Call Us Today: 281.962.3777
Call Us Today: 281.962.3777

Meet Your Team

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

Shepherd Staff is a highly specialized Church Staffing Firm for church and faith-based organizations to find leaders who align with your mission and values. Helping churches hire with care, clarity, and purpose has been our passion for nearly two decades. Our proven process is built around deep relationships, ministry insight, and a commitment to excellence. When you partner with us, you’re choosing Church Staffing for church and faith-based organizations to find leaders who align with your mission and values. Helping churches hire through a process that puts people before positions. Discover why churches nationwide trust us for Church Staffing for church and faith-based organizations to find leaders who align with your mission and values. Helping churches hire with lasting impact.

Decades of Ministry Experience: Fully Trained, Full Time Consultants

Meet The Team Of Dedicated Staffing Experts

At Shepherd Staff, we believe strong churches are built by strong teams – and that starts with ours. Founded in 2006 by Greg Allen, our Co-founder and President, Shepherd Staff has become a trusted partner for churches and pastors seeking exceptional staff. Greg leads the company alongside CEO Brian Coday, who brings over 30 years of ministry experience and a passion for connecting churches with the right leaders. Together, they form an effective leadership team grounded in pastoral wisdom and a shared commitment to serving the Church with excellence.

What makes our team different is our full-time focus. Unlike firms that rely on part-time consultants that engage in staffing as a side-hustle, our team members are either fully dedicated to Shepherd Staff or are on the path to full-time through guided, hands-on training. We believe this model best honors the Church and ensures every search receives the attention, expertise, and care it deserves.

The result is a growing team of consultants – ministry-minded, mission-driven, and among the most trusted professionals in church staffing today.

Executive Leadership

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

GREG ALLEN

PRESIDENT

MORE ABOUT GREG

Greg Allen is the Co-founder and President of Shepherd Staff, a leading church staffing firm dedicated to helping churches attract, engage, and select key staff members while guiding pastors nationwide in navigating their ministry careers.

With a heart for ministry and a deep understanding of church leadership, Greg has set a high standard of exceptional service and care, ensuring that Shepherd Staff stands out in the increasingly crowded church staffing landscape.

Since 2006, Greg’s unique combination of expertise, spirit, and genuine care has shaped Shepherd Staff into a trusted partner for churches and pastors alike. His commitment to providing personal, thoughtful guidance in every search reflects his desire to see both churches and candidates thrive. His hands-on approach and strategic insights are key reasons Shepherd Staff continues to lead in its field.

Under Greg’s leadership, his team has successfully facilitated hundreds of staff searches, working closely with thousands of pastors throughout the process. Greg also has particular expertise in coaching candidates for more effective interviews, drawing from a rich background of experience that includes training with the largest executive search firm in Dallas.

His deep church involvement—as a former worship pastor and elder—gives him a unique perspective in understanding the needs of both churches and pastoral candidates.

Outside of work, Greg and his wife Marla enjoy spending time with their large family, including their seven children and four grandchildren, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and faith.

BRIAN CODAY

CEO

MORE ABOUT BRIAN

Brian is a seasoned ministry leader with over 30 years of experience, having served churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Delaware. His diverse roles throughout his career—ranging from Student Ministry Pastor to Associate Pastor, Pastor of Assimilation, Executive Pastor, and Intentional Interim Pastor—have given him a comprehensive understanding of church leadership.

Often balancing multiple responsibilities at once, Brian excels in managing complexity, thinking strategically, and developing innovative solutions for the challenges churches face.

As the Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator for the National Network of Youth Ministries, Brian led nearly 250 youth ministry networks across eight densely populated states. This experience sharpened his abilities in strategic planning, network-building, and organizational leadership. His capacity to manage large-scale initiatives while maintaining a clear, forward-thinking vision speaks to his strength in leading teams and projects toward meaningful outcomes.

In addition to his broad ministry background, Brian was regularly a  top producer at Shepherd Staff, consistently delivering results and helping churches find exceptional leaders who align with their mission and values. His ability to quickly assess the ‘DNA’ of both client churches and potential candidates has been instrumental in his success. His strong performance led to taking on greater operational responsibilities within the firm, where he applied his leadership and strategic planning skills to improve processes and team performance.

In 2024, Brian earned the title of Chief Executive Officer, a reflection of his exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to the mission of Shepherd Staff.

