Church Staff
Steve Peoples is the Senior Pastor of Topeka First Assembly Churches. He is a graduate of Washburn University with a degree in Public Administration. Pastor Steve brings a unique perspective to our team having worked extensively in youth ministry for over 17 years serving in capacities from youth sponsor to youth pastor and Youth Alive Missionary to the State of Illinois. Steve and Angela have four children. Steve is passionate about golf and connecting unchurched people to God.
Steve Rains is Lead Pastor of the Boulevard Campus and oversees Life Groups and Assimilation. He comes to us from Colorado via Goodland, Kansas where he served as Senior Pastor of Calvary Gospel Church for over seven years. We feel blessed to have his experience on our team. Steve is a graduate of Central Bible College. He is married to Robin and they two sons. Steve is passionate about seeing people become who God created them to be. Pastor Steve enjoys time with his family, working out, outdoor life, a good book, and the Broncos.
Hal Smith is Lead Pastor of the Farmhouse Church. As President of the Topeka Rescue Mission, Pastor Hal carries the reputation of a community leader. Hal also brings a unique perspective to our team as prior to his time on staff, he was a successful businessman and former youth evangelist with Youth Challenge. Pastor Hal and Debi have been married for 31 years and have four children and nine grandchildren. Pastor Hal is focused on helping real people find real help from the real Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Erik Rocha is Lead Pastor of the Centro Cristiano Nueva Vida. Pastor Erik and Michelle have five children.
Pete Kramer is the campus pastor at Mission Hill Church. Their ministry includes preaching, small groups, and media. Pete is a 2007 graduate of Central Bible College with a B.A. in Bible and Youth Ministries. Whitney is a 2010 graduate of Missouri State University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Pete and Whitney were married in December 2007 and have a wonderful son named A.J.
Mark Whitehead is the Student Ministries Pastor and oversees the children’s ministry at the boulevard campus. Pastor Mark came to us from Colorado via Living Waters Church in Salida, where he was a youth pastor for a year and a half. Mark is a 2009 graduate from North Central University with a B.A. in Youth Ministries and a minor in Biblical Studies and Business. Ashley graduated from Southwestern University with a B.A. in Professional Development and works as our publications specialist. Mark and Ashley have been married since January of 2010 and have a passion to see youth come to know Christ.
