but it wasn’t until his early 20’s that he made Jesus his Lord. He serves in many ministries within the church including youth, the A/V team, teaching and administrative activities. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda in 1980.

Scott Breithaupt

Elder

Scott Breithaupt serves as an Elder at Celebration Church. He works as a High Voltage Journeyman Lineman with DMEA. Scott and his wife, Heather, have six children and enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and caring for their hobby farm. 

Jeremy Cheezum

Elder

Jeremy Cheezum serves as an Elder at Celebration Church. Jeremy was a full-time pastor for 17 years, and currently works for Colorado Mesa University as a College & Career Advisor, working with all seniors in the Montrose County School District. He and his wife, Kim, have four children. Jeremy and Kim both serve in our Celebration Students youth ministry. 

Roger Woodward

Elder

Roger Woodward serves as an Elder at Celebration Church. The Holy Spirit nudged Roger's heart for years. He finally accepted Jesus as his personal savior when he was 27 years old. Roger came to Celebration Church after he was invited by a neighbor to visit a Celebration Group. Roger and his high school sweetheart, Susan, have three grown sons. Roger wants all people to know Jesus personally. He teaches several classes, including the Discover Celebration New Membership Class, and is small group leader. 

Ty Coram

Deacon

Ty Coram serves as a Deacon at Celebration Church. Ty is a native of Montrose, and has been in church his whole life. He co-leads the Worship Team alongside one of our Elders. Ty has served in Men's Ministry, Celebration Kids and on the Worship Team. He is married to his wife, Melissa, and together they have 3 children.

Randy Thibeau

Deacon

Randy Thibeau serves as a Deacon at Celebration Church. He is passionate about introducing people to the Lord and has been active in men’s ministry for many years. Randy and his wife, Jackie, launched and oversee the Celebrate Recovery ministry at Celebration Church. 

Ed Douglas

Deacon

Ed Douglas serves as a Deacon at Celebration Church. He grew up in Ketchikan, Alaska and is passionate about serving others and cooking for various ministries. Through his work on the Welcome Team, he is probably the first person you meet when you visit Celebration. Ed is happily married to his wife, Joan. 

Jacob "Jake" Dressel

Deacon

Jacob Dressel serves as a Deacon at Celebration Church. He co-leads a Celebration Group and enjoys serving others. A lifelong learner and handyman, Jacob is a disabled veteran with extensive leadership experience. He treasures his role as a servant of the Lord and values his family, which includes his wife, Natalie, three grown children, and two grandchildren. 

Harry Gere

Deacon

Harry Gere serves as a Deacon at Celebration Church and is passionate about serving in various ministries, including the A/V team, Celebration Students, and Celebration Groups. He also supports Celebration Kids alongside his wife, Becky. Harry and Becky have two adult children, Isaac, who serves in the U.S. Navy, and Emma, a student at Sojourners School of Ministry. 

Chris Jolley

Deacon

Chris Jolley serves as a Deacon at Celebration Church. He grew up in the Montrose and Olathe area and is married to his best friend, Tammy. Together they have 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren. Chris enjoys building relationships and setting people up for success. He likes to assist in helping those in need and showing the love of God. 

Matt Brown

Deacon

Matt Brown serves as a Deacon at Celebration Church. Matt and his family have attended Celebration Church for the past five years. A graduate of the Pastoral Institute of the Western Slope, he serves by filling in for discipleship classes and preaching at area churches as needed. Matt has a genuine heart for helping people through difficult seasons and pointing them to Christ. He and his wife, Kaydee, live on their family farm with their two children. 

Zane Williams

Deacon

Zane Williams serves as a deacon at Celebration Church. Zane and his wife, Heidi, have lived in Montrose since 2013 and have been part of Celebration Church for seven years, along with their two children, Jedidiah and Analise. Zane was born in Florida but has spent most of his life on the western slope. He and his family enjoy being in the outdoors but also have a soft spot for the beach. He currently serves on the Budget & Finance and Security Teams.