Meet the dedicated team of pastors and leaders that lead our congregation at Freedom Christian.
Bill & Kelli Best
Lead Pastor
Pastor Bill and Kelli have been the lead pastors at Freedom Christian since 2022. Prior to coming to Freedom Christian, they were lead pastors in Central Washington State, and have been in pastoral ministry now for 34 years. Bill and Kelli have two daughters, Ashlee and Paige. Bill likes to read, lift weights, and loves the outdoors. Kelli likes to write, bake, and shop with the girls.
Larry Clair
Executive Pastor
Larry and his wife Jenny joined Freedom Christian as children’s pastor in 2012 and transitioned to the Executive role in 2022. He previously served in Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan both as young adults pastor and kid’s pastor. They have two kids, Lauren and Levi. Larry enjoys photography, canoeing, and anything outdoors.
Alex Brotnov
Associate Pastor
Alex and his wife Paige have been on staff at Freedom Christian since 2023. He previously served as an Associate Pastor doing worship ministry in Washington state for 5 years. A native to the Seattle area, Alex loves all things Seattle sports, particularly the Seahawks and Mariners. When not serving in ministry, Alex loves to study theology or work on a music project with his wife.
Brandon Cross
Washington Twp. Campus Pastor
Brandon and his wife Juliane joined the pastoral team at Freedom in 2022 as Washington Township campus pastors. He began attending Freedom as a teen, and has previously served as board secretary, men’s leader, and Bible study facilitator, as well as in a variety of ministries throughout Michigan prior to returning to Freedom with his family in 2011. Brandon and Juliane have five children, ages 22 to 18 months. Brandon loves his family, fishing, the outdoors, Lord of the Rings, and the Green Bay Packers.
Dawson Wilmoth
Children’s Pastor
Dawson has grown up attending Freedom Christian since 2002. He has served on numerous teams throughout the church such as, the kids’ team, youth team, connections team, and worship team. He transitioned into the role of kids pastor in 2022. Dawson is a Certified credential holder of the Assemblies of God through the Michigan School of Ministry program. In addition, he has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a Major in Marketing. Dawson is married to Claire and enjoys heavy bag boxing, collecting sneakers, and recreational sports.
Josiah Harris
Youth Pastor
Josiah answered the call to ministry and joined the Freedom Christian family as the Student Ministry Pastor in October 2022. He served for 10 years as a Youth Leader at a church in Roseville, Michigan, and led a local young adult ministry for 3 years. He is passionate about leading students to be disciples of Jesus Christ through spiritual formation. Josiah, and his wife Bre, have a beautiful daughter, Isla. They enjoy hiking, traveling, and trying new things. Josiah is an artistic nerd who enjoys movies, anime, burgers, and all things Star Wars!
James Hess
Young Adult Director
James has been the Director of Young Adults Ministry since July 2022 and has attended Freedom Christian for the better part of 25 years. His wife, Hannah, serves as co-leader of the Café Ministry. They have one cat together and James suspects he will eventually compromise and get another. James has previously served as a Missionary Associate in Rome, Italy, has led various small groups, and is currently bi-vocational. James is a huge nerd and enjoys video games, trading card games, wargaming miniatures, fantasy fiction, and is a passionate Red Wings Fan.
Stephanie Meininger
Worship Pastor
Steph joined the Freedom Team in 2022 as the Worship Director at Freedom Christian after volunteering since 2014. She graduated from Rochester College in 2018 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministry. Steph’s husband Eric, also serves on the worship team. They have one daughter, Charlotte, and they love spending time together as a family. Steph also enjoys reading and being outdoors.
Jennifer Clair
Women’s Ministry Director
Jenny was called into ministry at age 16, attended William Tyndale College and enjoys living the adventure that serving Jesus entails. She has worked in administrative roles in churches in Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Married for 28 years to her childhood sweetheart, Larry, she currently serves Freedom Christian in various capacities including Director of Propelled Women’s Ministry. The perfect afternoon includes sunshine, iced tea, and a good book, all preferably on the beach. A good board game is also on her list of favorites. She considers herself the biggest fan of her two kids, Lauren & Levi and has logged many miles driving to watch them perform music, run races, or searching for the next adventure.