Meet the Spark team. We're not a church. We're not a movement. We are flawed Christ followers who want others to experience the joy of following Christ for themselves. That's it. We desire to be a Spark that ignites the flame.
MIKE MASSEY l Co-Founder and Director
Mike is a true exhorter with a clear vision for his calling. What is an exhorter, you might ask? An exhorter "influences by words or advice, or strongly urges action." Let's be honest. He doesn't sound like he'd be much fun at parties. Sometimes the word "exhorter" can be code for an annoying horse's patootie...somebody just telling you what to do all time without any real substance behind it. We won't name names here, Bonnie.
A true exhorter speaks from their own experience, and that voice is one grounded in profound and meaningful experience. Strike up a conversation with Mike, and he will quickly remind you of who and whose you are in Jesus, that you are free in Jesus, and that you have an “Abba” Father who deeply loves you. Mike has a passion to teach and mentor the next generation toward an authentic and active faith in Jesus and to live into their God-given dreams.
In 2012, Mike and Shenna had a vision to create a launching pad for believers to move from an average faith to a vibrant, active, bold and courageous faith in Jesus. We're just letting you know that it was their idea. That's pretty much what you should be reading here. Mike and Shenna’s desire is to see the masses inspired to participate in the great adventure in their local communities, churches, and the mission field. They yearn to do their part to “fan the flame” within them. Seriously guys, we get it, it was "your idea."
Mike and Shenna reside in Salem, VA with their three children and two dogs. When he is not practicing law, Mike spends his time being stunningly attractive (ya'll should him in real life...I mean, dang), coaching his son’s teams, and volunteering on the teaching staff at Restoration Church in Salem, Virginia.
RICHARD GOODPASTURE l Co-Founder and Operations Management
It is true: Richard is the co-founder here at good ole Spark. Big whoopty-doo. Amirite? Just because you "found" something doesn't mean you just instantly get a spot on the team. We don't play like that here at Spark.
That is how you know that Richard is a beast at what he does. He is a proven performer, and he executes tasks with the efficiency of an American Cold War spy "taking care" of that troublesome Russian spy. Seriously, that guy wasn't fooling anybody.
Richard has had to manage numerous and conflicting tasks ever since his days playing football at Wake Forest. Since then, he has been and continues to be the owner and operator of numerous business ventures, a committed family man, a devoted husband, and a faithful member of his church. But even the coolest of cucumbers catch a chill around Richard...he is unfazed and undeterred in reaching his goals. He likes to say, "Excellence is a choice and not an accident." But he doesn't just say it - he does it. He brings that same resolve to Spark, and we are better for it.
Richard's role is the management, operation, and execution of the Spark vision and mission. He manages the day-to-day operations of Spark all the way from early planning through the execution of the annual conference, which you should attend.
Richard lives in Salem, VA, is married to his wife Robyn, and they have three children. He's also extremely attractive too. I'd say he definitely gives Mike a run for his money, and that is saying a lot. I feel like it is okay to say that.
BRYAN MORRELL l Programming and Creative Director
Grace, humility, unbridled passion. What do these things have in common? Bryan Morrell. From the blessed day of his birth in 1979, Bryan knew his destiny was great. Nay, he knew it could only be extraordinary. It remains that way to this day. Bryan is formally trained in nothing, but like a wolf cub who has grown into the pack's alpha male, he is trained by life in everything. Bryan has used his skills in music, comedy, construction, and the sit and reach (he still holds the record at Virginia Run Elementary) to rocket up every imaginable ladder of success. Currently living in Roanoke, VA, he is the husband of the equally-remarkable Stephanie Morrell and the father of three current and future standouts. Bryan hopes to one day either land a job working for NASA or some sort of full time ministry. Or perhaps both, perchance?
For Spark, Bryan is the programing and creative director. That's why it says that by his name. I thought that was pretty obvious, I guess. Bryan is the visionary behind what you will see and hear (except for the speakers), unless what you see and hear isn't good...then that was someone else's job. Bryan doesn't do things people don't like. He can't.
In all seriousness though: Bryan is deeply passionate about the vision and mission of Spark and counts his involvement as a great privilege and blessing!
