LARGE GROUP
Corporate worship, communion, events, fellowship.
GOSPEL FRIENDSHIP
LIVING IN JESUS’ KINGDOM CREATES COMMUNITY
We believe that knowing Jesus as our King forms those in Him into a community. That community is called the church. It is to be a community marked out by love and good news.
Our hope is that those in the church will be made friends in Christ – that communing with Jesus would create an affinity between Christians of joy, delight, acceptance, encouragement and care. Our avenues of discipleship take this into account as they all seek to be deeply relational approaches to practicing the faith.
Cultivating a culture of friendship at CTK necessarily means that our church must regularly evaluate and push back on cliques, exclusive groups, or activities that might leave people out.
To be a community of friendship, we must also be a reconciled community. We therefore stress the importance of faith and repentance in the life of our people. Not only are we a group that is marked by peace with Jesus Christ, but we also yearn to be a people who are quick to repent and reconcile with one another. Therefore, our aim is to keep short accounts between congregants, create opportunities for appropriate communication and feedback with leaders, and to have a no-tolerance policy for gossip and slander.
GOSPEL WELCOME
LIVING IN JESUS’ KINGDOM MAKES US INCLUSIVE
We believe that the Gospel is not only the good news that establishes peace between God and man, but that it also establishes peace between people of all tribes. For this reason, we intend to be a church that is deliberate in its openness to all kinds of people. (Swipe or click through below)
MEN AND WOMEN
We desire both men and women to serve and lead in every area of the church allowed by Scripture. Whereas we do not believe the Bible affirms the ordination of women to church offices, we strive to create pathways for females to be involved in every layer of ministry and leadership in the church.
OLD AND YOUNG
We hope for a community of all ages. Babies, children, teens, young adults, middle-aged and seniors all create a covenantal environment that reflects the developmental and progressive nature of the kingdom.
SINGLE AND MARRIED
The church ascribes special and equal value to those who are married and those who are single. We see both singles and marrieds as essential for the church to flourish and minister the gospel.
DIVERSE FAMILIES
Over 50% of marriages end in divorce. This means that the majority of families in our demographic have been touched by separation, divorce, and the brokenness that ensues from division in the family. We also know that the traditional families are broken institutions in need of daily grace. Our church desires to be a safe haven for all kinds of families and a beacon of hope for reconciliation and restoration through Jesus.
ALL RACES/ETHNICITIES
We readily welcome and receive all kinds of people, no matter their color or tribe. Our hope is to study the ethnic diversity of our demographic and that our worship and work will reflect hope for all those to whom we minister.
CHURCHED/UNCHURCHED/DECHURCHED
People have varying experiences with the church, some which are delightful and some that are very painful. We believe that to abide in Jesus is to be connected and committed to his people. Our hope is that our church will serve as a place of meaningful, authentic community for those involved and also a place of welcome and hope to those who have been disconnected and disenfranchised from the church.
GOSPEL FORMATION
LIVING IN JESUS’ KINGDOM CHANGES US
We long to be holistic in our proclamation of the Gospel: our view is that word and deed are both vital to show Christ’s kingship as the better way. To this end, we believe God’s Word to be the primary rule of faith and practice and recognize the Old and New Testaments to be our ultimate authority, trustworthy and without error. We prioritize the regular preaching and teaching of Scriptures, affirming the power of God’s Word as sufficient to reveal God, the way of salvation, and the will of God for humanity.
We believe in four avenues of spiritual formation, and that all avenues are equally important to spiritual health/growth:
We place a strong emphasis on contextualization, learning to read our demographic in order to best apply and live out the Gospel. We also see all of life as spiritual without a sacred versus secular dichotomy.
GOSPEL BENEVOLENCE
LIVING IN JESUS’ KINGDOM COMPELS US TO HELP OTHERS
Welcome and Hospitality: We recognize that Jesus welcomes us into his kingdom and cares for us, providing a paradigm for our relationships inside and outside the church. Our King compels us to seek the good of those around us, and to be willing to lay down our preferences and loves for the sake of others.
Outreach: We strongly believe that all those in God’s kingdom should have regular, consistent, and intentional relationships with those outside of the faith. We desire to create a culture of evangelism where congregants are free to ponder and discuss the faith without discrimination or judgment.
Service: We desire to help both those inside and outside the church who have need. We also feel compelled to particularly serve those situated near our church and to work toward the flourishing of the Braselton area.
Generosity: Just as Jesus gave himself away to us in the gospel, so our approach to the world must be one of generosity and charity. We therefore recognize the need to be cheerful stewards of our finances, resources, and time.
HOW WE GROW
We believe that nothing delights, deepens, transforms, and compels like living in Jesus’ kingdom.
