Board Members
Rocky Wyatt
President
more about Rocky…
The Lord graciously opened my eyes to the truth of Scripture when I was thirteen years old. As a young adult, I began serving the Lord in Youth Ministry. During my first few years of ministry, I recognized the need for churches to take a much more active role in training men for ministry. Brian Murphy and Chris Riser were both youth pastors at the time and they were instrumental in the formation of XL Ministries. In our first few years, we focused solely on training Youth Pastors. In the subsequent years, we all moved into different areas of ministry. As a result, we began training men in all areas of pastoral ministry.
Today, I live in the mountains of Southern Colorado with my wife, Pam. I work full-time for XL Ministries, and it is our delight to provide training and resources for churches who want to take an active role in training elders. We also help churches establish intensive 2–3-year internships for training both pastors and missionaries.
Pam and I like to hike and host guests in our home. We also enjoy the great privilege of having 10 wonderful grandchildren.
Brian Murphy
Executive Director
more about Brian…
I have been involved in full-time ministry since 1984. The Lord Jesus in His providence brought me to Himself when I was in the 8th grade (1979) through a classmate and my youth pastor, named Rocky Wyatt. Yep, Rocky and I go way back.
During my four decades in ministry, I have served as a Youth Pastor, Executive Pastor, Lead Pastor, and Church Planter. I have a heart to preach and shepherd Christ’s flock. I also have a passion to train church leaders and to see missionaries sent out well to the places where Christ has not yet been named. I had the privilege of helping start XL Ministries with Rocky and Chris Riser, and now have been full-time with XL since 2022.
My wife, Diane, and I have been married since 1991 and we have three boys, one girl (who is absolutely my princess), and, as of now, six wonderful grandchildren.
Some of my favorite verses are found in Psalm 73:26-28:
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”
Jonathan Anderson
Board Member
more about Jonathan…
By God’s grace, I came to understand and embrace the truth of the gospel in elementary school. In junior high and high school, I began to more fully understand what a life of commitment to Christ looked like through the example of my parents and the discipleship of my youth pastor, Chris Riser. Since that time, I have been actively involved in a variety of ministries including youth, children’s and missions.
I also had the joy of getting to know Christy, my incredible wife and best friend, during those years in the junior high and high school youth group. We were married in 2001 and the Lord has since blessed us with five daughters, Anna (July 2002), Abby (December 2003), Aubrey (July 2005), Ashlyn (June 2007), and Allie (April 2009).
In 2003, we moved to Texas where I completed the XL internship at Countryside Bible Church. After my internship, I remained on staff in the youth ministry and then transitioned to become the Family Pastor in the summer of 2007. Since then, it has been my joy to oversee our children’s ministries and to partner with parents in seeking to raise up the next generation for His glory.
I am what I am today because of God’s work through faithful men entrusting His Word to me and it is a great joy and privilege to pass that baton of God’s truth to others.
Colossians 3:1–4
“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”
Bryan Chandler
Board Member
more about Bryan…
At the age of 25, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin and gave me an understanding of depravity. I repented of my transgressions against a holy God and believed in the work accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross to reconcile me with God.
The Lord began His work in me as I regularly attended church, read my Bible, and listened to sermons by John MacArthur from the tape ministry of Grace Church. In 1994, I moved to Southlake and began attending Countryside Bible Church. I worked in the youth ministry, led by Rocky Wyatt. During the six years I served under his leadership, Rocky discipled me with classes on theology, Bible survey, and personal instruction on teaching the Word of God.
I left youth ministry to lead the college group. I had the opportunity to teach our college students the Scriptures for six years and to lead them in various faith-building activities, which included mission trips to Mexico and ski trips to Colorado. In 2006, I began teaching a new adult Sunday school class, CrossWords, and still continue teaching that class.
In 2002, I became an elder and part of a new leadership team which hired Tom Pennington as Countryside’s Pastor-Teacher in 2003. The Lord has continued to grow me spiritually under Tom’s ministry and his instruction from the Bible. These years serving a growing, unified church alongside faithful, godly men on CBC’s elder board have been an amazing gift from our faithful Lord.
I married my best friend, Linda, on January 13, 1979. We have four children and thirteen grandchildren: Nathan and his wife, Christé, with Creighton, Carson, Camdyn, Cade, and Crew; Caitlin and her husband, Derek, with Remington, Hayes, and Heston; Scott and his wife, Alissa, with Lyla, Vayda, Ivy, and Townes; Deborah and her husband, Roby, with our newest grandson, Wells.
