LifeSpring Church is passionate about the newness and the fullness of life that is found in Jesus. We are passionate about being a source of light and life to the community that we are a part of. And we are passionate about the potential that each and every person has. Potential to change, and to change the world.
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Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, springs in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
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Our Mission
Our mission is to help people reach their potential in Christ. We believe that every person has a God-given potential that can only be reached through the fullness of life that comes from Jesus Christ.
Our Values
God's Word
To reach our God-given potential, we need to hear from God and follow His instructions for our lives; moreover, we believe in the power of His Word and its ability to guide us. We rely on the Bible to provide direction in how we live our lives and also to be the arbiter of truth about this world and this life.
Our Leadership
LifeSpring Church is an elder-led church, where a plurality of elders lead and shepherd our church as they are led by Christ and the Holy Spirit. The elder team provides both leadership and oversight for the vision and direction of our church. Our staff team helps to lead various ministries and day to day life of the church. Deacons serve, help lead ministries, and provide care for those in the church.
Elders
Elders
Michael Green
Lead Pastor/Elder
Pastor Mike's Bio Mike has been in ministry since 1995. He began as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at Cresset Baptist Church, the congregation that occupied our current location before we became LifeSpring Church. Shortly thereafter, he assumed the role of Interim Pastor, a position he held for three years. He was then chosen as their Head Pastor, serving in that capacity for an additional four years. Following his time at Cresset, he became the Head Pastor of First Baptist Church in Pageland, SC, where he served for four years. Mike then ventured into church planting, founding “The Link” in Beaufort, SC, and leading that community for eight years. He was eventually called back to Cresset Baptist Church to replant the church, a process that took three years and culminated in the launch of LifeSpring Church in January 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been the pastor here since August 2016, and every church in which he has served has experienced growth. Background Raised in a small rural apple-growing community in Clintondale, NY, Mike married his late wife, Lynn, in 1985 while attending Hamilton College. They enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage and had two sons, Collin and Sean. Sadly, Lynn passed away in December 2024. Before entering the ministry, Mike worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a synthetic organic chemist for Pfizer, Glaxo, and a startup he co-founded with friends called SARco. He has a passion for progressive rock music, BBQ, and roots sky blue. Education •B.A. in Chemistry, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY, May 1986. •M.Div. with Languages, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC, May 1999. •D.Min. in Expository Preaching, Anderson University, Anderson, SC, December 2019.
Ty Green
Elder
Elder Ty’s Bio Ty has been a member of LifeSpring Church (formerly Cresset Church) since 2013, and has been in leadership since 2014 as a Deacon and an Elder. He is currently serving as an Elder of LifeSpring Church. Ty has a Bachelor degree from Clemson University and an Associate’s degree from Durham Tech in Dental Laboratory Technology. He works for NC Department of Public Health/ Oral Health Section and is also an adjunct professor in Dental Laboratory Technology at Durham Tech. Ty has been married to his lovely wife Mary Beth for 25 years and has two children: Mary Katherine and Branson.
Staff
Brian Worley
Executive Pastor
Pastor Brian’s Bio Brian is the Executive Pastor with 32 years of pastoral experience. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological seminary, Brian was a Pastor of Students and Families for over 20 years and Executive Pastor for more than 16 years. Brian is also the Executive Director of Camp Oak Hill which combines His love for Jesus, camping ministry, and students and families into one ministry. Brian is married to Susan with 3 daughters, 2 sons in law, and 3 grandchildren (Lila, Abigail, and Graham).
Steven Mercado
Pastor of Discipleship
Pastor Steven's Bio Steven has dedicated over 28 years to full-time ministry, faithfully serving God's people with passion, integrity, and compassion. Originally from the vibrant heart of New York City, a seasoned leader and committed servant, Pastor Steven holds an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Born Again Christian College, equipping him with both theological depth and practical ministry insight. Throughout nearly three decades of ministry, Pastor Steven has cultivated a strong foundation in Discipleship and Street Evangelism. His calling to reach the lost and disciple believers has led him to train, mentor, and mobilize countless individuals, always with a heart to see lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As LifeSpring's Pastor of Discipleship, he is responsible for our small group ministry, Sunday school, discipleship classes, special classes, retreats, and anything else to better disciple our adults. Pastor Steven is a devoted husband, having shared 18 beautiful years of marriage with his wife Heidi Mercado, and a proud father of five children. Together, they embody the values of faith, family, and service, modeling Christ-centered leadership both in the home and in the community. Whether preaching from the pulpit, ministering in the streets, or walking alongside others in their spiritual journey, Pastor Steven remains committed to advancing the Kingdom of God—one soul, one family, and one community at a time.
