Seth Barber
Lead Pastor, Elder
Seth is a native of Etowah County, Alabama and brings an enormous amount of knowledge and passion to the Catalyst Staff. Seth was one of the first people to come on board with Catalyst, and we’re sure glad he did! Here’s a little more about our Lead Pastor.
Seth’s Story
Seth grew up in Glencoe, AL. playing sports and doing all your small town stuff. He got into trouble based on some bad choices he made and found himself in jail on drug related charges after high school. Though this process, Seth discovered that God still had great things for him and he was able to be transferred to an outpatient rehab facility that was Christian based. The turn around was remarkable. Seth completed the program, became a counselor, and began a life in ministry dealing with addictions.
After starting and helping run more Recovery ministries than we care to mention, Seth joined Catalyst to start something from the ground up. He’s also a small business owner and operator, Laser Graphics, and is married to his wife Emily, who's a school teacher. Together they’re raising a great big family together. Apparently all of that isn’t enough, because Seth has also taken on as Lead Pastor at Catalyst and we're sure glad he did.
Spare Time: Seth trains for triathlons.
Favorite Scripture: John 16:33
After starting and helping run more Recovery ministries than we care to mention, Seth joined Catalyst to start something from the ground up. He’s also a small business owner and operator, Laser Graphics, and is married to his wife Emily, who's a school teacher. Together they’re raising a great big family together. Apparently all of that isn’t enough, because Seth has also taken on as Lead Pastor at Catalyst and we're sure glad he did.
Spare Time: Seth trains for triathlons.
Favorite Scripture: John 16:33
Blake Sims
Associate Pastor, Elder
Blake grew up in Glencoe with a passion for music and worship since his youth. He had many guys he looked up to who invested in him and inspired him and to pursue his involvement in worship ministry. Here's a little more about our Associate Pastor!
Blake's Story
A Passion for People
It all started with his sister teaching him a handful of guitar chords around the age of twelve on an old Washburn 6-string. From that point forward, he taught himself to play guitar, drums, and keys. He spent years being on worship teams, leading worship, and continues to be involved with the worship team at Catalyst.
Blake grew up in a household with an alcoholic father. Although those childhood days were painful, they helped shape the man he would become. He learned compassion for others and how God’s love can heal the deepest hurts through it all. Blake has always had a desire to help people and truly make a difference in the lives of others. He went to ministry school to learn more about the Word of God and to be able to teach others about what it means to follow Jesus. He wants others to encounter the love of God, experience the goodness of God, and be radically changed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Blake has been involved in ministry for nearly twenty years and is excited and honored to serve as the associate pastor at Catalyst.
Outside of Catalyst, Blake is an elementary teacher. He strives to be a positive father-like figure for his students and considers the classroom to be one of the biggest mission fields that exist. Blake is married to his beautiful wife and best friend, Taylor. They have been married for almost ten years. Blake and Taylor believe God will move and do some amazing things at Catalyst, and they look forward to being a part of it.
Spare time: music, traveling, song-writing, and cooking
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3
It all started with his sister teaching him a handful of guitar chords around the age of twelve on an old Washburn 6-string. From that point forward, he taught himself to play guitar, drums, and keys. He spent years being on worship teams, leading worship, and continues to be involved with the worship team at Catalyst.
Blake grew up in a household with an alcoholic father. Although those childhood days were painful, they helped shape the man he would become. He learned compassion for others and how God’s love can heal the deepest hurts through it all. Blake has always had a desire to help people and truly make a difference in the lives of others. He went to ministry school to learn more about the Word of God and to be able to teach others about what it means to follow Jesus. He wants others to encounter the love of God, experience the goodness of God, and be radically changed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Blake has been involved in ministry for nearly twenty years and is excited and honored to serve as the associate pastor at Catalyst.
Outside of Catalyst, Blake is an elementary teacher. He strives to be a positive father-like figure for his students and considers the classroom to be one of the biggest mission fields that exist. Blake is married to his beautiful wife and best friend, Taylor. They have been married for almost ten years. Blake and Taylor believe God will move and do some amazing things at Catalyst, and they look forward to being a part of it.
Spare time: music, traveling, song-writing, and cooking
Favorite Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3
Michael Maddox
Missions Pastor, Elder
Michael has always had a heart for missions! So when the time came for us to ask him to join Catalyst and be our Missions guy, we had our fingers crossed that he’d accept. We’re grateful he did! Here’s a little more about Michael.