Now based in Nashville, TN, Brian continues to bring his wealth of experience, guiding churches toward long-term success by connecting them with leaders who can help them thrive. Together with his wife, he is excited to embrace this new chapter and continue making a lasting impact in church ministry.

search CONSULTANTS

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

Greg Bowlus

SR. SEARCH CONSULTANT
Director: Strategic Networks

MORE ABOUT GREG

Greg grew up in Tampa, Florida in a Christian home where his dad was a Minister of Music and professional gospel musician. He has served in full time worship and music ministry in the local church for over 30 years. Over that time he has served in congregations of 50 to several thousand and of varying denominations and non–denominational churches as well.
 
Greg had his first introduction to a church staffing firm and the process in 2003 when contacted about a position that they were recruiting for. Not long after this, he met Greg Allen, President of our firm, when he called him about a different opportunity. Over the course of the next decade, he and Greg Allen continued to stay in touch and eventually they began a conversation about him joining Shepherd Staff team. In the fall of 2011, Greg found himself at a crossroad and reached out to Greg Allen in the hopes that he would find clarity in his decision to continue serving the local church, and if so, in what capacity he might do so. By the Fall of 2013, he began working as a Search Consultant with our firm and married his wife Shelly.
 
Greg and Shelly reside in Florence, SC where they are largely empty nesting. They love to travel and spend time with family. They enjoy doing anything and everything together.
 
Greg is grateful to be serving in his sweet spot, and he looks forward to assisting churches and staff discover and thrive in theirs as well.
Joe camp

JOE CAMP

SEARCH CONSULTANT
-

MORE ABOUT JOE

Joe began serving in ministry in the early 2000’s after graduating from Ohio Christian University. Over the years, he’s led various ministry roles including Students, Family, Campus Director/Pastor, and Lead Pastor.

Currently, Joe is coming off a year-long transformative journey with Rock House Center based out of Brentwood, TN and has joined their team as well as Shepherd Staff, to help candidates and clients discover their next steps.

What motivates Joe most in his life is helping others experience the fullness of God’s love, his amazing wife Michelle, and his children, Gage and Jozie. 

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

Ryan Cook

SR. SEARCH CONSULTANT
Director: Partnership Development

MORE ABOUT RYAN

Ryan has been a part of church life for over 30 years. Whether it was attending as a child with his family, serving and participating as a teenager, volunteering as a student and young adult, or serving full-time on a church staff for 16 years. He brings a wealth and variety of experience to the Shepherd’s Staff team. Growing up in Houston, TX, Ryan also spent time in Oklahoma and Colorado, being a part of a wide range of churches.
In Texas, Ryan has spent the last 13 years serving on 2 large church staffs as a Student Pastor. Most recently, he has invested 3 years as a Campus Pastor launching a multi-site location. As a youth pastor, his experience includes multiple churches with extremely large student ministries.
Ryan’s experience in hiring and leading teams, as well as his passion for the local church, add significant value to his role with Shepherd Staff. His heart is to partner with churches across the country to discover the best possible candidates for their teams and communities.
Ryan and his wife, Ashlie, have 3 amazing children all under the age of 10. Life is busy, but this new season of ministry has been great!
executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

MIKE DAVIS

SEARCH CONSULTANT
-

MORE ABOUT MIKE

Mike has over 30 years of ministry experience and loves seeing the Lord use people in special ways. Twenty plus years of his experience was in student ministry in Texas and Alabama. He also pastored a church for ten years in the Houston area.

Through their involvement in the church’s small group ministry they became great friends with Brian and Jill Coday. Mike and Brian had many conversations about Shepherd Staff and the help that this firm offers. Eventually, they realized it would be a great fit for Mike and he joined the team.

Mike loves to work with wood and ride his motorcycle. Sports are also a passion for him and since his running days have taken a toll on his knees, golf is a great fit now. He loves the outdoors and traveling with his sweetheart. Together he and Michelle have a passion to love people well through business and life.

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

JOHN DENMON

SEARCH CONSULTANT
-

MORE ABOUT JOHN

John has had the pleasure of serving in vocational ministry for over 20 years.  He has founded a ministry, served as a college pastor, served as a youth pastor and worked for multiple churches as their worship leader, worship director or worship pastor. 

John loves relationships and understands their importance in effective ministry.  