Isaiah 26:3–4
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.”
Jonathan Pendrich
Board Member
more about Jonathan…
I was born and raised in London, England, where my dad served as the pastor of a church for 37 years. Prior to that, he pastored in Scotland for five years, so I spent most of my childhood growing up in the church. Through the Lord’s sovereignty and power, I moved to the United States at 19 years old with two suitcases and $300 to my name. I attended Dallas Baptist University (DBU) where I received my undergraduate in business management and later my MBA in computer science.
While at DBU, about six months after my arrival, I met my wife, Lindsay, and we married in Scotland three years later. Once we returned, I worked at DBU as the IT Manager. Not long after that, I became the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of a small startup company, which later grew from a $90m-a-year to a $750m-a-year business. During my 12 years there, I transitioned from CIO to a consultant for customers, working to advise and direct large corporations on their IT needs. In doing that, I was providing direction and strategy in their implementation so that their needs lined up with their budgets and business requirements. In 2018, I took a different position at a local company so I wouldn’t have to travel and could be with my family more.
I am passionate about XL Ministries because of my church life. Growing up in England, I saw my dad do absolutely everything, including building kitchens, bathrooms, gardening, and everything else in the church. Members were not very active and my dad needed the help. At one point, after an evaluation period, he made a decision to bring on an elder whom he had met a few times. Not long after that, the elder created a number of serious issues in the church, which resulted in the church splitting. I’ve witnessed, first hand, the devastation that comes from having men in place as elders and leaders who haven’t been trained or qualified.
My family and I are members of Countryside Bible Church in Southlake, Texas and have served in the Welcome Center of the Kids‘ Building since 2019. We’ve been privileged to lead home fellowships in our home and I help out with the Youth Ministry sword drills. The spiritual discipleship mentoring, training, and encouragement to grow and live a godly life have been instrumental, not only to us, but to our three, wonderful children: Isabella, Sophia, and Joey.
Chris Riser
Board Member
more about Chris…
The greatest thing that has ever happened to me is the work of God to bring me to salvation! I was not raised in a Christian home and so the salvation of my parents when I was seven years old had a radical impact on the course of my life. We began attending church and I heard the gospel many times. When I was ten I realized that I never put my faith and trust in Christ alone. During the next church service, I completely and clearly committed my life to Christ: repenting of my sin, trusting His completed work, and placing myself totally in His hands. When I was in the tenth grade I felt a very strong desire from the Lord to pursue youth ministry and devoted my life to that task. As a result, I have been actively involved in ministry to teens and adults since 1985.
By the Lord’s grace I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of churches and ministries. I served as pastor to junior and senior high youth at Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau, Missouri from 1992 — 2001, when I left to attend Master’s Seminary in Los Angeles, CA. At the completion of seminary in 2004, God moved my family to Maryville, TN, where I am currently the teaching pastor at Grace Community Church.
I have been married to my beautiful wife Alisa since 1989. We have a son, Josiah (1995), and three daughters, Johanna (2003), Maria (2006), and Salena (2008). Maria and Salena are biological sisters who were adopted from Haiti in 2010.
My passion is to walk in a manner worthy of my Lord, to minister within the local church, and to train others to serve Jesus with excellence, grace, and wisdom. It is my deepest desire to see Christ magnified so that all peoples and all nations might fear and worship Him as He so richly deserves.
My life verse is Hebrews 12:1-4.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;”
Justin Turner
Board Member
more about Justin…
I grew up in Southlake, Texas, attending Countryside Bible Church. Through God’s goodness to me, I became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ around 5th grade. After graduating from Carroll High School I completed my Bachelor’s (B.A.) degree in History from Texas Tech University. I then worked as a teacher while completing a Youth Internship with XL Ministries, after which I served as a Youth Minister in Lubbock for a year. I returned to Southlake in July of 2007 to join the Countryside staff as the Youth Pastor. In 2021 I completed my Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree at The Master’s Seminary – Dallas Distance Location. I now oversee the Youth Ministry, Sports Ministry, and assist with the Women’s Ministry at Countryside. My wife is Kim and we have three children, Tucker, Tatum and Tanner.
