Pastoral Staff

Rev. Preston Graham, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Preston Graham Jr. is a native of Buckhead in Atlanta GA. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and Yale University and is currently a Doctoral candidate in a joint degree program with University of Aberdeen and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Before coming to New Haven, he served as a campus minister and interim pastor.  He is also an adjunct Professor of Reformed Ecclesiology and Pastoral Theology at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Preston met his wife, Lisa, on a blind date during his senior year at University of Georgia. They have been married for over 25 years and have three children, Stephen, Nathan, and Anna. He loves boating on the Long Island Sound and training his dog, a Small Munsterlander (a versatile hunting breed) named “Mysti.”  And if the truth be known, Preston is hard pressed to miss a good SEC college football game during the Fall. To read more, please click Rev. Preston Graham.

 

Rev. Tolivar Wills, Asst. Pastor to the Hill Community

Tolivar, and his lovely wife Sam, hail from the great state of Ohio. Following 11 great years of ministry with Campus Crusade at Miami of Ohio University, the Lord led them to pursue their theological studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. They have 3 beautiful children, ranging from 14 to 6 years in age. Upon arriving at CPC, Tolivar focused upon ministry to graduate students and professionals and various other pastoral duties. Currently, his primary focus has shifted to planting a new church site in the Hill community of New Haven. They love college football, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and spending time with friends and family.

Kevin Nelson, Asst. Pastor of University Ministries

Kevin Nelson serves as pastor to college students as well as graduates and young professionals.   He was born and raised in New Jersey, then made his way up and down the east coast.  A graduate of the University of Maryland with a B.A. in English, Kevin went on to receive degrees from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Fl (M.Div) and Duke University (Th.M., New Testament).  It was in Durham, NC that he met and married his wife Christie.  In 2007 their daughter Kyra was born.  He is an avid Phillies fan and a classic movie buff.

Rebekah Caldwell Johnson, Community Life Coordinator

Rebekah is a native of Memphis, TN and a lifelong member of the PCA.  She studied English at Auburn University (War Eagle!) and Educational Ministry at Covenant Theological Seminary.  She married Junius in August of 2009.  She serves as the youth coordinator, staff liaison to the Servant Leader Board, editor of the Window, and oversees the Student Partnership, Hot Off the Press, and gallery among other things.

Joseph Shields, Music and Worship Director

Joseph Shields is a graduate of Yale, Marshall and Stetson Universities where he studied primarily with renowned guitarists Benjamin Verdery, Leo Welch, Stephen Robinson and Ricardo Cobo.  He has served on the faculties of both Shawnee State and Marshall University.  He resides with his wife, Nancy, and their girls in New Haven where he remains active as a performer, composer and pedagogue. To read more, click Joseph Shields.

Julia McLaughlin, Administrator

Julia's is the friendly voice you'll hear on the phone when you call the church. She works diligently setting up appointments, printing bulletins, and many other tasks that keep us organized.  Julia and her husband, Kelly, have two adorable daughters, Katie and Aerin.