Dr. Richard Harvey accepted the call to Cross Baptist Church as Senior Pastor on August 1, 2021. He received his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2020 specializing in church revitalization, his Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2006 with concentration in pastoral leadership, and his undrgraduate degree in Religious Studies from the University of Mobile in 1990. Dr. Harvey is married to Shannon (Stringer) Harvey.  They have three sons: Justus (married to Erin Curtis Harvey), Graham, and Wesley. Richard was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1991 and has more than 30 years of Christian ministry experience having served churches in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Florida. He has authored numerous articles on church revitalization for The Church Revitalizer Magazine and has recently published in paperback his book, Fail Proof: Eight Biblical Truths That Will Keep You from Falling.

"I am so excited to be Senior Pastor at Cross Baptist Church. I love the local church. It is the "body of Christ" giving evidence of the love, care, and compassion of Jesus to the local community. If there is one thing I hope Eufaula, AL and the surrounding community comes to know and experience, it is that Cross Cares! We care because God cares for you and your family. "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19, CSB). I hope you will join us soon and experience just how much Cross Cares as we attempt to express just how much Christ cares for you!"

"When (Jesus) saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matt. 9:36, CSB).

Cross Cares because Christ Cares!

Les Cheveldayoff was born in Canada and grew up as a MK (missionary kid) as his parents served in the South American nation of Bolivia. He is fluent in Spanish and has been actively involved in mission work around the globe. Les was called by the Cross Baptist Church family on February 19, 2023, to serve as Associate Pastor of Worship and Family Ministries. Les has an extensive ministry resume including worship leadership, recording artist, vocal coaching, acting and consulting on major Christian drama productions including playing the part of Jesus in numerous productions. Les was the lead pastor for the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, FL while also playing the role as Jesus for more than a decade.

Les and his wife, Diane, also serve as certified marriage coaches. Together they have an ongoing ministry to see marriages and families thrive through learning and practicing godly, biblical principles in the home. Les and Dianne have been married for 31 years. They have three lovely young adult daughters, Leslie, Leah, and Jamie.

As Family Ministries pastor, Les will oversee the youth and children’s ministries of the church. He will provide leadership for our very talented and experienced volunteers in these ministries. We look forward to the growth of the church as we work to reach these young families and the youth of our community with the love of Christ. As Worship pastor, Les will give direction to our already gifted choir and music ministry. We anticipate the growth in these ministries to attract many people in our community through dramatic productions in the Easter and Christmas seasons as well as various opportunities to include the greater Eufaula community in events that with lift up and glorify our awesome God through music and dramatic productions throughout the year.