REV. BUCK ROGERS
LEAD PASTOR
DAYS OFF: FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Chris “Buck” Rogers has been a Presbyterian minister for almost 20 years and has been in vocational ministry since college. Originally from McRae, GA and raised in a Christian family, Buck grew substantially in his faith while attending college at Mercer University. It was there that he was introduced to the Reformed faith and felt a call to vocational ministry through his involvement with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), the official campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America.
Buck received a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in 2002 and has ministered in a variety of capacities since then including teaching middle/high school, serving as an RUF campus pastor, helping plan the merger of two churches, serving as an assistant pastor and interim pastor, planting CTK, and now as a lead pastor.
Buck is married to the beautiful and fabulous Katelyn Harris and has five children: Eli, Rosie, Sarabelle, Abby, and Henri. He spends his free time in a complicated relationship with UGA football and streaming too much television. He also enjoys coffee, eating candy in the car, and spending quality time with his fam jam.
REV. BRIAN DERINGER
PASTOR OF STAFF
DAYS OFF: FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Brian Deringer has been a minister in the PCA since 1986. The majority of his ministry has been with Mission to the World, our denomination’s missions agency. Together with Lorrie and their four children, they started out as church planters, in Paris, France. In the following years Brian served in several different leadership roles for a total of 31 years with MTW. He also served as the senior pastor of Friendly Hills PCA in Greensboro, North Carolina for 5 years, helping them to grow and complete a capital campaign resulting in the construction of their church. As a child of a military family, he was born in Germany, moved to Ethiopia, and subsequently had many additional moves around the U.S. before settling down in Augusta, Georgia where he met his bride of 40+ years. He is what is known as a “third culture kid”, not really from anywhere. Still, his parents and extended family hail from Wisconsin. Brian came to Christ through the ministry of Young Life in high school, and served as an Area Director for that organization during his seminary years.
Brian thought he would go into medicine early on which explains his BS in Biology, but the Lord called him away from that life and sent him to get his Masters of Divinity degree at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi.
Brian is married to our own Director of Women’s Discipleship, Lorrie and has four grown children and 6 grandchildren. His lifetime hobby has been golf, but in recent years he spends most of his free time with family, boating, baking bread/cooking, playing guitar, and dabbling in graphic art.
GRACE FARR
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
DAYS OFF: FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Grace has always called the ‘burbs of Atlanta home. She grew up in a Christian home and has always known and loved Jesus, but it wasn’t until attending RUF at Mercer University that she realized how dearly and deeply He loved her back. It was here that she finally found freedom in admitting to the world that her goody two shoes self was never going to reach perfection (although at the time, she felt she got pretty close). Instead, she found relief from her striving and a new joy in the forgiveness and love found in Christ.
Grace earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education and then went on to complete her Master’s in Reading, Language, and Literacy at Georgia College & State University. She spent 7 years in the classroom before beginning her roles in ministry. Over the several years, Grace has served on church staff in various areas including Assimilation, Children’s Ministry, and now Operations.
Grace spends her days with her 3 daughters (Stella Kate, Elsie, and Hazel) and husband (and world’s best girl dad), Caleb. Their girls are their best and favorite source of entertainment, keeping them laughing and ever on their toes.
LORRIE DERINGER
DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S DISCIPLESHIP
DAYS OFF: FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Lorrie grew up in a Christian home and a great church but ran away from Jesus a lot until her senior year of high school. Loved and invited to belong even before she believed, she came to Christ through her church youth ministry and Young Life. A year later, Lorrie met Brian in college at a Young Life leader training and they ended up being college roommates – when they got married in 1980. After college and seminary, they packed everything they owned into a 20-foot shipping container and moved to Paris, France – along with their four children, ages five and under – to work with Mission to the World’s Paris church-planting team and the Evangelical Reformed Church of France. To this day, they are amazed and grateful to have witnessed the birth of a French church and continue to be annoyingly passionate francophiles.
Lorrie has a Masters of Arts (Religion) degree from Reformed Theological Seminary and has served in many roles and contexts over the years. She taught elementary and middle school and served as principal of Parkview Christian School in Lilburn, GA. Since retiring in 2012, she has enjoyed mentoring and equipping women around the world through the ministry of Parakaleo, leading a team of church volunteers in children’s ministry and Christian education, and since the early days of CTK, she has found lots of joy in heading up women’s discipleship.
Lorrie loves a long, fast walk, boating and floating on Lake Lanier, hours of music-making around the fire-pit with friends and family, and soaking up time with her kids and six grandchildren.
MARK LANDERS
DIRECTOR OF MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP
DAYS OFF: WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY
Mark is an Atlanta native and growing up, he never doubted the facts about Jesus, but set a course running away from God’s invitation to relationship. At the end of his freshman year in college, and the end of any joy in the counterfeits he had been pursuing, he asked Jesus to reign in his life. Mark’s pursuit is to know and be known by Jesus in community with family and friends.
