Staff
Dr. Don Hooker
Pastor Don Hooker was saved at the age of 5 in a Cincinnati area church. Being involved in the church even as a teen, it was not a surprise to family and friends when he went to Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. There he received his Bachelor of Science in Bible and Pastoral Ministries with a minor in Music. Pastor Don has been a music director, youth minister, Christian school principal, college & career teacher and Associate Pastor before becoming a church planter in Columbus, Mississippi. He also finished his Master of Arts in Biblical Studies in 2008 and his Doctor of Theology in 2022
God brought Pastor and his wife Michele to Serenity in September of 1999. During the time here, the church has purchased a new building and more property adjacent to us, the attendance has increased, missions giving has multiplied. But most important, there has been spiritual growth among the members.
Pastor and Michele (Goodson) were married in 1984 and Michele serves the Lord and helps her husband in many areas including children classes, ladies meetings, music groups and other areas of ministry. They have an adult son, Michael.
Pastor Don would love for you to come worship with us at Serenity. One of his sayings is, “Come as a guest, leave as a friend”.
Life verse: Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Spencer Rathel
Spencer Rathel knew from a young age that he would be in ministry somehow. He is 3rd generation minister, who started his training as a toddler picking up trash after church dinner’s. Working with his parents at the Christian School they taught at in Pennsylvania, Spencer has learned the many different aspects of serving in a church.
Having just graduated from High School in 2022, Spence is now studying Bible Theology online as he works daily with Pastor Don at Serenity. The opportunities to teach, preach, sing, play drums in Praise team and cleaning help him have a hands-on learning experience that will be valuable as he moves forward to whatever Christ has for him.
Spencer loves Southern Gospel, drums, about any kind of food (especially his grandma’s apple pie), his dog Gizmo and his family. His life verse is I Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”