OUR STAFF
Dr. Phil Stevens – Senior Pastor
Phil joined Eastside in June of 2025. Phil and his wife Sarah are the blessed parents of 4 children together. The Stevens’ moved to Shelby from Lynchburg, Virginia where he was the pastor at Winfall Baptist Church for nine years. Phil received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Liberty University. Liberty University is also where Phil has been an adjunct professor for the past 12 years. Supporting and equipping others to fulfill the ministry to which God has called them is a passion of his.
Pastor Phil invites you to visit Eastside to be a part of a family who seek to “Love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and strength.”
Rev. Mason Furches- Student Pastor
Mason joined Eastside in April of 2024. Mason graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a degree in Christian Studies, with a concentration in Discipleship and two minors in Missiology and Biblical Studies. Mason has served as a camp counselor at Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, was a missionary to Australia for three months in 2023, and has served as a YoungLife leader in Cleveland County. Mason is passionate about student ministry and desires to see students grow in their relationship with Christ within a Christian community. Mason is from Salisbury, NC, and is married to his wife, Emma.
Jessica Melton – Director of Children’s Ministry
Jessica has been the Director of Children’s Ministry at Eastside since November 2011. Following her graduation from Pensacola Christian College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education, she has dedicated her life to sharing Jesus’ love with children and letting them know how much He wants to be a part of their lives. Her church ministry is focused on leading children to develop and grow a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jessica has enjoyed working with children for almost 20 years in the fields of education, social work, and church ministry. She believes that children should have fun as they experience their Lord’s love through musicals, children’s drama programs, Christian camps, mission projects, and educational activities. Jessica‘s husband Everett is a partner in her children’s ministry by helping build stages, driving the children, and assisting in activities. She and Everett are the proud parents of four young children, Joshua, twins- Eric and Zackary, and Lilyana. She invites you and your children to become a part of our loving church and this vibrant children’s ministry.
