Dive Deeper with our Belong Class
Join us as you hear more about our values and vision from Pastor Phil and his wife Kalyn.
Meet the team.
We are so blessed as a church to have a staff that pursues Jesus, and Loves people. Here is our team!
Phil & Kalyn Kight
Senior Pastor
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 & Kent Reed
Children's Director
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.
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 & Krista Miller
Campus Pastor
Chris is the youth, teams and local outreach pastor at Vertical Church. 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 lazy dog, Duncan). Krista is a teacher in the Union County Alternative Education Program. Both Chris and Krista love a good Mexican meal and some good BBQ.
Courtney & Mike Young
Campus Director - Hiawassee
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 Buehring
Youth Director
Erin is the youth director here at Vertical Church. She is a recent graduate of Young Harris College and is soon to be married to Jared in June! 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 & Hadleigh Watson
Worship | Media Director
Austin Watson is the worship 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.