STAFF

  • Bob Miller

    LEAD PASTor

    I have served as the Lead Pastor of Wellspring since its inception in 2006. My typical week as a pastor, if there is such a thing, includes studying and sermon preparation, guiding and encouraging our staff, counseling those in need, developing and maintaining relationships, and working alongside our Advisory Board and staff to provide leadership and direction for the future of Wellspring. I met my wife, Kristin, when we were both students at Missouri State University. We were married on July 18, 1992. We have 4 children: Zac, Kylie, Kenzie and Zavier, and 2 grandchildren:  Leif and Indy.  


    Education:

    Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Missouri State University (1991)

    Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from Central Missouri State University (1998)

    Master’s Degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary (2010)


    Hobbies/Interests:

    I love coaching my children and currently serve as a middle school basketball and track coach at St. Joseph Christian School. I enjoy running, golf, and usually have a book or two always at the ready for a free moment. 

  • BEN PARMER

    ASSOCIATE PASTOR

    I was born in Colorado Springs and raised in Wedowee, Alabama. As a military kid, I've moved over 30 times in my life. My ministry experience has taken me from Brazil and China to campus ministry in Orlando. After Nikki and I married in 2006, we joined a church planting team in Puerto Rico and later served Chinese students in Alabama and China. We moved to St. Joseph in 2018 after working at Sangre de Cristo Seminary in the mountains of Colorado. I have served churches in Montgomery, St. Joseph, and, most recently New Market, Missouri. I now serve bivocationally, working in AI data automation within the EdTech industry.


    Nikki and I have four kids—two boys and two girls—who mostly grew up in the mountains. We've been part of the Wellspring community for several years and are grateful to call it home. I will serve as Associate Pastor, focusing on discipleship, connecting people, and supporting church leadership.


    Education:

    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Samford University

    Master of Divinity in Biblical Exegesis – Sangre de Cristo Seminary


    Hobbies & Interests:

    I love being outdoors—hiking, backpacking, camping, working in the yard, and traveling. I enjoy good coffee, reading, cooking, good music and playing guitar. I'm an aspiring DIY mechanic trying to keep the Parmer fleet running, and I geek out over great pens and smart tech. We've become avid Chiefs fans since moving to Missouri—but I'm a lifelong loyal Alabama Crimson Tide fan. Roll Tide!


  • KENNY ATKINS

    Worship & Youth director

    I grew up 20 miles north of St Joseph. I joined the Wellspring staff in September of 2020. Before Wellspring, I spent two years serving on church staff in Havre, Montana. My role at Wellspring is to develop and equip high school students to foster a deep relationship with Christ. I also help oversee Sunday morning service by serving as the Worship Director. I am excited to be at Wellspring and work alongside fellow believers who have the same passion and desire to see this community and church continue to develop their relationship with Jesus.


    Education: Bachelor of Arts in Student Ministry from Ozark Christian College (2018)


    Hobbies: I enjoy most outdoor activities. My favorites are fishing, hiking, camping, traveling, hunting, and snowboarding. I enjoy eating and making unique and exotic foods. I am also a die hard Kansas City Chiefs fan.

  • FAITH MONTGOMERY

    Elementary Children's Director

    I’ve been happily married to my incredible husband, Dan, for 14 years, and together we have four amazing and spunky kids who fill our lives with laughter, adventure, and a little bit of the best kind of chaos!  Family is such a huge part of my story, and I love bringing that same sense of joy and belonging into everything we do in Kids Ministry.  I’m passionate about creating spaces where kids can experience Jesus in real and lasting ways through worship, prayer, and learning God’s Word in ways that come alive for them. My heart is to see kids grow in their love for Jesus, discover who they are in Him, and carry that faith into every part of their lives.


    Hobbies/Interests:

    When I’m not surrounded by color pages and glitter, you can usually find me spending time with loved ones, relaxing on my front porch, watching a favorite movie, or planning our next project like hanging wall paper, putting up our christmas decorations or refinishing old furniture, transforming something old into something new and beautiful again.