Michael's Story
A Heart for missions
Michael's faith began at an early age at Cumberland Presbyterian Church and later at Piedmont First Baptist where he became a Christian in June 1997, ordained as a deacon, and actively attended and served for more than twenty-five years. It is there that Michael was first introduced to missions and later felt God's call to be involved in missions.
Michael was involved in Carpenters for Christ for twenty-five plus years, where he served as CFC’s Spiritual Leader for a decade and as Project Coordinator for the next decade. In addition to his work with CFC he has also participated in numerous stateside and international short-term mission trips, including ministering in the Philippines, Bahamas, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Malawi. He has led mission trips to Israel, Greece, and Italy under the guidance of Dr. John Delancey with Biblical Israel Ministries and tours.
Michael grew up in Piedmont and lives there with his wife of twenty-eight years and have four children.
Michael and Julie partnered with Catalyst at the end of 2015 and has been serving as Missions Pastor since January 2016. Michael has taken the leading role in our missions opportunities and creating incredible atmospheres.
Spare Time: Michael enjoys his hobby business, <msm>< details, where he does a little bit of everything. Wedding planning and decorating, vinyl cutting, and all sorts of woodwork.
Michael's motto for life: When you do something, do it to the best of your ability as if you are doing it for the Lord. (Colossians 3:23) #goodistheenemyofgreat
Favorite Scripture Passage: Romans 12
Michael's faith began at an early age at Cumberland Presbyterian Church and later at Piedmont First Baptist where he became a Christian in June 1997, ordained as a deacon, and actively attended and served for more than twenty-five years. It is there that Michael was first introduced to missions and later felt God's call to be involved in missions.
Michael was involved in Carpenters for Christ for twenty-five plus years, where he served as CFC’s Spiritual Leader for a decade and as Project Coordinator for the next decade. In addition to his work with CFC he has also participated in numerous stateside and international short-term mission trips, including ministering in the Philippines, Bahamas, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Malawi. He has led mission trips to Israel, Greece, and Italy under the guidance of Dr. John Delancey with Biblical Israel Ministries and tours.
Michael grew up in Piedmont and lives there with his wife of twenty-eight years and have four children.
Michael and Julie partnered with Catalyst at the end of 2015 and has been serving as Missions Pastor since January 2016. Michael has taken the leading role in our missions opportunities and creating incredible atmospheres.
Spare Time: Michael enjoys his hobby business, <msm>< details, where he does a little bit of everything. Wedding planning and decorating, vinyl cutting, and all sorts of woodwork.
Michael's motto for life: When you do something, do it to the best of your ability as if you are doing it for the Lord. (Colossians 3:23) #goodistheenemyofgreat
Favorite Scripture Passage: Romans 12
Brian Goble
Worship Leader
Brian is a lifelong resident of Glencoe with a passion for seeing people come to realize their potential in their relationship with Christ. He’s had a multitude of spiritual heroes in his life who have helped teach & guide him in serving in ministry. Here’s a little more about Brian.
Brian's Story
The Swiss Army knife
It all started with his first night in J.D. McDuffie’s youth ministry and a corny song “I Believe I Can Fly.” J.D. spoke about Joseph and it was in that moment, Brian realized that his life was more than just existing. God truly has a purpose for us here on the earth, even in the most unlikely situations. He was a shy kid but it was that night that God put youth ministry in his heart and for the next 14 years, Brian served as a volunteer leader & eventually became a youth pastor. Throughout that time, God began to use Brian in different ways, and broke him out of his shell through drama ministry. For the next 6 years, God began to birth Brian’s gifting in worship, teaching & media/arts. He served as youth pastor, worship pastor and media director during his time at NGBC.
From there, God began to open doors for Brian at Westbrook Christian School as an IT Tech. It was during that time that he took a break from serving in ministry, but was always trying to help various other ministries behind the scenes. He organized and helped lead worship nights for the Vibe & has never really stopped serving God with the opportunities that’s he’s been given. Brian is currently serving full time at Big Oak Ranch, a Christian home for children needing a chance. He helps support the children’s homes and staff with their IT needs along with audio & visual technology for worship events and fundraisers.
Brian has always been supported by the best parents a kid could ask for, Harley and Mary. His only child is his dog named Sadie, who has been a great companion throughout some difficult years. He is also surrounded by an amazing group of friends.
Spare Time: Working around the house & the outdoors.