My favorite verse is Matthew 5:16.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Rocky Wyatt
President
more about Rocky…
The Lord graciously opened my eyes to the truth of Scripture when I was thirteen years old. As a young adult, I began serving the Lord in Youth Ministry. During my first few years of ministry, I recognized the need for churches to take a much more active role in training men for ministry. Brian Murphy and Chris Riser were both youth pastors at the time and they were instrumental in the formation of XL Ministries. In our first few years, we focused solely on training Youth Pastors. In the subsequent years, we all moved into different areas of ministry. As a result, we began training men in all areas of pastoral ministry.
Today, I live in the mountains of Southern Colorado with my wife, Pam. I work full-time for XL Ministries, and it is our delight to provide training and resources for churches who want to take an active role in training elders. We also help churches establish intensive 2–3-year internships for training both pastors and missionaries.
Pam and I like to hike and host guests in our home. We also enjoy the great privilege of having 10 wonderful grandchildren.
Brian Murphy
Executive Director
more about Brian…
I have been involved in full-time ministry since 1984. The Lord Jesus in His providence brought me to Himself when I was in the 8th grade (1979) through a classmate and my youth pastor, named Rocky Wyatt. Yep, Rocky and I go way back.
During my four decades in ministry, I have served as a Youth Pastor, Executive Pastor, Lead Pastor, and Church Planter. I have a heart to preach and shepherd Christ’s flock. I also have a passion to train church leaders and to see missionaries sent out well to the places where Christ has not yet been named. I had the privilege of helping start XL Ministries with Rocky and Chris Riser, and now have been full-time with XL since 2022.
My wife, Diane, and I have been married since 1991 and we have three boys, one girl (who is absolutely my princess), and, as of now, six wonderful grandchildren.
Some of my favorite verses are found in Psalm 73:26-28:
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”
Jonathan Anderson
Board Member
more about Jonathan…
By God’s grace, I came to understand and embrace the truth of the gospel in elementary school. In junior high and high school, I began to more fully understand what a life of commitment to Christ looked like through the example of my parents and the discipleship of my youth pastor, Chris Riser. Since that time, I have been actively involved in a variety of ministries including youth, children’s and missions.
I also had the joy of getting to know Christy, my incredible wife and best friend, during those years in the junior high and high school youth group. We were married in 2001 and the Lord has since blessed us with five daughters, Anna (July 2002), Abby (December 2003), Aubrey (July 2005), Ashlyn (June 2007), and Allie (April 2009).
In 2003, we moved to Texas where I completed the XL internship at Countryside Bible Church. After my internship, I remained on staff in the youth ministry and then transitioned to become the Family Pastor in the summer of 2007. Since then, it has been my joy to oversee our children’s ministries and to partner with parents in seeking to raise up the next generation for His glory.
I am what I am today because of God’s work through faithful men entrusting His Word to me and it is a great joy and privilege to pass that baton of God’s truth to others.
Colossians 3:1–4
“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.”
Bryan Chandler
Board Member
more about Bryan…
At the age of 25, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin and gave me an understanding of depravity. I repented of my transgressions against a holy God and believed in the work accomplished by Jesus Christ on the cross to reconcile me with God.
The Lord began His work in me as I regularly attended church, read my Bible, and listened to sermons by John MacArthur from the tape ministry of Grace Church. In 1994, I moved to Southlake and began attending Countryside Bible Church. I worked in the youth ministry, led by Rocky Wyatt. During the six years I served under his leadership, Rocky discipled me with classes on theology, Bible survey, and personal instruction on teaching the Word of God.
I left youth ministry to lead the college group. I had the opportunity to teach our college students the Scriptures for six years and to lead them in various faith-building activities, which included mission trips to Mexico and ski trips to Colorado. In 2006, I began teaching a new adult Sunday school class, CrossWords, and still continue teaching that class.
In 2002, I became an elder and part of a new leadership team which hired Tom Pennington as Countryside’s Pastor-Teacher in 2003. The Lord has continued to grow me spiritually under Tom’s ministry and his instruction from the Bible. These years serving a growing, unified church alongside faithful, godly men on CBC’s elder board have been an amazing gift from our faithful Lord.
I married my best friend, Linda, on January 13, 1979. We have four children and thirteen grandchildren: Nathan and his wife, Christé, with Creighton, Carson, Camdyn, Cade, and Crew; Caitlin and her husband, Derek, with Remington, Hayes, and Heston; Scott and his wife, Alissa, with Lyla, Vayda, Ivy, and Townes; Deborah and her husband, Roby, with our newest grandson, Wells.
Isaiah 26:3–4
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.”