Heidi Mercado
Children's Ministry Director
Heidi's Bio Heidi is a passionate and dedicated leader with over 20 years of experience working with children in both faith-based and community settings. With a heart for ministry and a calling to serve the next generation, Heidi has consistently created safe, nurturing, and spiritually enriching environments where children can grow in their relationship with Christ. She has served in various roles within children’s ministries, including teaching Sunday School, organizing Vacation Bible School programs, leading youth events, and developing curriculum that aligns with biblical truths. Heidi’s background also includes mentoring young children, training volunteers, and partnering with parents to foster faith at home. In addition to her ministry work, Heidi holds an Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry: Discipleship and Church Ministry and is currently a doctorate student in Christian Leadership at Liberty University and has completed training in child development, trauma-informed care, and spiritual education. Her leadership is marked by compassion, creativity, and a strong commitment to excellence in ministry. As the Children’s Ministry Director, her vision is to see every child at LifeSpring Church grow into a strong, faith-filled follower of Jesus—equipped with the truth of God’s Word and empowered to walk boldly in their calling.
Min Deng
Communications Director
Min's Bio Min earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008. Born and raised in China, she was baptized and became a Christian in 2009. From 2015 to 2021, In her former church, she taught the gospel class of their adult Sunday school for multiple years, provided private counseling, trained new believers in small group discipleship training, and translated discipleship training series from English to Chinese. From 2020 to 2021, she completed six biblical counseling courses at Christian Counseling & Education Foundation, including Marriage Counseling, Counseling Abusive Marriages, Helping Relationships, Counseling & Physiology, Dynamics of Biblical Change, and Counseling Problems & Procedures. Her first book of her series on mental health, "Stay Alive", was published in 2023. As a follow-up on "Stay Alive", she completed her second book "To Thrive" in the spring of 2025. Both books focus on suicide and its risks. Her latest book "To Live", a sequel to "Stay Alive" and "To Thrive", is an autobiographical book on suicide prevention. Her books are freely downloadable at the AFC Bookstore (https://www.afcbook.org/) and available for purchase on Amazon (amazon.com/author/min_deng_phd_09-11) She is currently in the early stages of preparations for writing her fourth book on domestic abuse. Additionally, she intends to write more on parenting, church hurt, sexuality, and gender identities, etc. As the Communications Director at LifeSpring, she is responsible for the church website, weekly newsletters, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. She is also available for free private biblical counseling sessions in English and/or Chinese. She is honored and excited to serve the local communities and reach out to people around the world via social media. Prior to receiving her Ph.D. in Psychology, she earned a B.A. in Chinese, a second B.A. in International Journalism in China, and subsequently, an M.A. in Sociology and an M.S. in Computer Science in the United States. She lives with her loving husband of 20 years whom she met in 1997 and married in 2005, and their beloved dog Coco. In her spare time, she loves watching the sunrise on the beach, hiking, dancing, traveling, reading, and fashion.
Randy Taylor
Head of School, CCA
Randy's Bio – Head of School, CCA (June 2023 – Present) He provides strategic leadership and oversee the institution’s educational mission, ensuring alignment with its core values and goals. – Consultant, Creation Factor Consulting With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in supporting non-profit organizations through strategic consulting, fostering growth and operational excellence. – Head of School, Hopewell Academy (May 2018 – April 2023) He led Hopewell Academy in enriching educational opportunities within the Triangle area of North Carolina, driving innovation and community engagement. – Superintendent, Rockford Christian Schools (January 2003 – May 2018) He oversaw the school system’s operations, supervised Principals, the Advancement Department, and the Finance Department. His responsibilities included ensuring policy compliance and crafting a forward-thinking vision for the institution. A key achievement was raising approximately $30 million through successful fundraising initiatives. – Superintendent, Toledo Christian Schools (July 1990 – December 2002) He collaborated with the Board of Directors to enhance the school’s academic quality and expand its infrastructure. Notable accomplishments include raising approximately $10 million, adding new campuses, and retiring mortgage debt. – Principal, Bethel Christian Academy (1993 – 1999) He provided leadership in curriculum development, staff supervision, and student success, contributing to the school’s growth and educational excellence. – Education • B.A. in History, English, and Psychology, Bob Jones University • Masters in Educational Administration, BJU, PCC, East Carolina University, Liberty University • Post-graduate work toward Ed.D. in Education – Leadership and Achievements • President of Pi Epsilon Phi and Dorm Leader during university years • ACSI Convention Leader for a 10-state region, with attendance of 3,500 • Representative on the Leadership Team for the establishment of Ohio Proficiency Tests • ACSI Regional Accreditation Committee member for 10 states • Planning member for the Gage Crusade in Kinston, with 5,000 attendees • Served on Governing Boards for churches he attended • Hosted speaker series with a maximum attendance of 1,800 at one event. • Guest speaker at churches, consulting engagements, and the Ohio State Nurses Convention