Favorite Scripture: Colossians 1:15-17
It all started with his first night in J.D. McDuffie’s youth ministry and a corny song “I Believe I Can Fly.” J.D. spoke about Joseph and it was in that moment, Brian realized that his life was more than just existing. God truly has a purpose for us here on the earth, even in the most unlikely situations. He was a shy kid but it was that night that God put youth ministry in his heart and for the next 14 years, Brian served as a volunteer leader & eventually became a youth pastor. Throughout that time, God began to use Brian in different ways, and broke him out of his shell through drama ministry. For the next 6 years, God began to birth Brian’s gifting in worship, teaching & media/arts. He served as youth pastor, worship pastor and media director during his time at NGBC.
From there, God began to open doors for Brian at Westbrook Christian School as an IT Tech. It was during that time that he took a break from serving in ministry, but was always trying to help various other ministries behind the scenes. He organized and helped lead worship nights for the Vibe & has never really stopped serving God with the opportunities that’s he’s been given. Brian is currently serving full time at Big Oak Ranch, a Christian home for children needing a chance. He helps support the children’s homes and staff with their IT needs along with audio & visual technology for worship events and fundraisers.
Brian has always been supported by the best parents a kid could ask for, Harley and Mary. His only child is his dog named Sadie, who has been a great companion throughout some difficult years. He is also surrounded by an amazing group of friends.
Spare Time: Working around the house & the outdoors.
Favorite Scripture: Colossians 1:15-17
Garrett Rule
Youth Pastor
Garrett coming to Catalyst was a prayer answered! We’ve prayed for the right person to lead our students and young adults for several years. We are so excited for this chapter and already we see God doing an amazing work in and through him!
Garrett was saved at a young age in a small church in Glencoe. Though during his young adult years, he ran from God but the Lord had different plans and in 2009, He met Garrett in his jail cell and changed him from the inside out.
Garrett was saved at a young age in a small church in Glencoe. Though during his young adult years, he ran from God but the Lord had different plans and in 2009, He met Garrett in his jail cell and changed him from the inside out.
Garrett's Story
The Vibe
He put the Vibe ministry in his heart and a love for people. Since 2012, he has held The Vibe Ministry events and served in different youth pastor positions. Garrett and his wife Molli have four boys and are excited to serve at Catalyst. They know God has brought them here and are anticipating great things to come. Garrett is passionate about teaching the youth, the love of Christ, and showing them how real our Jesus is.
Garrett has been blessed to work full time at Westbrook Christian School, teach Senior boys bible class and coach 8th grade basketball.
Spare time: loves to hunt
Favorite Scripture: Revelation 12:11
He put the Vibe ministry in his heart and a love for people. Since 2012, he has held The Vibe Ministry events and served in different youth pastor positions. Garrett and his wife Molli have four boys and are excited to serve at Catalyst. They know God has brought them here and are anticipating great things to come. Garrett is passionate about teaching the youth, the love of Christ, and showing them how real our Jesus is.
Garrett has been blessed to work full time at Westbrook Christian School, teach Senior boys bible class and coach 8th grade basketball.
Spare time: loves to hunt
Favorite Scripture: Revelation 12:11
Blake Champion
Children's Minister
Blake, better known as Champ, grew up in Southside, Alabama. The earliest memories all include some aspect of church. His family was always heavily involved in church with his mom leading music and his dad teaching Sunday School classes while serving as a deacon. As a young teenage boy there was a realization that he needed more than memories and called on Jesus for his own personal experience.
Champ felt God calling him to do more than just filling a pew. After praying and seeking Godly counsel from people who invested in his life he answered the call to ministry. While he was a shy young man, he felt God was calling him to lead students. This step of faith opened up doors that allowed him to work with Breakaway ministries as a summer counselor, allowed him to serve as youth pastor at several churches, and to also lead worship. Through the years God has done many great things and Champ is thankful he was able to be a part of them.
Champ felt God calling him to do more than just filling a pew. After praying and seeking Godly counsel from people who invested in his life he answered the call to ministry. While he was a shy young man, he felt God was calling him to lead students. This step of faith opened up doors that allowed him to work with Breakaway ministries as a summer counselor, allowed him to serve as youth pastor at several churches, and to also lead worship. Through the years God has done many great things and Champ is thankful he was able to be a part of them.
Blake's Story
Kids should feel loved
Champ, and his family, has been a part of Catalyst since 2016. Champ’s prayer is that each child who walks into Catalyst will know they are loved. There must be a foundation laid so each child can have their own encounter with Jesus. Each time the kids meet the goal is to make Jesus real, to them, with worship and teaching.