Treating people with dignity and care highlight how he interacts with those around him.  He enjoys conversations with people from various theological backgrounds and connecting with people inside and outside of the four walls of the church.  

John is excited to meet with churches, find out their unique ministry ‘DNA’ and then connect them with candidates who can best support, create and lead in their church and community.  John knows first hand the importance of hiring the right fit for any ministry role and desires to help churches and candidates find the best match for their ministry needs so that both can flourish and as a result the Gospel can be proclaimed effectively, boldly and clearly. 

John supports his local church denomination by developing, supporting and encouraging their church’s worship leaders and pastors through a program he developed called the Worship Leader Cohort.  He has worked with over 10 churches to help raise up 40 plus worship leaders since 2019.  Raising up theologically rich, well trained and effective worship leaders is one of John’s many passions for the church.

John is an avid reader, sports enthusiast, song writer, history buff and most importantly a family man.  He has three sons and has been married to his wonderful wife for almost 20 years!  They currently reside in the beautiful Texas hill country a little north of San Antonio.  

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

GAIL KERSTETTER

SEARCH CONSULTANT
-

MORE ABOUT GAIL

Gail comes to Shepherd Staff with over 40 years of music ministry experience.
She grew up in a small church where great importance was placed on music and was allowed to participate in “big church” at a very young age. She began putting groups together in her early teens, writing and arranging songs for them.

Her love for the church and Christian music was the calling behind securing a Sacred Music degree.
She has traveled in several trios full time throughout her career in Itinerate concert ministries crossing many denominations.
She has served as worship leader and director at several churches with graded music programs in PA, NC, CA, AL and SC.
In 2012, she began a music ministry with a collegiate team to the military; specifically those going through basic training at bases in the southeast. This ministry expanded to ministering to our deployed troops and their families in Germany and Italy in 2015 and 2017.
She and her husband love to travel, try new foods and vacation in warm places with palm trees and crashing waves!

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

Jennifer Krupa

Kid's Ministry Program Director
-

MORE ABOUT JENNIFER

Jennifer has over 20 years of ministry experience and currently serves as a Family Pastor in West Houston. While she has served mostly in the Children’s and Family Pastor role, she has also had the opportunity to lead in a variety of ministries including Youth Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Disaster Relief and Campus Pastor. Her ministry experience has been at churches ranging from 500-35,000 members in Texas and Oklahoma.

Jennifer and her husband met during seminary and have been married 20 years. They enjoy traveling the world together whenever they have a chance. Scott and Jennifer are raising two teenagers, Sam and Sydney. They lead an adult small group through their church and enjoy opportunities to help other couples through marriage mentoring.

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

JUSTIN LANDIS

SR. SEARCH CONSULTANT
Director: Consultant Development & Culture

MORE ABOUT JUSTIN

Justin Landis counts it a privilege to walk alongside churches and ministry leaders as they seek the right people for their teams. His heart has always been to help others discover where God is calling them and to encourage leaders as they step into new seasons of ministry.

Outside of his work with churches, Justin has also pursued storytelling through other creative outlets. He is the author of two psychological thriller novels, The World Afar and The World Within, which explore the depths of the human mind and the choices that shape us. He also wrote and produced the faith-based film Two Steps From Hope, which earned the Dove Seal of Approval for its message of hope and redemption. Whether in the realm of ministry or creative storytelling, Justin is passionate about connecting with people and helping them reflect on the bigger story God is writing.

Most of Justin’s day-to-day ministry happens remotely, through Zoom calls, phone conversations, and prayerful listening, but at its core, his work is about relationships. He loves hearing people’s stories, understanding their hearts, and walking with them as they seek clarity and direction.

When he’s not working with churches, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife, investing in family and community, or diving into new creative projects that keep him curious and growing.

In everything he does, whether consulting, writing, filmmaking, or simply being present with people, Justin’s hope is to build trust, point others toward Christ, and encourage them to thrive in their calling.

DREW LEE

SEARCH CONSULTANT
-

MORE ABOUT DREW

Drew has spent the last 12 years serving in full-time student and college ministry throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. During this time, he developed a deep passion for guiding young adults in their spiritual journeys, helping them build a solid foundation in their faith. Alongside his wife, Drew is committed to fostering a healthy, thriving church that actively grows the kingdom of God. Together, they envision the church as a place of strong leadership, vibrant community, and equipping others to spread the message of Jesus.