Jonathan Pendrich
Board Member
more about Jonathan…
I was born and raised in London, England, where my dad served as the pastor of a church for 37 years. Prior to that, he pastored in Scotland for five years, so I spent most of my childhood growing up in the church. Through the Lord’s sovereignty and power, I moved to the United States at 19 years old with two suitcases and $300 to my name. I attended Dallas Baptist University (DBU) where I received my undergraduate in business management and later my MBA in computer science.
While at DBU, about six months after my arrival, I met my wife, Lindsay, and we married in Scotland three years later. Once we returned, I worked at DBU as the IT Manager. Not long after that, I became the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of a small startup company, which later grew from a $90m-a-year to a $750m-a-year business. During my 12 years there, I transitioned from CIO to a consultant for customers, working to advise and direct large corporations on their IT needs. In doing that, I was providing direction and strategy in their implementation so that their needs lined up with their budgets and business requirements. In 2018, I took a different position at a local company so I wouldn’t have to travel and could be with my family more.
I am passionate about XL Ministries because of my church life. Growing up in England, I saw my dad do absolutely everything, including building kitchens, bathrooms, gardening, and everything else in the church. Members were not very active and my dad needed the help. At one point, after an evaluation period, he made a decision to bring on an elder whom he had met a few times. Not long after that, the elder created a number of serious issues in the church, which resulted in the church splitting. I’ve witnessed, first hand, the devastation that comes from having men in place as elders and leaders who haven’t been trained or qualified.
My family and I are members of Countryside Bible Church in Southlake, Texas and have served in the Welcome Center of the Kids‘ Building since 2019. We’ve been privileged to lead home fellowships in our home and I help out with the Youth Ministry sword drills. The spiritual discipleship mentoring, training, and encouragement to grow and live a godly life have been instrumental, not only to us, but to our three, wonderful children: Isabella, Sophia, and Joey.
Chris Riser
Board Member
more about Chris…
The greatest thing that has ever happened to me is the work of God to bring me to salvation! I was not raised in a Christian home and so the salvation of my parents when I was seven years old had a radical impact on the course of my life. We began attending church and I heard the gospel many times. When I was ten I realized that I never put my faith and trust in Christ alone. During the next church service, I completely and clearly committed my life to Christ: repenting of my sin, trusting His completed work, and placing myself totally in His hands. When I was in the tenth grade I felt a very strong desire from the Lord to pursue youth ministry and devoted my life to that task. As a result, I have been actively involved in ministry to teens and adults since 1985.
By the Lord’s grace I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of churches and ministries. I served as pastor to junior and senior high youth at Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau, Missouri from 1992 — 2001, when I left to attend Master’s Seminary in Los Angeles, CA. At the completion of seminary in 2004, God moved my family to Maryville, TN, where I am currently the teaching pastor at Grace Community Church.
I have been married to my beautiful wife Alisa since 1989. We have a son, Josiah (1995), and three daughters, Johanna (2003), Maria (2006), and Salena (2008). Maria and Salena are biological sisters who were adopted from Haiti in 2010.
My passion is to walk in a manner worthy of my Lord, to minister within the local church, and to train others to serve Jesus with excellence, grace, and wisdom. It is my deepest desire to see Christ magnified so that all peoples and all nations might fear and worship Him as He so richly deserves.
My life verse is Hebrews 12:1-4.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;”
Justin Turner
Board Member
more about Justin…
I grew up in Southlake, Texas, attending Countryside Bible Church. Through God’s goodness to me, I became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ around 5th grade. After graduating from Carroll High School I completed my Bachelor’s (B.A.) degree in History from Texas Tech University. I then worked as a teacher while completing a Youth Internship with XL Ministries, after which I served as a Youth Minister in Lubbock for a year. I returned to Southlake in July of 2007 to join the Countryside staff as the Youth Pastor. In 2021 I completed my Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree at The Master’s Seminary – Dallas Distance Location. I now oversee the Youth Ministry, Sports Ministry, and assist with the Women’s Ministry at Countryside. My wife is Kim and we have three children, Tucker, Tatum and Tanner.
My favorite verse is Matthew 5:16.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
International Connections
Dusty Burris
Director of Latin American Ministries
more about Dusty…
Dusty Burris has served as the Pastor/Teacher of Northlake Bible Church since June of 2019. Prior to this, he served as Associate Pastor of Countryside Bible Church where he oversaw the college ministry and several other ministries of the church. Dusty graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in May of 2010. Prior to his time at Countryside, he served in various roles at other churches in the East Texas area. Besides teaching the Word of God, he also enjoys hunting, writing Christian music, and leading worship. He and his wife Rebecca have one daughter, Avery, and one son, Luke.
