Derrick Watley
SENIOR PASTOR
Derrick Watley is a visionary leader marked by deep conviction, unwavering responsibility, and a burden for lasting impact. He is not content with shallow ministry—he builds with intentionality, teaches with clarity, and leads with a heart fully submitted to God’s purpose. He carries a dual calling: to steward the church with excellence and to shepherd people with care.
Derrick’s standards are high, and his work ethic reflects his commitment to excellence. But his greatest strength is not what he produces; it’s who he covers. He sees the marginalized, disciples the overlooked, and leads with the quiet strength of a man who knows what it means to bear a burden and still choose to serve.
Derrick has been happily married to his gorgeous wife, Christy, for more than two decades, and together they have a beautiful family with three amazing children who are blessings from the Lord.
Derrick’s standards are high, and his work ethic reflects his commitment to excellence. But his greatest strength is not what he produces; it’s who he covers. He sees the marginalized, disciples the overlooked, and leads with the quiet strength of a man who knows what it means to bear a burden and still choose to serve.
Derrick has been happily married to his gorgeous wife, Christy, for more than two decades, and together they have a beautiful family with three amazing children who are blessings from the Lord.
Marian DeLeon Smith
ASSOCIATE PASTOR & DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR
Marian DeLeon Smith serves as Associate Pastor and Discipleship Pastor at Mighty Wind Worship Center, bringing over three decades of faithful ministry experience and a deep passion for spiritual formation, pastoral care, and intentional discipleship.
She has served in ministry at Mighty Wind Worship Center since 1992, faithfully supporting the church's mission through many seasons. In 2019, she officially joined the pastoral staff as Pastor of Programming, helping to strengthen ministry structure and church-wide initiatives. In 2021, she transitioned into the role of Pastor of Pastoral Care, walking closely with individuals and families through seasons of growth, healing, and restoration. In 2025, she stepped into her current role as Discipleship Pastor, where she focuses on developing a culture of discipleship throughout the ministry that allows us to be faithful to Matthew 28:19-20.
Marian has been married to her husband, Bo Smith, for 16 years. Together, they are blessed with eight children, their youngest, Jayce, and eight cherished grandchildren. Her ministry flows from a lifelong commitment to God, family, and the local church, and she is devoted to equipping believers to grow in faith, purpose, and
service.
She has served in ministry at Mighty Wind Worship Center since 1992, faithfully supporting the church's mission through many seasons. In 2019, she officially joined the pastoral staff as Pastor of Programming, helping to strengthen ministry structure and church-wide initiatives. In 2021, she transitioned into the role of Pastor of Pastoral Care, walking closely with individuals and families through seasons of growth, healing, and restoration. In 2025, she stepped into her current role as Discipleship Pastor, where she focuses on developing a culture of discipleship throughout the ministry that allows us to be faithful to Matthew 28:19-20.
Marian has been married to her husband, Bo Smith, for 16 years. Together, they are blessed with eight children, their youngest, Jayce, and eight cherished grandchildren. Her ministry flows from a lifelong commitment to God, family, and the local church, and she is devoted to equipping believers to grow in faith, purpose, and
service.
Sarah Suarez
PASTOR OF PASTORAL CARE
Sarah Suarez serves as our Pastor of Pastoral Care with a deep love for people from every background, culture, and walk of life. She believes the Church is family — a place where everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and no one walks alone. Her heart is to ensure that every person who walks through our doors feels seen, supported, and
spiritually strengthened.
For Sarah, pastoral care is more than a ministry — it’s a calling to reflect the compassion of Christ through prayer, encouragement, guidance, and genuine relationship. She is passionate about building bridges across generations and celebrating the beautiful diversity within our church community.
Sarah has been married to her husband, Jesus Suarez, for twelve wonderful years. Together, they have raised three amazing children: Michaela, Dominic, and Mario. They are also the proud grandparents of their precious granddaughter, Raynelee, who brings endless joy to their family.
Family is at the center of her life and ministry. Whether she is praying with someone in a difficult season or celebrating milestones with church members, Pastor Sarah serves with warmth, faith, and a heart that reflects the love of Jesus.
spiritually strengthened.
For Sarah, pastoral care is more than a ministry — it’s a calling to reflect the compassion of Christ through prayer, encouragement, guidance, and genuine relationship. She is passionate about building bridges across generations and celebrating the beautiful diversity within our church community.
Sarah has been married to her husband, Jesus Suarez, for twelve wonderful years. Together, they have raised three amazing children: Michaela, Dominic, and Mario. They are also the proud grandparents of their precious granddaughter, Raynelee, who brings endless joy to their family.
Family is at the center of her life and ministry. Whether she is praying with someone in a difficult season or celebrating milestones with church members, Pastor Sarah serves with warmth, faith, and a heart that reflects the love of Jesus.
Paula Nowlin
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR
Paula became involved with Mighty Wind Worship Center as a volunteer in 2014. After a few months of volunteering, it was recognized that she brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise that would help our daily operations become more efficient and effective.
Paula had a very successful career in the telecommunications industry. Paula had 25 years of experience in leading and managing people within an office setting. Paula is a seasoned manager with a specific skill set that brought a positive change to the daily operations of our office. Paula is an active, outgoing presence with a great sense of humor and the perfect person to initiate and complete a project. Her humble nature and openness to feedback mean she's always learning and growing, an impressive strength that will continue to serve her well.
Paula has been happily married for three decades to her husband, Donnie. They have a daughter, Amanda, and her husband Phil, and their precious grandson Benson.
Paula had a very successful career in the telecommunications industry. Paula had 25 years of experience in leading and managing people within an office setting. Paula is a seasoned manager with a specific skill set that brought a positive change to the daily operations of our office. Paula is an active, outgoing presence with a great sense of humor and the perfect person to initiate and complete a project. Her humble nature and openness to feedback mean she's always learning and growing, an impressive strength that will continue to serve her well.
Paula has been happily married for three decades to her husband, Donnie. They have a daughter, Amanda, and her husband Phil, and their precious grandson Benson.