Married for 14 years, Drew and his wife are blessed with four children. As a family, they are passionate outdoor enthusiasts, enjoying activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and exploring nature. Whether it’s a day at the beach or engaging in sports, they prioritize quality family time and seek out active adventures together. Drew’s love for sports is a key aspect of their family life, and it’s something they all enjoy together.

Now residing in the Atlanta, Georgia area, Drew and his family are excited to be part of The Shepherd Staff team. They are eager to partner with churches across the nation, helping them thrive and fulfill their mission of reaching and nurturing communities for Jesus.

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

Thilini Perera

LEAD CONSULTANT
Education and Non-Profit Division

MORE ABOUT THILINI

Thilini brings over two decades of senior leadership experience in ministry, non-profit,
education to the Shepherd Staff team. She offers seasoned expertise to organizations and its
teams through the creative blending and balancing of strategy and solutions, with a Kingdom-
inspired, God-centric emphasis at its core.
With a rich upbringing of faith and diversity, Thilini’s broad range of professional experiences
have significantly influenced organizational architecture, administration, staffing, coaching,
discipleship, and development. Led by a high degree of spiritual discernment, integrity, and
excellence, she is uniquely wired to discover the best fit within the context of competency,
culture, and chemistry.
 
Her local and global exposure alongside positions held in various denominational and socio-cultural settings have added much value to partnerships and initiatives she has effectively created, implemented, empowered, and propelled into the future. She is passionate about collaborating and innovating with leadership teams to help them find key staff who embody and advance the vision toward transformational Kingdom work.
A published writer with a doctoral degree in progress, Thilini lives Austin, TX, and enjoys coffee,
reading, and traveling the world with her teenage son. She attends Cityview Bible Church, and
is involved with Healed In Mercy ministries, helping women find freedom from abuse, abortion,
and loss, as well as Titus Women ministries, mentoring young women.
 
Thilini is grateful to be apart of the Shepherd Staff team, and looks forward to stewarding and serving all who God places across her path.
executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

JAKE RHOADS

SEARCH CONSULTANT
-

MORE ABOUT JAKE

The firstborn of a full-time pastor, Jake’s whole life has been spent in ministry. Having served in several churches in a variety of capacities, he has additionally engaged in multiple leadership opportunities. Through being inundated in the world of the church, Jake has gained a personal and ever-expanding understanding of the way God works through His people. 
 
Earning his undergraduate degree at Wheaton College, Jake anxiously awaited a call to full-time ministry like many of his family members. However, when the Lord spoke through Daniel 12, Jake was called to a deeper state of faith and to look beyond his preconceived expectations. Through this, God eventually directed Jake to Shepherd Staff, wherein the union of his background in ministry and vocational interest in consulting and management took place. Having previously used his experiences with Christian organizations, Jake continually strives to learn more about how we as God’s children can live out the faith well. 
 
Jake is currently a consultant for Shepherd Staff, living in Wheaton, IL. He is a diehard Chicago Blackhawks fan, consistently pursues art that speaks truth, and enjoys the people with which he has the blessing of sharing life with.

BUCK WEBB

SR. SEARCH CONSULTANT
Director: Church Staffing Services

MORE ABOUT BUCK

Buck has more than 25 years of hands-on ministry experience serving churches in Washington, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Tennessee, West Virginia, Texas, and Iowa. They have ranged in size from fifty to several thousand. His primary responsibilities and roles have been in Next Gen Ministry serving students, children, and parents but has been a part of multiple executive teams. He has a passion for small groups and helping churches determine and develop systems and structures.

Buck’s broad experiences allow him to understand a variety of contexts and settings that are unique to each church. Having lead and hired staffed in growing churches, he brings years of expertise in helping churches and candidates find the right fit.

Buck, his wife Beth, and their six kids live in Chaska, MN. They are busy with a host of activities and when they have the time, love to watch college football (Go Hogs!).

WES WILSON

SEARCH CONSULTANT
-

MORE ABOUT WES

For over 20 years Wes has been involved in church leadership roles in Oklahoma City, Chicago, and Denver. This diversity of experience allows Wes to serve organizations and help them identify the leader that is the right fit for their needs and vision. Wes has been married to his wife, Alexandra for 12 years and together they have 4 children: Wynter, Charlotte, Everleigh, and Forrest. Wes is honored to serve with Shepherd’s Staff and partner with churches to see the Kingdom of God continue to advance.