Vikram Pimplekar
International Trainer
more about Vikram…
Vikram graduated as an XL Ministries Pastoral Intern in January of 2019 and has been serving as an Associate Pastor at Countryside Bible Church in Southlake, Texas. At Countryside, he oversees the Career Singles Ministry and provides leadership to the Outreach and Care Ministries. In 2015, Vikram earned an M.A. in Philosophy from Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) in Charlotte, North Carolina. Later in 2019, he completed a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) in Dallas, Texas, and he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching from The Master’s Seminary (TMS) in Sun Valley, California. With XL Ministries, Vikram serves as an International Trainer and works to provide XL Ministries’ materials and training to local pastors and church leaders. Vikram is married to Esther and they have three beautiful children.
Chris Riser
International Trainer
more about Chris…
The greatest thing that has ever happened to me is the work of God to bring me to salvation! I was not raised in a Christian home and so the salvation of my parents when I was seven years old had a radical impact on the course of my life. We began attending church and I heard the gospel many times. When I was ten I realized that I never put my faith and trust in Christ alone. During the next church service, I completely and clearly committed my life to Christ: repenting of my sin, trusting His completed work, and placing myself totally in His hands. When I was in the tenth grade I felt a very strong desire from the Lord to pursue youth ministry and devoted my life to that task. As a result, I have been actively involved in ministry to teens and adults since 1985.
By the Lord’s grace I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of churches and ministries. I served as pastor to junior and senior high youth at Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau, Missouri from 1992 — 2001, when I left to attend Master’s Seminary in Los Angeles, CA. At the completion of seminary in 2004, God moved my family to Maryville, TN, where I am currently the teaching pastor at Grace Community Church.
I have been married to my beautiful wife Alisa since 1989. We have a son, Josiah (1995), and three daughters, Johanna (2003), Maria (2006), and Salena (2008). Maria and Salena are biological sisters who were adopted from Haiti in 2010.
My passion is to walk in a manner worthy of my Lord, to minister within the local church, and to train others to serve Jesus with excellence, grace, and wisdom. It is my deepest desire to see Christ magnified so that all peoples and all nations might fear and worship Him as He so richly deserves.
My life verse is Hebrews 12:1-4.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;”
Ryan Mitchell
Director of South African Ministries
more about Ryan…
During the first ten years of my life, I was sprinkled as an infant in the Catholic Church, my mom was graciously saved by God and left the RC Church, and then, through her faithful instruction in the Scriptures, God saved me too. We never found a good church during my school-going years, but, while I was at university, a friend invited me to Grace Fellowship Pretoria, which is pastored by Joel James, a graduate of The Master’s Seminary. The first time I heard Joel preach I looked down at my Bible, looked up at Joel, looked back down at my Bible, and said to myself, “This is where I belong! He made the Scripture so clear!” I had found a church committed to the Word of God, expository preaching, biblical counseling, elder rule, and training men for ministry. It wasn’t long before many years of slow growth in the faith turned into a race car-paced growth in godliness.
At the University of Pretoria, I completed a BA Hons in Ancient Languages and Cultures. While completing this degree, Joel took me on as his part-time secretary (something about that crazy degree made Joel like me), which eventually became a full-time position. Over the years, I taught Sunday school classes, adult classes, and helped lead a Bible study. After years of faithful service in the local body, my elders affirmed my call to ministry and in 2010 my family and I headed off to The Master’s Seminary where I spent the next four years studying for the MDiv degree. In 2014, we returned to South Africa where I served as the registrar of a reformed seminary. From 2015 to 2017, I served as an associate pastor at my home church where I worked with a team of pastors to start Shepherds’ Seminary Africa.
In 2016, my family and I started preparing for church planting in Papua New Guinea and began serving there in 2018. We lived in a mountain village in the Madang Province for close to four years. There we had the privilege of working alongside FinisTerre missionaries, Zach and Cassidy Cann, as they preached the gospel, taught literacy and reading, and planted a church. In 2022, we moved down to Madang town where we fulfilled various ministry and supportive roles until our departure from the field in late 2023.