Mark and Aleta have been married for over 40 years. They have 3 wonderful adult children, all married and living in the Decatur area and raising their 5 grandchildren. Mark completed his 40 year journey as a water resources engineer in 2021 and now works with Christ the King as our Director of Men’s Discipleship.
Mark loves time with family and friends, running and horseback riding, camping, and water sports; ideally combining as many of these as possible! He also loves reading about the gospel, history, and epic fantasy.
KATHY CERNY
DIRECTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
DAYS OFF: FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Born in New Jersey, Kathy grew up in beautiful central Virginia. Though she didn’t grow up in a Christian home, the Lord pursued her by prompting her mom and stepdad to transfer her and her sisters to a small Christian school. The next year during a chapel service as a 6th grader, the Lord opened Kathy’s eyes to see her deep need for a Savior, and she began her journey of faith. Through middle and high school, the Lord used several committed Christian friends, their parents, and a handful of Christian teachers to help shape her and foster a love for the Lord, His Word, and His people. Thankfully in time, the Lord also rescued her parents and sisters.
After earning a degree in nursing from Liberty University, she began her career at UVA’s Children’s Medical Center. She enjoyed caring for children from newborn to five years old and their families, and it was there on the pediatric floor that she met her husband, Paul, who was training there as a family physician. They have been married for 28 years and have two delightful adult children, Lydia and Benjamin. In her free time, Kathy loves spending time with friends, her family, their pets (a dog, two cats, & sixteen chickens), walking outside, and being creative by painting, making cards, or crocheting.
Through the years, Kathy has found joy in leading Bible clubs for kids, serving at crisis pregnancy centers, helping at food banks, and doing a variety of practical projects, and she looks forward to serving the congregation at CTK. Kathy clearly remembers the first day they attended Christ the King—she, Paul, and Lydia knew they were home!
ARMANDO BECERRA
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH DISCIPLESHIP
DAYS OFF: MONDAY & SATURDAY
Armado is originally from Georgia but grew up in the great state of Texas. At the age of 13, Armando moved back to Georgia. He is a graduate of the University of North Georgia with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism. He was introduced to the Reformed Faith at Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church, where he submitted his life to Christ, was baptized, and later married the love of his life (Amanda) all in the same church. He has served the church in various ways throughout the last 15 years, including serving as a Youth Director.
Armando is married to Amanda and they have two beautiful daughters, Sadie and Hayden. As a family they enjoy going to the playground, going for walks, and traveling. Amanda and Armando enjoy watching cop shows such as Blue Bloods and CSI together. Armando also likes playing ultimate frisbee, soccer, and basketball in his free time.
EMMA FERRELL
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S DISCIPLESHIP
DAYS OFF: FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Emma grew up in Suwanee, Georgia. Raised in a Christian home, she came to know and love Jesus at an early age. Emma’s understanding of her great need for a Savior, God’s lavish grace for her, and her love of God’s Word has continued to deepen as she walks through life hand in hand with her Savior..
Emma graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Elementary Education. Before starting a family, she taught third grade and Kindergarten. She was also the Children’s Ministry Assistant Director at Christ Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX. She now uses her passion for learning and teaching from a Biblical worldview to homeschool her children.
Emma is married to her very handsome college sweetheart, Lane, and together they have four boys- Tucker, Sam, John David, and Jack. Their home is as loud and energetic as one might imagine. When she’s not chasing her little boys, she enjoys hosting friends, exercising, and baking chocolate chip cookies for anyone who’ll take one.
KELLY CLARK
DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY
DAYS OFF: MONDAY & SATURDAY
Kelly spent most of her growing up years in New Jersey, Washington State, and Georgia. She attended Northwestern University and enjoyed a sales/marketing career with Kellogg’s and The Coca-Cola Company. It was during her Kellogg years that Kelly met and married Jim. November 2024 marks 28 years of marriage for The Clarks…WOW, that was fast! The Clarks have two wonderful children, Nick and Jillian, and as of January 2025, a delightful son-in-law, Christian.
As Kelly reflects back on her life, there’s one unexpected moment that stands out as the most transformational. When Kelly was an awkward, unhappy 7th grader living in Washington State, her family was invited to church. Though going to church wasn’t an entirely new experience, the message she heard about really knowing Jesus and having a relationship with Him was. Those seeds planted in middle school didn’t grow right away, but God is faithful and He never let Kelly go. In her early years of marriage and mothering, God continued to draw Kelly to Himself. He changed her life. And in His kindness, He changed her marriage and family too. Hallelujah!
Kelly is grateful for the warm welcome she and her family have experienced at Christ the King. She is eager to share that culture of generous hospitality and abiding fellowship with our CTK family, friends, guests, and community. Welcome… we are so glad you’re here!
