Staff and Leadership
We have a passion for people, our community and our world. Our culture and leadership is characterized by worship, the love of God, and a genuine call to ministry. These core values have been shaped by our rich history of great co-workers and energy; always pressing forward in our call to love God and love others.
LARRY PATE
LEAD PASTOR
Larry Pate is the Lead Pastor at Restoration Church. He graduated from Mississippi College in 1993. He has been married to his best friend, Terri since 1995. He has two sons, Noah (who went to heaven in 2017) and Luke, who is married to Macy. Luke and Macy are both active in ministry at Restoration.
Larry and Terri are founding members of Restoration, and he served as Associate Pastor to our founding pastor, Freddie Brown until 2018, when he assumed the position of Lead Pastor. Larry has a passion for God and a heart for prodigals. He has a calling to connect with other bible believing churches and church leaders in this community, in order to strengthen the Kingdom of God.
Larry is a huge sports fan and an avid pickleball player. In addition to pastoring Restoration, he also owns his own pest control company. His personal mission statement is to make a difference in his family, his church, and in his community.
FREDDIE BROWN
FOUNDING PASTOR
Freddie Brown is founding pastor of Restoration Church in Florence, MS. He has 43 years ministry experience and also worked as a Manufacturing Engineer and Project Manager for Eaton Aerospace for 34 years. Freddie has a deep passion for helping people find and fulfill their God-given destiny and believes Christ-centered education is foundational in that pursuit. He and his wife Debra have been married for 55 years and have three daughters, three begotten sons, (their daughters begot them), eleven grandchildren and many more spiritual sons and daughters.
The Founding Pastor is responsible for supporting and advising the Lead Pastor and church staff in developing and maintaining the spiritual and pastoral growth of the church, it's mission, vision, and ministry structures and processes.
GENE CRAGER
EXECUTIVE PASTOR
Gene Crager is an architect by profession with a heart for service, a desire to live on
purpose, and to continue to learn, grow and become better each day. Gene and his wife Rochelle have two daughters and four grandchildren. With over 38 years of
experience in architecture, and after 29+ years with one of the premier architectural and
engineering firms in Mississippi, 24 years as a principal architect owner and 5 years as
a managing principal, Gene joined the Restoration Staff Team to serve as Executive
Pastor.
As Executive Pastor his primary responsibilities include working with the leadership
team to relocate the church to our future home at Wesley Circle in Florence alongside
Discovery Christian School. In addition, he works with the team on budget and financial
systems as well as assists with team leadership and development.
MICHAEL MATTHEWS
STUDENT PASTOR
Michael Matthews leads our student ministry along side the most capable group of volunteers you can find. A thirty year veteran of youth ministry, he has served as a pastor, camp evangelist and worship leader. You can find he and his wife, Pamela, serving on the worship team together each Sunday morning.
Generation 4:12 Student Ministry places an emphasis on leading teens deeper in their walk with God through sold out worship and deep experiences in the Word. It is exciting to see our students playing key roles each week. They are leading the way in serving on our praise team, media, leading prayer and many other ways. We have worked hard to foster an environment where all feel welcomed and meet Jesus. Of course no youth group is complete without plenty of pizza, snacks and games!
TERRI PATE
WORSHIP PASTOR
With a heart deeply rooted in worship, Terri leads our congregation in heartfelt praise, drawing from a rich musical background to create a space where individuals can encounter God's presence through song. Passionate about connecting people to the transformative power of worship, Terri is dedicated to crafting meaningful experiences that inspire and uplift the community.
Terri Pate is the wife of Lead Pastor Larry. She has served in the area of worship ministry for 38 years. Her passion for worship started at a young age and she has experienced the transformative and often healing power found in God's presence as she has navigated the life of a wife, mom and leader.
DEBRA BROWN
CHILDREN'S PASTOR
Debra Brown is the wife of founding pastor Freddie Brown, the mother of 3 girls, and the grandmother of 8. Her passion for teaching children the word of God continues to motivate her to find new and creative ways to reach the hearts of kids for Jesus. She has been serving in children’s ministry for 45 years.
Our motto for Restoration Kids is “ we want Sunday to their favorite day of the week.” Our team works hard to make learning fun utilizing videos, snacks, crafts, and games. Our goal is for children to love God, love His people, and LOVE gathering in His house.
TERESA MCNEECE
CONNECT MINISTRY PASTOR
Teresa grew up in Morton, MS. She has been a part of the Restoration family for 37 years. Teresa comes from a family of pastors and a long heritage of Christ followers. She is a proud dog mom and a proud aunt of 5. She is also very proud of her “bonus” children and former student athletes.
Teresa’s professional background is in education. She has educated children and adolescents dealing with trauma, mental illness, and addictions for 24 years.
Teresa has a Freedom story and has a heart for those struggling with deception, trauma, and soul wounds. She leads freedom small groups and has a role in facilitating Freedom conferences. At Restoration Teresa leads the greeting, hospitality, shuttle and outreach teams. Teresa also assists in facilitating Growth Track. Her passion and ministry goals are connecting people to their passion and purpose and that all people are seen and loved. Teresa believes in the value of one on one relationships and connecting with those that God places on her teams and in her life.
RENEE YATES
NEXT STEPS PASTOR
Renee is originally from Pelahatchie, MS. She and her husband Jeremy were married in 1998 and became members of Restoration Church the following year. They have 4 children, three biological and one by marriage. Renee along with all of her family are active members serving in some capacity.
Her greatest desire is for people to know Jesus and discover all that He has for them. Passionate about the Word of God, she currently leads two Bible studies throughout the week.
Renee spends most of her time discipling women and encouraging the body of Christ to take their next step. She knows with each step you will grow closer to Christ and experience more of the abundant life that He offers.
MICHAEL STEPHENS
MULTIMEDIA MINISTRY LEADER
Michael Stephens is a Navy veteran, a dedicated music educator of 22 years, and has faithfully served in music and media ministry for 25 years. As the Media Minister at Restoration Church, Michael leads a dedicated team in utilizing technology to enhance worship and expand the church’s reach.
Beyond his media ministry role, Michael is an active member of the praise band, using his musical gifts to glorify God and inspire worship. His heart for ministry is deeply rooted in a desire to serve, uplift, and pour into others, ensuring that every service is impactful both in person and online.
Above all, Michael is a devoted husband, father, and proud "PaPa" (grandfather) who cherishes faith, family, and the opportunity to use his gifts to further God’s kingdom. His passion for excellence in media and worship helps create a dynamic and engaging church experience for all.