Meet the Staff & Leadership

Kevin Osell, Lead Pastor Center Church


  • Lead Pastor - Overseer Team

    Kevin grew up in the Brainerd Lakes area where he developed an affection for the outdoors. He graduated from Bethel University with a degree in finance/accounting and worked in corporate finance for ten years. During this time, he also attended seminary. Most importantly, he loves Jesus, adores his wife (Casey) and is ecstatic about his four children (Tyler, Summer, Blake, and Roxy). His hobbies include hanging with family and friends, coaching youth sports, fly-fishing, Minnesota Vikings football, reading, and trying new salsa. Kevin loves the gospel and would relish the opportunity to explore its beauty and depths with you...over salsa (or coffee).

Angela Gellert, Youth Director at Center Church


  • Angela serves as our Youth Director at Center Church. Angela grew up in Brainerd, Minnesota. After high school, she moved to the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area where she attended Northwestern College, earning an AA in Bible. She transferred to Virginia Wesleyan in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she finished her undergraduate studies, earning a BA in Recreation Therapy, and continued her studies at Walden University, earning an MS in Psychology. She worked for several years in her field as a recreation therapist. Her most recent role was with the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital in St. Cloud, where she served as the supervisor for the Recreation Department. In early 2022, she resigned from her position with the VA and is currently serving and loving her family as a stay-at-home mom. She is married to her husband, John, and has four children: Charlotte, Channelle, Elizabeth, and Michael.

    Angela is a caring person and values getting to know people. She loves talking about Jesus and is passionate about connecting and spending time with the youth! She also enjoys spending time with her children, exercising, painting her nails, being outdoors, and snowboarding.

Emily Hayden, Worship Director at Center Church
Kendall McLaughlin, Care and Counseling at Center Church


  • Kendall grew up in Minnesota, is wife to Ryan and stay-at-home mom to Wesley and Claira. Kendall got a degree from University of Northwestern - St. Paul, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Bible. Her professional background is in developmental disabilities and behavioral therapy. Kendall loves playing ukulele, reading novels, and taking her kids to fun activities with friends! Kendall is excited to connect with, care for and counsel the women of Center Church!

Sara Jones, Admin at Center Church


  • Administrative Assistant

    Sara and her kindergarten sweetheart, now husband, Mike grew up in the Twin Cities and have lived in Fridley for the past 15 years. Sara graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s in physics and a master’s degree in education. After a decade as a physics teacher, Sara has been a stay-at-home mom to Elsie, Josie and Caleb. Sara loves to spend time near the water, leading scout troops, and convincing her family to go on adventures with her. Sara values loyalty, connection and learning new things because they each point her to Jesus!

  • Emily grew up in Illinois and has lived in Minnesota for 15 years. She is married to Casey and is mom to three kids. Emily graduated from Bethel University with degrees in Biblical & Theological Studies and Sacred Music. Her professional background includes business operations and investor relations.

    Emily has been part of Center Church since its beginning and currently serves as the Worship Director. She enjoys cooking, crocheting, music, and spending time on the water. She loves being part of the Center Church community and helping create a place where people can know and worship Jesus.

Peyton Colburn, Overseer at Center Church


  • Overseer Team