Phillip is the Senior Pastor at Vertical Church. Phillip and Kalyn joined Vertical Church in 2019. They believe that Jesus can change the life of anyone and a relationship with Jesus is worth going all in for. Kalyn and Phillip enjoy rooting for Atlanta United, the Atlanta Braves, playing sports, good food, and most of all serving the Lord. The Kight's also have 3 cats named Obi, Wedge, and Biggs (all named after characters from Star Wars).

Tracey is the children’s director here at Vertical Church. She lives in Blairsville with her husband (Kent), two twin boys (Knox and Stockton), and her dog (Jingles). Tracey's passion and focus is to make sure children know that Jesus loves them, knows God created them uniquely, and that they were made with a special purpose. She is incredibly intentional with relationships. When she’s not hanging out with kids, Tracey enjoys helping with Boy Scouts, gardening, relaxing by the lake, adventuring with her family, and laughing.

Chris is the campus pastor at Vertical Church in Morganton. Chris and Krista Miller have lived in Blairsville almost 20 years. While here they have received much joy from seeing young people develop their walk with Jesus through Bible study, mission trips and doing life together, it is their desire to see as many students as possible come to know Jesus in a deep, personal way. Chris and Krista have 3 adult children, Gabe, Kelsey and Katie (and a pup named Red). Krista is a teacher in Union County Middle School.  Both Chris and Krista love a good Mexican meal and some good BBQ.

Courtney is our Hiawassee Campus and College Ministry Director for Vertical Church. She is a Blairsville native who attended Toccoa Falls College for both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees where she met her husband, Mike. They are both passionate about Jesus and building Christ-centered community in North Georgia. Courtney and Mike are also dog-parents to a pup named Birdie, avid Braves fans, disc-golfers, outdoor enthusiasts, and coffee people.

Erin is the youth director here at Vertical Church. She is a recent graduate of Young Harris College, and she recently married Jared. Erin is passionate about seeing students come alive in their relationship with Christ. Her favorite part about working with youth is getting to walk alongside them in such a moldable season in their life. She also loves playing and hosting games (the messier the better!) Erin is getting her masters in Education with hopes to be a middle school math teacher one day! Fun fact- mayonnaise and pickles are a staple in her diet.

Austin Watson is the tech and media director of Vertical Church. Austin and Hadleigh are recently married and love serving together. Austin and Hadleigh are both graduates from Young Harris College.  Austin enjoys good coffee, playing guitar, creating art and forming intentional relationships. Austin's love for worship is a direct indication of his love towards Jesus.

Worship & Marketing Leader

Caroline Watkins is the Worship & Marketing  Leader at Vertical Church. Caroline graduated from Young Harris College in 2021, and she was Vertical's Worship Intern before joining the full-time staff.  She is honored to be able to serve in ways that she loves so much. She says that she is proof of God's grace, and she wants people to see that in her work.

We are always looking to build our team. From volunteers, internships, or even openings, we have lots of ways to get plugged in and serve at Vertical. Come join the family!