Chris and Cindy Franklin
Lead Pastors
Pastors J. Chris and Cindy Franklin have faithfully served at First Assembly of God in Cottondale for nearly two decades. This November marks 20 years of ministry at the church and 12 years as Lead Pastors. Together they live on Spring Hill near Graceville, raising their two sons, Andy (21) and Nate (15).
Chris has lived most of his life in Jackson County and first came to know Jesus through the influence of his grandparents, who faithfully took him to church. His favorite verse, Isaiah 41:10, reminds him daily of God’s strength and presence. His heart as a pastor is that people would come to know Jesus personally, grow deeper in their relationship with Him, connect with a community of believers, and learn to work for the Kingdom.
Cindy grew up in a Pentecostal home in Alachua, Florida, and gave her life to the Lord as a teenager. Her favorite Scripture, Romans 5:8, is a reminder of God’s unconditional love and grace. She has a heart for teaching and serving creatively, and in this season she says the Lord is helping her grow both in her teaching and in her management of time.
Outside of ministry, Chris enjoys cooking—especially BBQ—and has a fondness for RC Cola, while Cindy enjoys Coca-Cola, chocolate, and spending time with family and friends. A fun fact about Cindy is that she once spent three weeks in Australia. Above all, the Franklins love watching God work in people’s lives. As Chris says, “He amazes me every day as to what He can and will do if we let Him.
Stephen and Megan Tremble
Youth Pastors
Stephen and Megan Trimble have been serving as Youth Leaders at First Assembly of God in Cottondale since February 2023, after first joining the church family in 2020. Married and raising three children—Barrett (14), Ruby Kate (11), and Finn (9)—they keep busy with school, sports, church, and caring for a lively “farm” of pets that includes dogs, cats, goats, chickens, a goose, and even a goldfish.
Megan, a Cottondale native, and Stephen, originally from Nebraska, first met at a church camp meeting in Lynn Haven and built their life together on a shared love for Jesus and ministry. Both came to know the Lord at young ages, later rededicating their lives in powerful ways—Megan at 17 when she radically encountered Jesus, and Stephen at 20 when he fully purposed his life for Christ. Their favorite Scriptures reflect the faith that sustains them: Megan treasures Philippians 4:6–7 as her life “road map,” as well as Psalm 103:2–3 as a testimony of God’s forgiveness and healing, while Stephen holds to 1 Corinthians 1:27, which reminds him that God chooses the weak and unlikely to display His power.
The Trimbles’ greatest joy in ministry is witnessing students be radically changed when they encounter Jesus. Their heart is to see young people not only meet Him personally, but also grow into bold disciples who carry His love and truth into the world—to know Jesus and make Him known. Outside of ministry, they love traveling (especially road trips to Nebraska), cheering on their kids at athletic events, and fueling their days with plenty of coffee. Stephen also coaches the CHS softball team. Though active and busy, they describe themselves as homebodies at heart, cherishing quiet time together as a family.
Tony and Trisha Pumphrey
Children’s Church Pastor - Elementary
Trisha Pumphrey has faithfully served in children’s ministry for 24 years, beginning in September 2001. As our Kids’ Church Leader for grades 1-5, she is passionate about helping children grow in their relationship with Jesus and discover God’s purpose for their lives.
A lifelong resident of Jackson County, Trisha was born in Marianna and has called this area home her entire life. She was raised in Pentecostal churches and accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of five while attending Sapp Church. At fourteen years old, during a youth camp with Chipley First Assembly of God, she received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit—an experience that continues to shape her faith and ministry today.
Trisha is married to her husband, Tony, and together they have two sons, Logan and Landon. Their family stays busy supporting Landon in his many sports and activities, helping in concession stands, and announcing Cottondale High School football games. Whether it’s on the sidelines or in the stands, they love cheering on the Hornets and being involved in their community.
One of Trisha’s favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse serves as a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness and gives her hope and encouragement in every season of life.
Trisha’s vision for children’s ministry is to raise up a generation of children who are rooted in God, passionate about Him, and ready to shine their light in a dark world. She believes every lesson, every song, every game, and every conversation is an opportunity to plant seeds that will last for eternity. Nothing brings her greater joy than seeing the light of Christ come alive in a child’s heart and helping lead them into a lifelong relationship with Jesus.
When she’s not serving in ministry, Trisha enjoys spending time with her family, playing with their dog Leo, going on vacations, shopping, and cheering on the Hornets. Her favorite meal is steak and shrimp, followed by a slice of cheesecake. She’ll also be the first to tell you that she does not enjoy sour candy or exercise!