In February 2024, I joined Living Hope Bible Church in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa where I now serve as an associate pastor to fellow TMS graduate, Andrew Zekveld. Andrew and my fellow elders have asked me to help them establish formal training for men who want to go into full-time pastoral ministry, help them train up elders in several church plants they work with, and help plant churches in the province. XL Ministries’ resources and internships are the perfect tool to help us reach our goal of entrusting to faithful men the gospel of Jesus Christ so that they can plant churches, equip God’s people, and entrust the same truth to others also. I and my fellow elders here at LHBC are excited to be introducing XL Ministries to the church in South Africa and beyond.
As thankful as I am for the ministry God has allowed me to serve in, I am most thankful for my wife, Elna, and our two kids, Calista and Sebastian. They are a precious gift from the Lord.
Dusty Burris
Director of Latin American Ministries
more about Dusty…
Dusty Burris has served as the Pastor/Teacher of Northlake Bible Church since June of 2019. Prior to this, he served as Associate Pastor of Countryside Bible Church where he oversaw the college ministry and several other ministries of the church. Dusty graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in May of 2010. Prior to his time at Countryside, he served in various roles at other churches in the East Texas area. Besides teaching the Word of God, he also enjoys hunting, writing Christian music, and leading worship. He and his wife Rebecca have one daughter, Avery, and one son, Luke.
Vikram Pimplekar
International Trainer
more about Vikram…
Vikram graduated as an XL Ministries Pastoral Intern in January of 2019 and has been serving as an Associate Pastor at Countryside Bible Church in Southlake, Texas. At Countryside, he oversees the Career Singles Ministry and provides leadership to the Outreach and Care Ministries. In 2015, Vikram earned an M.A. in Philosophy from Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) in Charlotte, North Carolina. Later in 2019, he completed a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) in Dallas, Texas, and he is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching from The Master’s Seminary (TMS) in Sun Valley, California. With XL Ministries, Vikram serves as an International Trainer and works to provide XL Ministries’ materials and training to local pastors and church leaders. Vikram is married to Esther and they have three beautiful children.
Chris Riser
International Trainer
more about Chris…
The greatest thing that has ever happened to me is the work of God to bring me to salvation! I was not raised in a Christian home and so the salvation of my parents when I was seven years old had a radical impact on the course of my life. We began attending church and I heard the gospel many times. When I was ten I realized that I never put my faith and trust in Christ alone. During the next church service, I completely and clearly committed my life to Christ: repenting of my sin, trusting His completed work, and placing myself totally in His hands. When I was in the tenth grade I felt a very strong desire from the Lord to pursue youth ministry and devoted my life to that task. As a result, I have been actively involved in ministry to teens and adults since 1985.
By the Lord’s grace I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of churches and ministries. I served as pastor to junior and senior high youth at Cape Bible Chapel in Cape Girardeau, Missouri from 1992 — 2001, when I left to attend Master’s Seminary in Los Angeles, CA. At the completion of seminary in 2004, God moved my family to Maryville, TN, where I am currently the teaching pastor at Grace Community Church.
I have been married to my beautiful wife Alisa since 1989. We have a son, Josiah (1995), and three daughters, Johanna (2003), Maria (2006), and Salena (2008). Maria and Salena are biological sisters who were adopted from Haiti in 2010.
My passion is to walk in a manner worthy of my Lord, to minister within the local church, and to train others to serve Jesus with excellence, grace, and wisdom. It is my deepest desire to see Christ magnified so that all peoples and all nations might fear and worship Him as He so richly deserves.
My life verse is Hebrews 12:1-4.
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;”
Ryan Mitchell
Director of South African Ministries
more about Ryan…
During the first ten years of my life, I was sprinkled as an infant in the Catholic Church, my mom was graciously saved by God and left the RC Church, and then, through her faithful instruction in the Scriptures, God saved me too. We never found a good church during my school-going years, but, while I was at university, a friend invited me to Grace Fellowship Pretoria, which is pastored by Joel James, a graduate of The Master’s Seminary. The first time I heard Joel preach I looked down at my Bible, looked up at Joel, looked back down at my Bible, and said to myself, “This is where I belong! He made the Scripture so clear!” I had found a church committed to the Word of God, expository preaching, biblical counseling, elder rule, and training men for ministry. It wasn’t long before many years of slow growth in the faith turned into a race car-paced growth in godliness.