  • blayr kennedy

    HOSPITALITY DIRECTOR

    I have lived in St. Joseph my entire life! I started attending Wellspring when I was 16 years old and it was the first church I attended where I really felt cared for. I started working at Wellspring in August of 2019 in a Children's Ministry role, but have recently transitioned to the Hospitality Director. I am incredibly passionate about making sure people are seen, loved, and pursued. My hope is that everyone who walks through the doors of Wellspring feels the deep love of the Father and finds a path to grow in their love for the Lord and for others. I am very thankful to be a part of this church and this community of believers who are so passionate about spreading the Gospel and loving people. I married my wonderful husband, Taylor, in December of 2013 and we have five precious and wild little boys: Titus, Armor, Valor, Waters, and Stone.


    Education: 

    Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education (English) from the University of Missouri (2014)


    Hobbies/Interests: 

    I spend the majority of my time taking care of my boys (all 6 if you count my husband), running or working out, and being with friends and family. I get great joy out of loving God and sharing the love of Christ with whoever will listen! And I’m always up for trying new foods and LOVE creating new latte recipes so I can enjoy God's goodness through an incredibly delicious cup of coffee! 

  • NIKKI PARMER

    ministry assistant

    I grew up in North Alabama and became a Christian at Troy University through the ministry of Campus Outreach. After college, I lived  in Almaty, Kazakhstan for two years. I was introduced to my husband, Ben during a visit home in 2005. We were married in 2006. Our family later moved to Colorado, where I homeschooled our kids in the mountains. We moved to St. Joseph, MO in 2018. For the past three years, I have worked for our local Children's Division, allowing me to serve and advocate for those that are walking through having children in state’s custody. My love for hospitality and the vulnerable is something I hope to utilize as I serve as a part of Wellspring’s staff team!


    Education

    Bachelors of Arts in English Language Arts – Troy University.


    Hobbies:

    I love hosting people in our home—there's nothing quite like gathering around the dinner table with friends and family. I'm an avid reader who always has a book in hand, and I'm passionate about anything outdoors, especially hiking and camping adventures. I'm also a coffee lover who believes the perfect cup can make any day better especially when shared with friends. I cherish spending quality time with my family, and I find joy in baking—whether it's trying new recipes or perfecting old favorites to share with the people I love. I also find great joy in journaling and watching great movies!

  • Justin amos

    care team director

    I started working at Wellspring in 2011 as the Associate Pastor and I stayed in that position until 2025, when I transitioned to the Care Team Director. My primary role at Wellspring is providing leadership and supervision to our Care Team members. I married my beautiful wife, Sara, in May 2012. We have three children: Makenna, Mya and Noah.  


    Education:

    Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Missouri Western State University (2007)

    Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University (2011)

    Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Irvine (2025)


    Hobbies/Interests:

    I love playing drums and enjoy all kinds of music. I'm also a lover of delicious foods! Finally, I'm a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan!!!!!

  • KENZIE THOM

    middle school & College ministry director

    I have attended Wellspring since it started in 2006 and have been blessed to be a part of the elementary, middle school, and high school ministries here as well as college young life and the summer internships. I now work full time as the middle school ministry director and the director of college young life at Missouri Western. I’ve been so greatly impacted by the leaders and ministry workers who have poured into me and I desire to do the same for our middle school and college students! My desire is to build relationships with middle school and college students and create a space for them to come to know God deeper and grow in their faith while in community with other believers! I married my husband Connor in June of 2023!


    Education:

    Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Childhood Studies from Missouri Western State University (2023) 


    Hobbies/ Interests:

    I enjoy running and help coach the cross country team at Central which brings me a lot of joy! I also enjoy playing pickleball, hanging out with my family and friends, and good talks over coffee!

  • KRISTIN MILLER

    Family Life Ministry Director

    I have been at Wellspring since the beginning in 2006. I have served in many roles throughout my years at Wellspring! After teaching middle school students for several years in the St. Joseph School District, a few years ago I felt God leading me to begin a new ministry centering around availability and presence in the lives of young women and families. Through relational ministry, my desire is to walk alongside families in ways that help them connect with God and one another. I help support families through organizing meal trains when there is a birth, illness, surgery or life event where our church community can bless a family through providing meals. Also, I serve at Edison Elementary School and work with the staff there to connect our church community to the needs of their students and families. I married my husband, Bob, in 1992. We have four children – Zac (married to Sam), Kylie, Kenzie (married to Connor) and Zavier, and we have three grandchildren – Leif, Indy and Beck!


    Education:

    Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Missouri State University (1992)

    TESOL Certification from Missouri Western State University (2018)


    Hobbies/Interests:

    I love spending time with my family and friends! I enjoy playing games, being outside, hiking, walking the dogs and watching or playing sports!