Outside of Catalyst, Champ is a special education teacher at Glencoe Middle School. For anyone who is interested in hearing how he ended up teaching, Champ would love to share with you how God opened up the doors to make it happen. Champ is married to the love of his life, Kasie, who is a nurse. Somehow he convinced her to walk down the aisle on May 13, 2017 to marry him. To everyone's surprise she didn't run out the door. God has blessed them with two amazing kids, who keep them busy.
Favorites: Anything my kids do (currently soccer and dance), Traveling, Cooking, Alabama football, and Gardening
Favorite Verse: Galatians 6:9
Champ, and his family, has been a part of Catalyst since 2016. Champ’s prayer is that each child who walks into Catalyst will know they are loved. There must be a foundation laid so each child can have their own encounter with Jesus. Each time the kids meet the goal is to make Jesus real, to them, with worship and teaching.
Outside of Catalyst, Champ is a special education teacher at Glencoe Middle School. For anyone who is interested in hearing how he ended up teaching, Champ would love to share with you how God opened up the doors to make it happen. Champ is married to the love of his life, Kasie, who is a nurse. Somehow he convinced her to walk down the aisle on May 13, 2017 to marry him. To everyone's surprise she didn't run out the door. God has blessed them with two amazing kids, who keep them busy.
Favorites: Anything my kids do (currently soccer and dance), Traveling, Cooking, Alabama football, and Gardening
Favorite Verse: Galatians 6:9
Mike Osborne
Elder
Mike, a native of Etowah County, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later worked for the Department of Defense and in law enforcement before retiring in 2024. He became a Christian at age 33 and has been deeply involved in Catalyst Church since its inception, serving as its first ordained Elder and co-leading various ministries with his wife, Eva. Together, they have led numerous small groups and financial courses while enjoying time with their grandchildren in Texas and Georgia.
Mike's Story
Mike is from Etowah County and he and his wife Eva have three grown children and three grandchildren. Mike and Eva have been part of Catalyst from conception. In fact, the first meeting was in their home. Mike has been part of the Leadership team since the beginning and was the very first Elder to be ordained at Catalyst.
What have you got?
In his testimony he says: “I’m one of those guys that wasn’t raised in church. I never went to church growing up and I had no idea what Religion was about, much less a relationship with Jesus Christ. I believed there was a God and devil, heaven and hell, and I really believed if you were good you would go to heaven and that only bad people went to hell. Non-church people say it all the time when one of their relatives die. They are not in pain any longer and are with grandpa and grandma in heaven. That’s what I thought.”
In June 1971 during the Vietnam War he joined the U.S. Army at 17 years old. During the enlistment process he was asked what his religion preference was….. He said “ I don’t know, what have you got???” The Army processor started naming denominations: Catholic, Methodist, and when he said Southern Baptist, Mike said that must be it, because I’m from the South. He served in the U.S. Army until March, 1974. In July 1974 he went to work for the DoD and retired January 2009. He then began working in Law Enforcement until he retired again in May 2024.
Mike was 33 years old when he accepted Christ as his Savior, it was Sunday night, April 6, 1986. He was baptized on Father’s Day June 15, 1986 in the Cossa River just blocks from where he and Eva now live. Mike and Eva have been very active at Catalyst (as they were at the last church they belonged too). Mike said, Dave Ramseys Financial Peace changed his life, so they started facilitating it at NGBC, and when Catalyst was launched he and Eva jumped in feet first leading it for years. They have also been leading home groups from the start on many subjects like, Marriage on the Rock, The Chosen, Revelation (1 1/2 years), Romans, Revival, and many others.
In their spare time they enjoy traveling, camping and spending time with the grandkids, which are in Texas and Georgia.
Favorite Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 12:9; John 1:5; Psalm 139:16; Proverbs 27:17
What have you got?
In his testimony he says: “I’m one of those guys that wasn’t raised in church. I never went to church growing up and I had no idea what Religion was about, much less a relationship with Jesus Christ. I believed there was a God and devil, heaven and hell, and I really believed if you were good you would go to heaven and that only bad people went to hell. Non-church people say it all the time when one of their relatives die. They are not in pain any longer and are with grandpa and grandma in heaven. That’s what I thought.”
In June 1971 during the Vietnam War he joined the U.S. Army at 17 years old. During the enlistment process he was asked what his religion preference was….. He said “ I don’t know, what have you got???” The Army processor started naming denominations: Catholic, Methodist, and when he said Southern Baptist, Mike said that must be it, because I’m from the South. He served in the U.S. Army until March, 1974. In July 1974 he went to work for the DoD and retired January 2009. He then began working in Law Enforcement until he retired again in May 2024.