At the University of Pretoria, I completed a BA Hons in Ancient Languages and Cultures. While completing this degree, Joel took me on as his part-time secretary (something about that crazy degree made Joel like me), which eventually became a full-time position. Over the years, I taught Sunday school classes, adult classes, and helped lead a Bible study. After years of faithful service in the local body, my elders affirmed my call to ministry and in 2010 my family and I headed off to The Master’s Seminary where I spent the next four years studying for the MDiv degree. In 2014, we returned to South Africa where I served as the registrar of a reformed seminary. From 2015 to 2017, I served as an associate pastor at my home church where I worked with a team of pastors to start Shepherds’ Seminary Africa.
In 2016, my family and I started preparing for church planting in Papua New Guinea and began serving there in 2018. We lived in a mountain village in the Madang Province for close to four years. There we had the privilege of working alongside FinisTerre missionaries, Zach and Cassidy Cann, as they preached the gospel, taught literacy and reading, and planted a church. In 2022, we moved down to Madang town where we fulfilled various ministry and supportive roles until our departure from the field in late 2023.
In February 2024, I joined Living Hope Bible Church in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa where I now serve as an associate pastor to fellow TMS graduate, Andrew Zekveld. Andrew and my fellow elders have asked me to help them establish formal training for men who want to go into full-time pastoral ministry, help them train up elders in several church plants they work with, and help plant churches in the province. XL Ministries’ resources and internships are the perfect tool to help us reach our goal of entrusting to faithful men the gospel of Jesus Christ so that they can plant churches, equip God’s people, and entrust the same truth to others also. I and my fellow elders here at LHBC are excited to be introducing XL Ministries to the church in South Africa and beyond.
As thankful as I am for the ministry God has allowed me to serve in, I am most thankful for my wife, Elna, and our two kids, Calista and Sebastian. They are a precious gift from the Lord.
Staff
Eric Ellis
Associate Director
more about Eric…
I have had the great privilege of serving in various aspects of ministry since 1994. I have pastored in college, youth, and adult ministries in Texas, Arkansas, and Colorado. I am currently serving as an elder at South Boulder Bible Church in Boulder, Colorado where I also served as lead pastor from 2007 to 2024.
The Lord brought me to Himself the summer before my senior year of high school (1986). Through the witness and lifestyle of a friend, I was introduced to the gospel and church for the first time. Upon hearing the Word of God preached with boldness and compassion, I believed in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
God introduced me to my wonderful wife and my best friend, Paige, while we were attending the University of Northern Colorado. She graciously agreed to marry me in 1993. We have two adult sons, Evan and Caleb.
I have had the privilege of knowing and being discipled by some extraordinary servants of our King. What a great gift God has given us in the body of Christ, encouraging us to a greater love of God and others and to pursue good deeds! I consider it a great privilege and opportunity to be involved in the training of men for God’s awesome calling: full-time service of Christ and His people.
Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
T.J. Welch
Operations Manager
more about T.J….
Having served in men’s ministry for 12 years, I worked in various administrative roles before I started working with XL Ministries. By God’s goodness, I started a family and enjoy working to further the cause by helping local churches train and develop their own leaders and elders.
Barbara Kemp
Executive Assistant
more about Barbara…
Barbara is a native Texan and life-long resident of the Fort Worth area. She began volunteering with XL Ministries in the late ‘90s and came on staff part time in 2001. She is retired from working in systems management and currently works part time at her church as well as XL Ministries.
Billie Ruth Bingham
Project Manager
more about Billie Ruth…
In God’s kindness, He allowed me to grow up in a Christian home where I learned the truths of the gospel from a young age. At the age of 16, my heart was opened to my need for a Savior and I trusted in Christ as my LORD and Savior at that time. I attended Texas A&M University and studied Education and then continued my studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary by earning a Master’s in Religious Education in 1991. Since that time, I served on two church staffs: one in Texas and one in Alabama.
In 2000, I married Chip Bingham and God blessed us with two children, Edith and Liam. We are thankful to call Fort Worth, Texas and Countryside Bible Church our home. Since 2003, we have been attending Countryside Bible Church and are thankful for the opportunities to serve in various capacities with young families and children.
Wescott Robinson
Internship Manager
more about Wescott…
Wescott has been serving as the Pastor of Discipleship and Equipping at Littlerock Community Fellowship since 2018. He and his wife, Heather, live in Turnwater, Washington with their 3 wonderful daughters. Wescott came to know the Lord when he was a freshman in high school and later attended the Master’s University. He’s been serving faithfully in pastoral ministry since 2003 and earned his Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary.