Central Services

executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

MARLA

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

Jill

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

Brittney

STRATEGIC MARKETING, OUTREACH, AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAD
executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

AMBERLY

PROJECT COORDINATOR
executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

MICHELLE

PROJECT COORDINATOR
executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning

JESSIE

COPY EDITOR
Shepherd Staff Way

SEARCH AFFILIATES

In addition to the full time staff listed on this page, Shepherd Staff also maintains an active ministry partnership with several key Search Affiliates spread out over the entire country. These individuals have a deep knowledge of our process and our approach and are eager to help others learn more about what we do. Affiliates are thoroughly vetted, trained, and equipped to help both candidates and prospective churches make informed decisions about their next steps.

Learn More

Testimonials

  • We knew that we were making a wise investment in partnering with Shepherd Staff, but what we gained was decades of expertise, caring relationships, expert insight into ministry, coaching, and plenty of grace in areas that we didn’t even identify as potential roadblocks to the position we had open.

    The screening process, written communication and clarity that our committee and staff had about candidates before they were brought forward for the first round of interviews was beyond excellent.

    In just 4 short months from exploratory visit to a hired candidate, our church staff and hiring committee gained a new level of expertise from a caring, kind, and Jesus-led team at Shepherd Staff.

    “
    Roger
    Search Team Chairperson

  • “Start to finish, I thought it was very thorough with good analysis up front, consistent communication, and a team approach. It was a very effective and easy experience.”

    “
    Richard
    Executive Pastor

  • “We appreciated how well Shepherd’s Staff got to know us in order to find the perfect candidates for our senior pastor position.”

    “
    Megan
    Search Team Member

  • It has been difficult to find candidates over the last several years, let alone candidates that fit our unique constraints as a rural, multi-site church.

    Fortunately, our search consultants were not only inquisitive when it came to learning the nuances of our culture, they were diligent when it came to finding us great prospects.

    Each week in our live updates, they brought us compelling data and practical insights. We learned about the market, the candidate pool and how our search was progressing.

    Shepherd Staff helped us upgrade our marketing materials, tap new pools of talent and, ultimately, find the right candidate.

    We will continue to partner with the Shepherd Staff team!

    “
    Chris R.
    Executive Pastor

  • From the very first exploratory call with our consultant, we have been impressed.

    The team at Shepherd Staff is the most thorough group we have ever worked with. They go out of their way to not only clearly define the role we were hiring for, but to learn about the church and the needs of the congregation. Several calls, a multi-day visit, and consistent weekly check-in appointments during the search.

    “
    Pete
    Search Team Chairperson

  • “Expectations, boundaries, and cost were all clear from the very beginning. No surprises, just dedicated support.

    We can’t thank you enough for truly shepherding us through the process!”

    “
    Brent
    Search Team Chairperson

  • I love the care that is put into every search. I love that they are up front about the whole process and what to expect. It has been truly a great experience for me and my wife.

    “
    Andrew
    Candidate

  • My experience with Shepherd Staff has been thoroughly professional, thoughtful, and well-executed. My consultant facilitated the process with clarity, candor, and care—balancing strategic insight with a pastoral posture that made space for honest dialogue. They demonstrated strong discernment and communicated very well, ensuring I felt informed and supported throughout. Both my wife and I left the conversation with deep appreciation for the integrity and intentionality Shepherd Staff brings to their work.

    “
    John
    Candidate

  • I just wanted to take a minute to thank you and your team for the awesome job you did in bringing Pastor John to Five Stones Church! We love him! He’s such a great fit!

    “
    Barb
    Staff Member

  • Shepherd Staff consultants brought passion, experience, a a clear focus on a candidate that fit our position. They helped us navigate through the process with love and care. They provided guidance that enabled us to land on our ideal candidate.

    I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Shepherd Staff again.

    “
    Andrew
    Pastor and Candidate

  • Funny enough, I am both a (now recent) Client Church AND Candidate that you helped place and I can say from my time working with Shepherd Staff, it has been a HUGE blessing! The whole staff team came alongside me and tirelessly worked to search and ultimately place a quality candidate for the position we needed. Exceptional work and I plan to continue to use Shepherd Staff for similar searches in the future!

    “
    executive pastor search firm, church staffing, succession planning
    Ross H. - 6/2025
    Lead Pastor