ALETA LANDERS
WORSHIP ADMINISTRATOR
DAYS OFF: WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY
Born in Pittsburgh, Aleta grew up in Ohio and North Carolina. She was raised in a Christian home and came to faith at an early age. Over many years, she has grown in a love for God and for His word. Aleta also has a deeply cultivated love for worship and the music of the church.
Aleta graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in education. She taught grades K-8 in both public and private schools. Aleta and Mark have been married 40 years and have 3 grown children and 5 very busy young grandchildren. Right now, they all live in the Atlanta area.
Aleta enjoys time with dear friends, reading, learning to ride horses, spending time with grandchildren, and traveling. She loves historical fiction, biography, and acoustic music.
SHANE AMMONS
I grew up in a small town in South Georgia called Buena Vista where I regularly attended First Baptist Church. My wife, Stephanie, and I met in college where we were both involved with Campus Outreach. We have been married for 23 years and we have 5 children – Emily Hayter (married to Stephen), Grace, Micah, Josiah and Spencer. On September 2 of 2022, we welcomed our first grandchild – Meredith Rose Hayter! I am the Senior Commercial Estimator for FlorWorx of Atlanta. My hobbies include fishing and coaching my boys in basketball and baseball. I am also a bit of a fan of the Dawgs, Braves, Falcons and Hawks.
Over and over and over He has used and continues to use my brothers and sisters in Christ to help me remember the truth that God loves me because of what Jesus has done and not because of what I have done. And I would count it a privilege to be able to help others remember this as well as an elder of CTK.
Please pray first that I will be continually aware of my need for Jesus and that I would run to Him as my only hope. Secondly, that I will not hide, but seek to be vulnerable, open, and honest with my family and with the men that He has put in my life to push me closer to Him. Lastly, that I would be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry especially with those He has called me to serve.
CHRIS BOZEMAN
I am Chris Bozeman. I have been married to my saint of a bride, Lisa, for 37 years as of this December! We have 3 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 4 grandchildren: Lauren & Jerome Gauthey with Zoë & Theo, Caris & Alex Lockwood with Lucy & Eliza, and Joy Bozeman. I am recently semi-retired and work part-time. I am an audiophile and enjoy golf when I can. We came to CTK after the church plant we were working with in Jefferson closed. We knew Buck and, upon visiting, almost immediately heard God saying, “this is where I want you”.
I served as an elder in the PCA from 2002-2010 and when asked if I would consider serving at CTK, I became excited and hopeful at the prospect of shepherding out of the miraculous work God has done in my heart over the last decade. Please let me share with you how good Jesus is!
As I walk this path apprehensively, please pray that God would ONLY allow me to be a blessing to His church and His flock and that I would increasingly daily surrender my will to His.
MARK LANDERS
I am an Atlanta native and growing up, I never doubted the facts about Jesus, but set a course running away from God’s invitation to relationship. At the end of my freshman year in college, and the end of any joy in the counterfeits I had been pursuing, I asked Jesus to reign in my life. I have been married to Aleta for over 40 years and we have 3 amazing children and 5 grandchildren. I finished my career in earth science engineering in 2021 and began serving as Men’s Discipleship Director at CTK. I love time with family and friends, running and horseback riding, camping, and water sports; ideally combining as many of these as possible! I also love reading about the gospel, history, and epic fantasy.
I feel called to be an elder at CTK because I love Jesus’ people and mission; and the local church is our base camp for that mission. Of all the sweet and bittersweet slices of our lives, Aleta and I have always felt called to and been enriched in the work of the local church. In particular, at CTK, I see an opportunity to really engage with and welcome the unchurched and dechurched and walk toward heaven together.
Please be praying for Aleta and I as we continue to transition to our ’new’ careers, and to grandparenthood. Pray for us to serve with joy and effectiveness.
KRIS MAYNARD
Cindy and I have been married for 32 years and we have been blessed with three wonderful children, Rachael (27), Ryan(25), and Justin (22). Rachael is married to Caleb and they have blessed us with our first grandchild Wesley and have another one on the way. Ryan is married to Rebekah and they are both graduate students at UGA. Justin is pursuing his degree in counseling psychology.
I am Executive Chairman of Essential Ingredients and Cathedral Holdings, a company I co-founded in 1996. My passions are my family, spending time at our farm in Dahlonega, being outside (fishing, hunting, hiking, working) and helping people discover that work is a form of worship and Gods’ redeeming work in the world.
I have been a Ruling Elder in the PCA for 25 years and much of that has been very hard. I am excited about working on this Session, with Buck, and with all the congregants because of what we are trying to do together by transforming Braselton and being a small part of God’s redeeming work where we have been called and have influence. I believe we have an opportunity to take our combined experiences and, with God’s help, do something very special.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) was formed in 1973 to be a denomination that is “Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith, and Obedient to the Great Commission.” To learn more about the denomination, click here. Ministries and ministers in the PCA subscribe to the following doctrinal standards: