Our Staff

Lead Pastor Chris Holck

Pastor Chris Holck moved to The Villages in January of 2012 along with his wife, Kathleen. They joined one other couple and after a series of informational meetings, the first worship service was held in February 2012. It is not the first church planted by Pastor Chris but it is the first one specifically targeted for older adults. His skills and interests seem to be a perfect match for reaching the “Encore Generation” as he describes those who are in their second half of life, but not done yet. Chris is an expository preacher who brings application to each sermon and his mission is to guide older adults into living a purposeful and balanced second half of life that honors God. “If you’re not dead, you’re not done!, says Pastor Chris.

Disciplemaking Pastor Bob Page

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Pastor Bob Page came to Live Oaks Community Church in January 2013 after serving 37 years in pastoral ministry in the Evangelical Free Church, most recently as senior pastor in Crystal Lake, IL. He has also served the Free Church denomination as a district superintendent in the states of Nebraska and Kansas. In 2009, Bob was widowed as the Lord called unto Himself his beloved wife of 41 years, Linda. On December 31, 2015, he was blessed by God in marrying Vickie Hubbard, whom he met through Live Oaks Church. Bob has 3 children and 5 grandchildren who are scattered throughout the Midwest. He is a graduate of Kent State University, with a degree in journalism, and has both the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministries degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Since moving to The Villages, golf and walking have become his primary activities of choice, along with enjoying gatherings with Vickie’s family, most of whom live nearby.

Worship Pastor Steve Clarke

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Holding both a Master of Music and a Doctor of Arts from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida, Steve has been leading worship since 1989. His experience ranges all the way from conducting large choirs and full orchestras to leading music for retreats and other smaller worship venues. Having served in a variety of denominations, his bandwidth of musical styles is broad, incorporating traditional hymns and drawing from the last 50 years of praise music and current worship styles.

“Coming to Live Oaks seems like the most generous way our Lord would favor me,” Steve says. “At Live Oaks I have sensed a deep love for Christ and a deep desire to pour every ounce of energy into seeing God’s kingdom flourish. May God continue to knit the beautiful tapestry called ‘Live Oaks Community Church."

“Terese and I are excited about the addition of Steve and Debbie Clarke to our church and pastoral staff,” Pastor Chris says. “I believe God has great things in store for our worship ministry and church!”

Steve and Debbie are the proud parents of Allister, Monee, Thatcher, Rohman, Sophia, and Whittney Morgan.

Associate Worship Pastor Chris Atkins

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Chris Atkins is a pastor, worship leader, singer-songwriter, speaker, teacher, and artist who has led worship and performed concerts throughout the United States and the world. He has also spoken at conferences, served as a worship consultant to many churches, and taught worship at seminary level. Chris also authored the book “The Isaiah Encounter” that was recently published by Morgan James Publishing, New York. Chris and his wife, Terese now live in the Villages, where they love to host their children and grandchildren whenever they come to visit!

Southern Oaks Pastor Sam Benson

Dr. Sam Benson and his wife Cheri have been in ministry for over 50 years. They have led several congregations through major expansions and today they are more excited about the future than ever before. Sam uses inspired preaching to stir the hearts of his audiences to
purposed-filled action. He is a pastor, evangelist and missionary evangelist. He frequently speaks in churches and business and ministry organizations. Sam began preaching the Gospel in 1967 and has traveled to the nations of the world with his message. Cheri is an insightful teacher of the Scriptures, entrepreneur and a certified Life Coach. She is in demand as a women's conference speaker and is a mentor to business and ministry professionals. On January 21, 2001 at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Pastor Sam was awarded the Ecclesiastical Degree of Doctor of Divinity (DD). This degree was conferred by the Mid-Atlantic Conference of the Methodist-Episcopal Church and the National Clergy Council.

Ministries Coordinator Bill Lyon

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Bill Lyon joined the Live Oaks staff in July 2013 and was an integral part of the church’s leadership since the early days at the Waterfront Inn. Bill’s technical background and training made him the perfect candidate to coordinate the activities of the various volunteer ministries within the church.

Bill and his wife Karen have been involved in church plants from their days in the Pacific Northwest. They moved to The Villages in 2010 from California where they were also volunteer leaders in a growing church plant. They have two sons and six grandchildren – all six grandchildren live in Texas.

Bill was born in Chicago, so he still has an affinity for the Cubs and the Bears, but he also roots for the Seahawks, having lived in the Seattle area for more than 13 years. His ‘favorite’ team, however, is the Chargers having lived in Southern California for more than 12 years (his golf cart color scheme would attest to his loyalty). Bill likes to golf, but can also be found playing in one of the neighborhood softball leagues on most Saturdays in The Villages.

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