Our Leaders

Jamie’s ministry journey began in student ministry and associate pastor roles, where God steadily shaped his heart for the local church. In 2013, on his and Abby’s 10th wedding anniversary, Jamie stepped out in faith to plant Redemption Church. Since that day, he has faithfully served and led the church with consistency, vision, and deep care for people.


Jamie and Kent’s story goes back even further. They first met in 1998 in Kinston, North Carolina, when Kent was interning with the youth ministry at the church Jamie’s family attended after moving from Indiana. The two quickly became close friends. Kent spent a lot of time at Jamie’s home and eventually met Jamie’s sister, Somer. Just a few months later, Kent and Somer were engaged—forever linking Kent and Jamie’s friendship, family, and ministry paths.


As Jamie was pastoring and growing Redemption Church, Kent continued pursuing his passion for developing and discipling the next generation through student ministry. Jamie often joined Kent as a speaker at camps and retreats, and together they dreamed about one day serving alongside each other in ministry. Though the timing was never quite right, that changed in 2018 when God opened the door for Kent to join Jamie in pastoring Redemption.


Since then, they’ve leaned into their unique gifts and experiences and now serve side by side, leading South Shore Church together with a shared heart for the gospel, the local church, and the next generation.

Their Roles Today

  • Kent Phoebus, Lead Pastor — casts the vision, develops the team and leaders, and keeps the mission moving forward through mobilization and multiplication.

  • Jamie Caldwell, Founder and Preaching Pastor — ignites the hearts of the congregation and leads the church to a deeper love of Jesus through his preaching, teaching, and content.

Jamie brings a deep theological foundation with multiple degrees, including a Doctorate in Theology, and if he could stay in school forever, he would. He will recommend a new book every time you meet with him.

Kent brings decades of ministry experience, an endless supply of music and sports knowledge, and one degree in Graphic Design that he doesn’t use at all. He’ll suggest a new band or invite you to a Navy sporting event every time you meet with him.

Their strengths happen to be each other's weaknesses, their differences sharpen each other, and their unity in Christ anchors our church in everything we do.