Senior Pastor
Worship Director
Matt Lyerla is a faith-driven musician, seasoned worship leader, and decorated U.S. Army combat veteran with over 25 years of professional music experience and 15 years of military service. As the founder and director of Matt’s Music Academy & Studio, Matt has taught and mentored more than 3,000 students, nurturing both musical excellence and spiritual growth.
A multi-instrumentalist proficient in piano, guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, dobro, drums, percussion, and voice, Matt brings versatility to every performance and teaching session. He has served as a longtime member of the Badgett Playhouse Band and worked as a worship leader and media manager across various churches and ministries.
Matt’s background also includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and studies at Berklee College of Music and the Musicians Institute. His technical expertise includes worship media systems, live-streaming, ProPresenter, and sound engineering, making him a dynamic leader in both live performance and digital ministry.
A husband and father of six, Matt is committed to glorifying God through music, leadership, and service. We are proud to have him at Three Crosses Church
Church Office Administrator
Youth Director
Shannon has served as the youth director at Three Crosses for 8+ years. Previously he had helped with the children's program alongside the worship director as well as lead a College Group for two years before beginning to work with the youth group. Around four years ago, Shannon and Brent (Assistant Youth Director) joined with the youth leaders at Pleasant Grove Church to form what is known now as 412 Youth Group where they collectively lead and serve over 50 students regularly from all across the county and from many different churches.
Shannon's passion has also always been music which started with a job as a kid playing piano at Mt Carmel Methodist Church. After playing there for over 17 years, he and his family moved to Three Crosses Church where he is active in the worship band each Sunday.
Shannon currently also works full-time at Arkema Calvert City Plant. He is married to his beautiful wife Carrie Cathey and has two daughters Kinsley and Briley Cathey who have all grown in their faith through 412 Youth Group.
Assistant Youth Director
Brent serves as the Assistant Youth Director at Three Crosses Church, where he’s passionate about walking alongside students as they grow in their relationship with Jesus and learn to live out their faith in everyday life. He helps lead weekly youth gatherings, special events, and facilitates “Hebrews,” a Monday night Bible study for high school and college students. Hebrews is a relaxed, open-discussion space where students talk honestly about real life and explore what Scripture has to say.
Brent is also an active member of the Praise and Worship Team, where he plays bass guitar, and he serves as a lay speaker when called upon at Three Crosses and other local churches, sharing the Word and encouraging the church through teaching and testimony.
Outside of church, Brent is the Team Director for the Marshall County Mountain Bike Team, mentoring student-athletes in both life and leadership. He also serves on the boards of Caring Christian Network and the Paducah Area Chrysalis community, both of which support spiritual renewal and Christian growth across all generations.
Brent is married to Erin Powell, the Administrative Assistant at Three Crosses Church, and together they have three wonderful children. Whether in ministry, sports, or everyday life, Brent is committed to creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and equipped to follow Jesus with boldness and authenticity.
Children's Director
Kristi Hale, Director of Children's Ministry, has served as director since 2024. Previously she served as a faithful volunteer with the Children's Ministry and still serves as a volunteer with the Youth and Laundry Love Ministry. Kristi is married to Robbie Hale and has two children, Grace and AJ Hale. Kristi has experience with children in a variety of settings while also working as a School Psychologist for Marshall County Schools. She also worked as a Special Education Teacher for eight years at Trigg County Schools. In her spare time, she loves to read, study the Bible, cook, and travel.
K.I.T. Director
Special Needs Ministry
Ms. Christine Howard is the Lead Teacher for our Special Needs Ministry. Christine brings over 27 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities across a wide range of settings, including classrooms, community programs, homes, and summer camps. She currently serves as a Special Education Teacher at Benton Elementary School and is also the manager of the Benton City Pool. Christine previously worked at Emerald Therapy Center for five years and continues to support individuals with Autism and their families through home and community visits, as well as consultations. She is a Certified Autism Specialist and has experience leading parenting classes.
In addition to her professional work, Christine leads various enrichment activities including the Chess Club, Math Club, Sign Language Club, and Running Club. Christine has always been involved in church where she has taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Children’s Church. Christine is also a proud mother of two daughters, Kathryn and Hope, who inspire and support her in her ministry and mission. We are grateful to have Christine’s passion, expertise, and leadership guiding this vital ministry..
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