Carthage Nazarene Staff

THE STAFF AT CARTHAGE NAZARENE LOVE, CARE, AND PRAY FOR

EVERY PERSON IN THE CHURCH. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR

ANY OF OUR STAFF, FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT BY EMAIL OR

CALL OUR CHURCH OFFICE TO SPEAK WITH THEM. 

  • Dustin Ledford

    Senior Pastor

    pastordustin@carthagenaz.org

    Dustin has served as senior pastor at Carthage since January 2006. His heart is to reach

    the lost and be used for the building of God's kingdom. He is an alumnus of

    Mid-America Nazarene University.


    Dustin enjoys four-wheeling, snow-skiing, and horseback riding. He has been married to Kara since 1991. They have three children, Riley, Kaley, and Reed. 

  • hunter newman

    Student Ministries

    hunter@carthagenaz.org

    Hunter has been on staff since May of 2021.  He is an alumnus of Mid-America Nazarene University. Hunter is passionate about seeing students and families develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. 


    Hunter LOVES to hunt, fish, and play sports, as well as spend time with his amazing girlfriend, Brianna. 

  • HEATHER SMITH

    interim Childrens ministries

    heather@carthagenaz.org

    Heather loves connecting with kids and their families.  She has a desire to see kids grow in their faith through worship and Bible teaching.


    Heather and her husband, Greg, have four children, Logan, Sierra, Lincoln, and Tucker.  She enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling.

  • GABRIEL COX

    Worship Arts Pastor

    gabriel@carthagenaz.org

    Gabriel joined our team in June 2018.  Gabe feels that worship is an important part of helping people serve and connect to the Lord and others.  He served in Arkansas as Youth and Worship Pastor before moving to Carthage.


    He loves spending time with his wife, Anna, and daughter, Gabriana, and the newest addition to their family, Copeland.  Gabriel enjoys the Razorbacks! ...and all sports.  Music is significant in his everyday life.

  • SUSAN WENDLETON

    connection care

    susan@carthagenaz.org

    Susan joined the staff of Carthage Nazarene in November 2018.  An alumnus of Ozark Christian College, she has a love for people and a desire to reflect Jesus through involvement in the lives of others with a life verse of Matthew 5:16.


    Early mornings, she can be found greeting students at Columbian Elementary on weekdays and Carthage Nazarene on Sundays.  She loves to share hospitality around her table, playing games, or at a Senior Lunch 'N Laugh.  Mission trips are a favorite, and she's always ready for an adventure.

  • samuel cordova

    iNTERIM CROSS CULTURAL PASTOR

    Samuel joined us  in June of 2019 to serve as the Cross Cultural Pastor.  Also, Samuel is the Hispanic Coordinator for the Joplin Distict Church of the Nazarene.  He enjoys training pastors.  He has an MA in Pastoral Theology, MAD at DCPI and MA in Children, Teenagers and Youth, and Pastoral Care with an MA in Pastoral Psychology.  Samuel was born in Guadealjara, Jalisco Mexico.  


    He once played Galaga up to 3 hours winning 1st place in a local arcade tournament.  He is married to Sandra and has 2 children -- Sandy and Samy.