Lead Pastor

Randy and Karen Helms have pastored GT Church since January, 1995. Dr. Helms has over 40 years of full-time pastoral experience. He graduated from Southeastern University and holds a Master’s Degree in Church Leadership as well as a Doctoral Degree in Strategic Leadership from Regent University.

They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren: Joshua, married to Lindsey – proud parents of Jacob Michael, born May 31, 2008 and Everley Marie born August 26, 2012 . Jeremy, married to Autumn – proud parents of Jeremy Cole, born November 8, 2010 and Ryder Jamison born June 27, 2014. Jonathan, a graduate of the University of Central Florida, holds a Master of Arts Degree from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and is a Student Adviser at St. Petersburg College.

Dr. Helms began his ministry at Moffat Road A/G in Mobile, Alabama. While attending Southeastern College in Lakeland, he became the youth pastor at Carpenter’s Home Church and ministered there for six years. He also served as an associate pastor at Cathedral of the Cross in his hometown, Birmingham, Alabama for three years. He felt the Lord calling him to pastor and he moved his family to West Memphis, Arkansas where they pastored First Assembly of God before accepting the pastorate at Glad Tidings. Dr. Helms has ministered in over 50 countries, is the co-author of the book “Connecting Points” and most recently authored “The Joy of Connecting.”

Associate Pastor

Jonathan Helms is the Accosciate / Youth Pastor here at GT Church. He believes in creating disciples of Jesus and equipping youth to share their faith with others in their schools, homes, and communities. Besides being raised in the church as the Pastor’s son, Jonathan also served four years as a Chaplain Candidate in the United States Air Force. He received a Master’s Degree in Christian Ministries from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida.

Jonathan teaches the young people how to walk out their faith inside and outside of the church, he helps them maximize their potential by using their talents for Jesus, and he shows them how serving the Lord yields them better lives than anything they could ever imagine on their own.

Seniors Pastor

Rev. Ken & Susan Pippin

Ken and Susan Pippin served as Lead Pastors for thirty-two years before accepting a position with Pen Florida District Council of the Assemblies of God as Director of Senior Adult Ministries. They are both ordained with the Assemblies of God, and Susan serves as the Presbyter for Credentialed women in the Assemblies of God of Peninsular Florida. Ken and Susan have been married 51 years, with two sons; one a local Pastor in Pinellas Park, the other serving as their worship leader for many years. They are blessed with eight grandchildren, one in heaven, and two great-grandchildren. Ken and Susan have a passion for reinvesting those fifty and above back into the ministry of the church. They also believe those in this age group are critical in the mentoring, building, and strengthen of the new generations.

Young Adult’s, Music, & Creative Pastor

Heath Panganiban grew up at GT Church. After graduating high school he joined School of Ministry through Southeastern University to pursue youth ministry. Heath and his wife, Shannan now serve the Young Adults Community here is Tampa Bay.

Heath has a passion for the creative process and overseeing creative projects from start to finish. Heath also has a passion for team building in God’s kingdom and seeks excellence in all areas of worship, online production, and the creative ministry.

Children’s Pastor

Madison Redmond has grown up and served in GT Church all her life. Many GT’ leaders, along with her parents, have encouraged and discipled her walk with Christ. Madison holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Petersburg College. She developed her passion for kids through leading Youth Group, Girls’ Ministries, and Elementary Sunday school. Madison believes in encouraging children to set their own foundational beliefs according to the Bible and to become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Her love and excitement for the kids motivates a positive learning environment for them. She desires to disciple the next generation into having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Madison has devoted her life to Christ and aspires to plant Godly seeds in the lives of His children; allowing God to grow in their hearts.

Nursery/Preschool Director

Kelsey Williams grew up in GT Church and considers it to be more than just her church but more like family.

In her role as the Nursery/Preschool Director, Kelsey ministers to the youngest members of our congregation (who we call our GT Littles), as well as their parents. Kelsey believes that a big part of her job is to enable the parents of our young children to attend our worship services and mid-week Bible studies feeling confident that their children are being well cared for and are having a great time learning about Jesus! She works hard to ensure that our nursery and preschool rooms are clean, safe and staffed with well- trained and loving workers to care for our GT Littles!

Media Manager

Thom and Debra have been members of GTChruch since 2004. They raised 5 daughters who have blessed them with six grandchildren.

Thom heads up a media department that brings technology to the sanctuary and opens up GTChurch to the world through streaming video of Sunday services.

Thom earned a BS Degree from Florida State University in Radio and Television and a Masters Degree in Communication from the University of South Florida. He is also a US Army veteran.

He is excited to bring his God-given talents in media to expand and enhance God’s kingdom through today’s technology.

Fellowship Director

Bob and Martha O’Dell have attended GT for 17 years and have been married 36(basically FOREVERRR just kidding!) We have two wonderful sons who serve in church as well as anywhere God calls them to. Our family believes we are truly the heart of Christ when we serve others and that’s why the LORD has given us a passion for SERVING. Martha serves in the kitchen ministry and Bob serves in the many aspects of maintence of the church