Hannah Marquez
XL Conference Coordinator
more about Hannah…
Bio
Brad Bartz
Social Media Coordinator
more about Brad…
Bio
Brooke Bartz
Social Media Coordinator
more about Brooke…
Brooke is a stay-at-home wife and mom. She is the author of “Godly Ever After” and the book “Chronic Love: Trusting God while Suffering with a Chronic Illness.” She is the founder of Open Hearts in a Closed World Ministry and Conference and is involved in women’s ministry at her church. She co-hosts the Open Hearts Podcast alongside Erin Coates and has ongoing resources and teachings that are streamed on AGTV (American Gospel TV).
Julie Armstrong
Shipping Coordinator
more about Julie…
Bio
Hannah Hird
Managing Editor
more about Hannah…
Bio
Brenda Payne
Executive Secretary
more about Brenda…
Bio
Eric Ellis
Associate Director
more about Eric…
I have had the great privilege of serving in various aspects of ministry since 1994. I have pastored in college, youth, and adult ministries in Texas, Arkansas, and Colorado. I am currently serving as an elder at South Boulder Bible Church in Boulder, Colorado where I also served as lead pastor from 2007 to 2024.
The Lord brought me to Himself the summer before my senior year of high school (1986). Through the witness and lifestyle of a friend, I was introduced to the gospel and church for the first time. Upon hearing the Word of God preached with boldness and compassion, I believed in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
God introduced me to my wonderful wife and my best friend, Paige, while we were attending the University of Northern Colorado. She graciously agreed to marry me in 1993. We have two adult sons, Evan and Caleb.
I have had the privilege of knowing and being discipled by some extraordinary servants of our King. What a great gift God has given us in the body of Christ, encouraging us to a greater love of God and others and to pursue good deeds! I consider it a great privilege and opportunity to be involved in the training of men for God’s awesome calling: full-time service of Christ and His people.
Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
T.J. Welch
Operations Manager
more about T.J….
Having served in men’s ministry for 12 years, I worked in various administrative roles before I started working with XL Ministries. By God’s goodness, I started a family and enjoy working to further the cause by helping local churches train and develop their own leaders and elders.
Barbara Kemp
Executive Assistant
more about Barbara…
Barbara is a native Texan and life-long resident of the Fort Worth area. She began volunteering with XL Ministries in the late ‘90s and came on staff part time in 2001. She is retired from working in systems management and currently works part time at her church as well as XL Ministries.
Billie Ruth Bingham
Project Manager
more about Billie Ruth…
In God’s kindness, He allowed me to grow up in a Christian home where I learned the truths of the gospel from a young age. At the age of 16, my heart was opened to my need for a Savior and I trusted in Christ as my LORD and Savior at that time. I attended Texas A&M University and studied Education and then continued my studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary by earning a Master’s in Religious Education in 1991. Since that time, I served on two church staffs: one in Texas and one in Alabama.
In 2000, I married Chip Bingham and God blessed us with two children, Edith and Liam. We are thankful to call Fort Worth, Texas and Countryside Bible Church our home. Since 2003, we have been attending Countryside Bible Church and are thankful for the opportunities to serve in various capacities with young families and children.
Wescott Robinson
Internship Manager
more about Wescott…
Wescott has been serving as the Pastor of Discipleship and Equipping at Littlerock Community Fellowship since 2018. He and his wife, Heather, live in Turnwater, Washington with their 3 wonderful daughters. Wescott came to know the Lord when he was a freshman in high school and later attended the Master’s University. He’s been serving faithfully in pastoral ministry since 2003 and earned his Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary.
Brad Bartz
Social Media Coordinator
more about Brad…
Brooke Bartz
Social Media Coordinator
more about Brooke…
Brooke is a stay-at-home wife and mom. She is the author of “Godly Ever After” and the book “Chronic Love: Trusting God while Suffering with a Chronic Illness.” She is the founder of Open Hearts in a Closed World Ministry and Conference and is involved in women’s ministry at her church. She co-hosts the Open Hearts Podcast alongside Erin Coates and has ongoing resources and teachings that are streamed on AGTV (American Gospel TV).
Hannah Marquez
XL Conference Coordinator
more about Hannah…
Julie Armstrong
Shipping Coordinator
more about Julie…
Hannah Hird
Managing Editor
more about Hannah…
Brenda Payne
Executive Secretary
more about Brenda…