Executive Staff

Jim Carpenter - Senior Pastor | Read Bio

Sheryl Graham - Administrative Assistant to Senior Pastor | Email | Read Bio

Leadership

Steve Smith - Leadership & Ministries Pastor | Email
Steve and his wife, Shellie, have been married since 1984 and have three boys, Deron, Jasen and Prestin. Originally from Southern California, Steve surrendered his life to Christ at 19 and quickly responded to God’s call to vocational ministry. He graduated from Biola University and Talbot Seminary and served nearly 10 years in Youth Ministry in California. While in Australia, as missionaries, for nearly 19 years, their focus was mentoring and training leaders, coaching and journeying with pastors, developing ministries, as well as planting churches. During that time his life purpose became clear: to be a wholehearted, risk-taking, lover of God and help others be the same! They returned to the US in 2007, and in 2010, God led them to Athens and Compass. Steve enjoys keeping fit and training in jiu-jitsu and martial arts with his boys. And if you ever notice, he nearly always wears flip-flops. 

Creative Arts   (more info)

Amy Davenport - Media & Production Coordinator | Email
Amy and Buddy Davenport met while attending Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia. Buddy graduated in 2005, and Amy in 2006. After graduating, they both moved back to their home state of North Carolina. They were married in June 2007, and returned to Georgia shortly thereafter, where Amy served as a Resident Area Director at Emmanuel College for four years. In 2008, Amy and Buddy started attending Compass. Amy became involved as a volunteer on the production team at Compass, and Buddy served on the host team. In June 2011 Amy came to work at Compass as the full-time Media & Production Coordinator. Buddy currently teaches 6th grade science in Clarke County. Amy & Buddy live in Athens, and in their spare time they play ultimate frisbee, soccer, and any other outdoor activities they can find.

Georgie Wilkins - Corporate Worship Leader | Email
Georgie as attended Compass since January of 2009. She has been leading worship since she was 12 and started playing guitar in high school. Worship is her passion and is what she feels that God has called her to do. She loves her church family and is looking forward to what all God has in store!

Kyle Herring - Student Worship Intern | Email
Kyle Herring has been attending Compass since October 2010. He is a junior at the University of Georgia, where he currently studies Finance and Music Business. He has had the opportunity to lead the New Dawg and Impact Bands at UGA's Baptist Collegiate Ministries. Kyle has been leading worship since he was 14 years old and has a passion to see people transformed through encountering their Creator through his power and Spirit.

Marcus Dobbs - Corporate Worship Leader | Email
Marcus has attended Compass since December 1999. He has previous professional singing experience with an R&B band.  Marcus has lived in NE Georgia since attending UGA and Athens Tech '88-'92, and he currently resides in Danielsville Ga. with his wife and kids. Marcus' hobbies include DJ-ing and motorcycle riding. He has worked behind the scenes at Compass with sound engineering, and keeping the church clean. Marcus loves helping people get back involved in church after bad experiences.

Children's Ministry   (more info)

April Harmon - Preschool Director | Email
April is originally from Dothan, AL (Roll Tide!!) where she met and married her husband, Jake. They moved to GA in 2000. April and Jake joined Compass in 2003 and got involved with Compass Kids shortly thereafter. April was a teacher’s aid in Special Education for 8 years before becoming a Massage Therapist. She love kids, and especially those with Special Needs. She love talking to children about God and getting their perspective on how He does things.

Larissa Eidson - Elementary Director | Email

Student Ministry   (more info)

Andy Zuniga - Student Pastor | Email

Andy has been at Compass since Summer of 2006 while he was a student in our 706 student ministry. He is originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia and has now lived in Georgia for over ten years. Andy has been volunteering with the 706 team for the past two years upon graduating from High School. Andy’s desire is to impact students who are searching for something greater in their lives by relating the gospel to real everyday illustrations.

Media & Production

Nathaniel Walters - Graphics & Media Designer | Email

Jeri Baxter - Head Production Coordinator | Email