  • Marissa Purvis

    all in Ministry Director

    Brady and I started attending Wellspring in 2008 and have been raising our 5 children here ever since.  I’ve served as the All In Ministry Director at Wellspring for years, supporting foster and adoptive families. Recently, my role has expanded to include a broader focus on outreach in our community.  I will be partnering with local nonprofits to explore how Wellspring can support and step into the work they’re already doing.  My heart is to come alongside Wellspringers to help them find meaningful ways to serve the vulnerable together. I am also a ministry lead with Faith Montgomery with our Haven Ministry and I partner with Nikki Parmer with the Family Advocacy Network.

     

    Education:

    Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University (2006)

     

    Hobbies/Interest: 

    I love hanging out with Brady and our kids, running, camping, hiking, playing pickleball, traveling, going on walks with friends and spending as much time outside as possible.

  • Tara Thompson

    birth-5 Year Old Children's Director

    I started attending Wellspring in 2018 and I began serving with the Guest House and participated in the Wellspring Summer Internship, both of which helped me grow in community! Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in Children’s Ministry, Hospitality, and as a member of the Wellspring Care Team.


    I am now serving as the Birth through 5-Year-Old Children’s Director. I am so excited to partner with families at Wellspring, spend time with our amazing kiddos and help teach them about Jesus!


    My husband Dallas and I got married in 2021, and we have two sweet boys, Bentley and Braxton, along with our pup, Asia. Our home is full of energy and fun and I wouldn’t have it any other way!


    Education:

    Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Missouri Western State University
    Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Northwest Missouri State University


    Hobbies/Interest: 

    I love being around people, spending quality time with my family, and playing games with friends!

  • EMILY DESHON

    Operations MANAGER

    I joined the Wellspring team in 2025. They were in need of some administrative organization and I had the work experience to fulfill that role. My primary duties include HR, overseeing finances, systems and communication. I serve to take on more of the administrative duties so that the pastors can focus on people. I am married to my wonderful husband of 11+ years and we have a sweet 5 year old son. 


    Education:

    Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Counseling | Baptist Bible College (2015)


    Hobbies/Interests:

    I am an avid reader and aspire to have my own library one day. I love all things psychology and counseling and enjoy using those gifts at the Care Center. 

  • HANNAH JOHNSTON

    OFFICE administrator

    I grew up in St. Joseph, and started attending Wellspring in 2019. That summer, Wellspring sent me to Iceland where I served as a missionary for 3 years. I returned to St. Joseph with my Icelandic husband, Elmar, in 2023. I started working part-time at Wellspring in March 2024. We have one sweet and spunky little girl and a little boy on the way. Elmar and I plan to move back to Iceland one day and, Lord willing, start a YoungLife ministry and a church.


    Education: 

    Associates Degree in Intercultural Studies from Spurgeon College (2020)

    Planning to pursue Christian Ministry BA from Spurgeon College


    Hobbies:

    My oven is always on and you will find me baking something in my free time. I love going on walks, singing, reading, and relaxing with my family. I also run a small business as a Birth Support Doula!

  • OLIVIA GUARDADO

    WORSHIP ASSISTANT

    Hey there, I’m so excited to be here and to be serving at Wellspring. I was born in Wichita, KS and grew up in Siloam Springs, AR. I moved to St Joe in February of 2024 to marry the best St Joe boy, Louie Guardado. We welcomed our son Bennet into the world in October of 2025. I’ve been serving and leading on worship teams since I was in middle school. Having experience leading at church camps, several different church communities, and in college has strengthened my skills and prepared me to work here at Wellspring. My goal and hope is being able to provide a time of worship that makes it easy to connect with the Lord during service. 


    Education:

    Bachelors in General Music with an emphasis on Music Education and Worship Arts from John Brown University (2021)


    Hobbies/Interests:

    I enjoy a good movie marathon, a long drive with a good podcast, and hanging out with my family over a delicious home cooked meal.

  • rob willoughby

    Facilities Director

    I oversee all projects relating to the church building. My wife, Erin, and I have been married for over 20 years. We have four boys: Max, Ben, Sam and George.


    Education: 

    BSBA in Economics, Missouri Western


    Hobbies/Interests:

    I enjoy Malcolm Gladwell, Freakonomics, Donald Miller and Storyline, Bob Goff, storytelling, and filmmaking, and trying to blend them all into building a better me. I also like words and numbers.