Meet Our Pastors & Elders
church leadership
jesus christ is
the head of our church
church leadership
jesus christ is
the head of our church
Meet Our Pastors & Elders
darrell koop
lead pastor & elder
Howdy! It’s an honor
to be the pastor of this great church. Niki and I moved to Williamson County in
2000 to start this church in our living room. We have 3 kids, Kaleb, Noel and
Danielle. I’m an Aggie, class of 1990 and later went to seminary at Southwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary for a masters of Divinity with Biblical languages.
I love turtles and landscaping. Niki is a physical therapist. I hope to meet
you in person on Sunday!
lewis alexander, Phd
jarrell campus pastor & elder
Howdy,
I’m Lewis Alexander, one of the pastors at Upwards Church! I
grew up on a small Central Texas farm with chickens, pigs, goats, cows,
rabbits, horses, raccoons, dogs and cats. I never imagined that I would
be living part time in Central America on the beach, commuting monthly
to work and church. For work, I get paid to teach people how to love
each other! As a volunteer, I get to teach people how to love the Lord,
His Word, His people and His Mission. Please join me on Sunday mornings
at one of our 2 locations.
BRIAN SHANKLIN
ROTATING PASTOR & ELDER
I am a teaching pastor and I travel and speak at both campuses. My father
was a pastor and I was the prodigal son. I tried doing life my way, but God had
different plans. I have a passion for God, learning God’s Word, and teaching
His Word and His Truth to others. God has truly blessed me with an amazing wife
Jennifer, and four great kids. I am a full-time HVAC contractor and our
greatest ministry is the day-to-day life we share with others. We would love
for you to join us at Upwards Church where Jesus is King and Lord of Lords,
God’s Word and Truth is spoken and shared, and the people are real! Hope to see
you soon!!
GERRY CLAGGETT
ELDER
I grew up in a small New Hampshire town, kicked around at the University of NH, the Peace Corps and the U.S. Army before FINALLY coming to Jesus as my living Lord &
Savior in Ireland. Naomi & I have been involved in all kinds of churches seeking to love God, love people & share Jesus. After a career in IT and raising a family of three boys, we’ve ended up in TX as a retired couple near our son and his family in Leander. We found a great church home here at Upwards Church. I’m an Elder and involved with the Men’s Connect Group, studying the Bible as Upwards makes its way through the entire Bible in five years. Naomi & I serve in kids ministry, music, lawn mowing and prayer team.