In this season of life, God is teaching Trisha to lean on Him for strength, trust His timing, and allow Him to shape her for the greater purpose He is preparing. Through her faithful service, compassionate heart, and dedication to the next generation, she continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families.
Children’s Church Pastor - Early Childhood
Drake and Kate Mayo
Pastors Drake and Kate Mayo have been serving together as Kids Church Pastors at First Assembly of God in Cottondale since 2019. Married in 2016, they are raising two daughters, Sonni and Goldie, along with their goldendoodle, Cowboy. Both Drake and Kate share a deep passion for helping children experience the love of Jesus and grow in their faith, believing that kids’ ministry is not just fun but foundational for a lifelong walk with Christ.
A Cottondale native, Drake grew up in church but truly came to know the Lord after high school through the people God placed in his path. His favorite passage, 2 Timothy 1:7–10, reminds him to live with boldness, faith, and gratitude for God’s grace. He loves building a strong, Christ-centered community and especially enjoys leading kids to know and follow Jesus. Outside of ministry, Drake enjoys sports, golfing, video games, and seafood, and is a devoted South Carolina Gamecocks fan.
Kate was born in Ohio and raised in Florida, influenced by her grandparents who were traveling evangelists. She gave her life to the Lord at a young age and has walked faithfully with Him through life’s ups and downs, growing into a deep reverence for His Word. Her favorite verse, James 3:1—“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness”—is meaningful to her because she never planned on teaching or preaching, but when she prayed about church hurt, the Lord used that verse to hold up a mirror and call her deeper into His purpose. Kate especially loves working with preschoolers, convinced that their faith is beautifully simple and powerful. Alongside ministry, she works as a hairdresser, and she can usually be found with a Diet Coke or coffee in hand. She describes this season as one of God’s refining, where He is teaching her His intentionality in every detail and showing His goodness day by day.
Together, Drake and Kate are committed to creating a vibrant Kids Church where children know that the Bible is true, Jesus is alive, and His love is real for them.
Paulette Anderson
Secretary
Sarah Paulette Anderson has faithfully served as Secretary of our church for the past eight years. Originally born in Georgia and raised in Hartford, Alabama, Sarah was blessed to grow up in a Christian home where she developed a lifelong love for the Lord and His church.
Sarah is a widow and is the proud mother of her son, Jason, and stepdaughter, Georgia. She is also a loving grandmother to two grandsons and two great-grandsons. At home, she enjoys the companionship of her two beloved fur babies, Chico and Daisy.
One of Sarah’s favorite Bible verses is John 3:16 because it reminds her that no matter what circumstances she faces, she is deeply loved by Jesus, who gave His life for her. She finds great joy in serving the Lord and considers it a privilege to be part of God’s work through the church.
Sarah’s prayer is that our church will continue to be a beacon of hope in our community, reaching the lost and hurting with the love of Christ. In her free time, she enjoys putting together puzzles, sewing, and traveling. Having visited 32 states and 52 countries, she treasures the many adventures she has shared with her son, who loves taking her around the world.
Through every season of life, especially as a widow, Sarah has experienced God’s faithful care and provision. She is grateful for the many ways the Lord watches over her, protects her, and meets her needs each day
Kasey Lathan
Pastoral Assistant & Media Director
Kasey Lathan serves as the Social Media Manager and Pianist at First Assembly of God in Cottondale. She began playing piano on the worship team at just 14 years old, learning as she went and discovering a deep love for worship that has only grown as God entrusted her with the role of leading pianist. A native of Alford, Florida, and raised in the church by her Nana, who was a children’s pastor, Kasey has always had ministry woven into her story. At 14, after the loss of her mom, she encountered Jesus in a personal way that forever changed her walk with Him. Her favorite verse, John 15:4, is a constant reminder to remain rooted in Christ, knowing that true fruit only comes from abiding in Him.
Kasey has a heart to create spaces where people can encounter the living God—whether through worship, where she helps lead others into His presence, or through social media, where she reflects the life, love, and community of the church. Outside of ministry, she enjoys writing music, traveling, and finding inspiration in new places. She’s a fan of Coke and chicken Alfredo, and a fun fact many don’t know is that she is a self-taught pianist who plays by ear and chords rather than sheet music. Kasey says in this season, the Lord is refining her heart each day, teaching her to deny herself, walk in love, and point others to Him.