Susan Valles
Worship Director
Susan's Bio Susan is a prophetic worship leader, songwriter, recording artist, author, and teacher who has called LifeSpring Church her home since January, 2020. Known for her deep passion to lead believers into God’s presence, she has been ministering through worship for over 20 years in the Raleigh/Durham region. Touched by the presence of God at an early age, Susan uses writing, singing, playing guitar, and prophetic ministry to help others experience the healing and transformative power of the Father’s love. Outside of serving at LifeSpring, she is the voice behind Soaking Worship and Intercession, a weekly Thursday gathering at Crabtree Mall in Raleigh (October 2024 - present) and podcast (2017–2020), Susan creates a sacred atmosphere for intimacy with God. These times are characterized by deep reflection, prophetic words, healing, and spiritual refreshment – offering listeners a space to rest, renew, and encounter God’s grace. In addition to leading worship gatherings, Susan is the author of the Zimrah Chronicles, a historical-fiction series inspired by her faith and prophetic insight. Titles include Zimrah, Dream Singer, Dream Walker, Dream Warrior, and Commission: The Awakening, each published between 2015–2021. These works explore faith, destiny, and resilience bringing God’s hope in a modern world. She serves weekly in various ministry venues across North Carolina, including The Prayer Room in Clayton, NC, other local churches and community worship events. Susan is happily married and a mother of four. When she’s not worshipping, writing, or speaking, she enjoys kayaking and paddle boarding – all part of her vibrant life rooted in faith. Role Overview Her role as Worship Leader at LifeSpring Church is to develop, plan, and oversee worship for Sunday services and special events leading the congregation in inspiring and heartfelt worship, facilitating unity and spiritual growth in our gatherings. She is also responsible for leading and facilitating once a quarter worship Sundays called Wellspring where she teaches the congregation on biblical topics related to worship and coordinate testimonies to help our community’s growth in understanding the Father’s heart through worship. Key Responsibilities • Sunday Services & Special Events • Team Development & Leadership • Creative & Visionary Collaboration • Spiritual Formation & Pastoral Care
Deacons
Antonio Valles
Tony’s Bio Tony has a heart for Jesus and a passion to witness the Kingdom of God come on earth as it is in Heaven. As a deacon at Lifespring Church he supports both the spiritual and practical needs of the congregation and strives to lead by example in faith, humility, and love. Whether through prayer, service, or encouragement, Tony seeks to glorify God by discipling His people and reaching out to the community with compassion and grace. Tony found the Lord in 2002 after relocating from the northeast and witnessing the Lord move in profound ways. He is a loving husband to his wife of 25 years and has four children. He enjoys family, fellowship, and food as well as worshiping the Lord through hand percussion.
Jeremy Clark
Jeremy’s Bio Jeremy serves as a deacon at LifeSpring, supporting the church family through service, technical leadership, music, and whatever else is needed. With a background in creative and technical work, he helps steward the church’s mission with dedication and care Jeremy and his family have been part of LifeSpring since 2019.
Laurence Vuelta
Larry’s Bio Larry has been involved in church leadership since the age 13 when he first started helping with youth ministries as a youth group leader in Miami, Florida at First Spanish Presbyterian Church of Miami. Holding several positions including Deacon from the age of 16 within the youth ministry he grew in responsibilities and faith. Along with his high school sweetheart, Judith they worked alongside each other leading different age groups of youth through their walk in Christ. Larry and Judith married in November of 1994 and later moved to Durham, NC in the Fall of 2003. Larry had been a deacon at Cresset Baptist Church through the evolution to Lifespring since 2006. He and Judith have raised two lovely children Amanda Kristine and Annabella Marie…both who attended Cresset Christian Academy. Larry earned a Marketing and International Business degree from Florida International University and has been an importer/distributor of fine wine from around the world since 1992. He presently resides in Durham with his wife Judith.
Our Beliefs
Frequently asked questions
Because of sin, the image of God in people is distorted but not lost. All people have disobeyed God willfully through sin; thus inheriting both physical and spiritual death and the need for redemption. All human beings are born with a sin nature and into an environment inclined toward sin. Only by the grace of God through Jesus Christ can they experience salvation.
Salvation comes only through a faith relationship with Jesus Christ, which begins when a person repents of sin and receives Christ’s forgiveness and eternal life. Salvation is instantaneous and accomplished solely by the power of the Holy Spirit. This salvation is wholly of God by grace on the basis of Christ’s life, death and resurrection, not on the basis of human works.