The Torch Worship Center

Meet Our Church Staff

Mike Franklin, Senior Pastor

Pastor Mike is a popular minister, speaker and Bible teacher who brings to the pulpit a relevant, expository delivery of the Word. Through his visionary leadership these past 5 years, The Torch has experienced exceptional growth. His ministry role also includes teaching leadership seminars, mentoring pastors and serving on many boards and committees at the local, state and international level.

He earned a B.S. in Biblical Education and Mathematics from Lee University, a M.Ed. from the University of South Alabama, and a M.Div. from the Church of God Theological Seminary. He was appointed an Ordained Bishop in 1990. For more than 28 years he has been actively involved in ministry, serving in various roles including youth pastor, evangelist and pastor. In addition, he has led several short-term mission trips to Haiti, Bulgaria, Mexico, and Nicaragua.

Among his greatest blessings are his wife of 24 years, Connie, and their three children; David, Daniel and Renee´.

Mike Thomas, Administrative Pastor

Pastor Mike Thomas extended his 20 plus years of service in the ministry by joining The Torch staff in June 2005. He brings a wealth of leadership and business experience to the staff
from his career as a Safety and Environmental Engineer. He is also a licensed minister in the Church of God and holds multiple degrees and certifications. He is involved in the entire day-to-day ministry of The Torch, though his job description also includes organizing all the men's fellowships and teaching an adult Sunday School class.

He has led in many areas over the years, including the state Singles Coordinator for 10 years, Youth Pastor for 15 years, as well as District Youth Pastor. He led several mission projects including work with Atlanta homeless shelters, planning and executing free summer camps for inner city children, South Dakota youth camps, as well as many overseas missions.

Mike, his wife Marybeth, and children Emily and Spencer are blessed to be a part of The Torch family.

Eric Freeman, Worship & Arts Pastor

Eric accepted the position as Worship and Arts Pastor in January, 2004. He has also just recently been named pastor over Origin, a college and career ministry here at The Torch, to further God's kingdom among young adults.

Eric grew up in Central Alabama in the small town of Maplesville. He graduated from Maplesville High in '95 with an athletic scholarship and dreams of pursuing a career in sports medicine. The next summer at youth camp, God radically changed his interests and all his desires. He wanted to serve God with his life.

He enrolled at Lee University where he discovered his passion for worship and a hunger for God's Word. While at Lee, he was a member of the Campus Choir, under the direction of Dr. David Horton. This ministry gave him the opportunity to travel the country and the world as a worship leader while being mentored by one of the Church of God's most respected musicians and leaders. After graduation at Lee, he served as a Minister of Music at Rainsville Church of God in Rainsville, Alabama for three years before coming to The Torch Worship Center.

Scott Smith, Youth Pastor

Scott joined the staff in September 2001 and has changed the face of youth ministry in the surrounding counties. Under his leadership over the past five years, our OneWay Youth group has seen tremendous growth. Growing from 10 to over 170 students, OneWay has been able to birth effective discipleship and leadership, as well as award-winning drama and Bible quizzing teams.

His background includes a variety of ministry roles such as Minister of Music, Middle and High School Pastor, and Youth Ministry Advisor. He led several ministry and mission projects including drama tours, the One Passion service tour, youth camps and Mexico mission trips.

Pastor Scott earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lee University and is currently pursuing his Masters of Arts in Youth and Family Ministry. He was appointed an Ordained Minister in 2006.

Scott and his wife, Holly, have one son.

Bob Trejo, Children's Pastor

Pastor Bob joined The Torch staff in October 2005. He was born and raised in Michigan and attended Lee University. Pastor Bob and his wife, Selina, have been in full time Children's Ministry for over 17 years and have taught various camps, conferences and seminars across the country. Their daughter, Desirae, also assists them in ministry. His ultimate goal as a Children's Pastor is to lead children into the presence of God so that they may come to know Him better.

Brandi Wood, Media Specialist

Brandi joined the staff in 2006 and brings 12 years of television production experience to The Torch. Her duties as Media Specialist include the overseeing of all media, graphics, website development and marketing for the church.

At the age of 12, Brandi moved to Clarkesville, Georgia and graduated from Habersham Central High School in 1994. She went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from American College (AIU) with a Bachelors Degree in Television and Video Production. Her career in television started when she landed a job as Assistant Producer for Home Depot Television while still in college. She also gained extensive work experience during her time at CBS, Digital Video International (Puerto Rico) and Windstream Cable Television. Brandi is thankful to God for allowing her to use her talents for His glory.

Brandi and her husband Michael have one son, Colton and new baby girl, Breelyn.

Mike Spears, Facilities Manager

Before moving to Georgia in 1986, Mike lived in Michigan and Ohio. He attended North Georgia Tech., North Georgia College, and served nine years in the military. Whenever he has time to spare he enjoys working in the yard and riding motorcycles. His wife Monica and three girls, Marlena, Alex and Emilee, are excited about being a part of The Torch family.

Jelena McClure, Receptionist

Jelena joined the staff in 2007 and brings 20 years of travel and administrative background. While in the travel industry, Jelena specialized in group travel with a focus on church and cruise groups.In addition to the travel academy, Jelena graduated from Covenant Life Seminary in Gainesville, GA with a Diploma of Theology. Jelena feels that it is a blessing to be able to use her gifts and talents to further the Kingdom of God. Jelena lives in Cleveland with her husband Tommy, Pug Jake and French bulldogs Isaac and Bella.