Mike was 33 years old when he accepted Christ as his Savior, it was Sunday night, April 6, 1986. He was baptized on Father’s Day June 15, 1986 in the Cossa River just blocks from where he and Eva now live. Mike and Eva have been very active at Catalyst (as they were at the last church they belonged too). Mike said, Dave Ramseys Financial Peace changed his life, so they started facilitating it at NGBC, and when Catalyst was launched he and Eva jumped in feet first leading it for years. They have also been leading home groups from the start on many subjects like, Marriage on the Rock, The Chosen, Revelation (1 1/2 years), Romans, Revival, and many others.
In their spare time they enjoy traveling, camping and spending time with the grandkids, which are in Texas and Georgia.
Favorite Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 12:9; John 1:5; Psalm 139:16; Proverbs 27:17
Chris Tierce
Elder
Chris, a lifelong resident of Cherokee County and a pastor's kid, has been actively involved in church ministry from a young age—serving in roles ranging from worship leader and pastor to tech support and elder at Catalyst Community Church. His diverse experiences across small and large churches have shaped his passion for behind-the-scenes ministry that supports worship, discipleship, and outreach. Married to his high school sweetheart Carol for 38 years, Chris enjoys technology, cooking, and spending time with family and friends in his spare time.
Chris' Story
Chris was born and raised in the community known as Spring Garden in southern Cherokee County. Growing up as a pastor's kid, Chris had a drug problem. Well, being drug around from church to church by his parent's as they poured into the lives of people in churches around Cherokee and surrounding counties sounds like a drug problem.
Jack of many trades, serving a Master of one.
Beginning early in his life, Chris has been active in church. From being on stage "leading singing" in country churches, to accepting the call to "preach the gospel" (late 1990's), to traveling with a local Southern Gospel singing trio as the sound tech (early 2000's), to being a Pastor of a small congregation church for 5 years (2002-2007), to being a part of his first big church where he learned more about ministry than all the other years combined, to teaching an adult men's Sunday School class, to being elected moderator at that "big church", to finding himself on the leadership team as an Elder here at Catalyst Community Church at the end of 2023, you could say Chris has been around the block of the church a few times.
Going around the block a few times has allowed Chris to use his different skills and talents to further God's Kingdom. Chris now prefers the behind the scenes type rolls that allow people to come to know Jesus, allow them to truly worship Jesus in "spirit and truth", and allow them to grow into Jesus’ disciple as they become more like Him on their journey. If you are looking for Chris at Catalyst, take a peep in the tech booth, prayer room, or wherever a donut and cup of coffee might be found.
While still living in a suburb of Spring Garden called Pleasant Gap, Chris has been married to his high school sweetheart, Carol, for thirty-eight years as of 2025. Chris and Carol have two adult daughters that have started their own families within the last few years.
Spare time: most things of technology, camping, traveling, eating a great meal, cooking, hanging out with cool friends, relaxing in the easy chair
Scripture: John 14: 1-6
Jack of many trades, serving a Master of one.
Beginning early in his life, Chris has been active in church. From being on stage "leading singing" in country churches, to accepting the call to "preach the gospel" (late 1990's), to traveling with a local Southern Gospel singing trio as the sound tech (early 2000's), to being a Pastor of a small congregation church for 5 years (2002-2007), to being a part of his first big church where he learned more about ministry than all the other years combined, to teaching an adult men's Sunday School class, to being elected moderator at that "big church", to finding himself on the leadership team as an Elder here at Catalyst Community Church at the end of 2023, you could say Chris has been around the block of the church a few times.
Going around the block a few times has allowed Chris to use his different skills and talents to further God's Kingdom. Chris now prefers the behind the scenes type rolls that allow people to come to know Jesus, allow them to truly worship Jesus in "spirit and truth", and allow them to grow into Jesus’ disciple as they become more like Him on their journey. If you are looking for Chris at Catalyst, take a peep in the tech booth, prayer room, or wherever a donut and cup of coffee might be found.
While still living in a suburb of Spring Garden called Pleasant Gap, Chris has been married to his high school sweetheart, Carol, for thirty-eight years as of 2025. Chris and Carol have two adult daughters that have started their own families within the last few years.
Spare time: most things of technology, camping, traveling, eating a great meal, cooking, hanging out with cool friends, relaxing in the easy chair
Scripture: John 14: 1-6