Who are Parksiders?
Parkside is comprised of many different people. We have single soldiers, families with young children, retired couples with an empty nest and many others!
Our congregation is comprised approximately 50-60% families from Fort Drum, so we know how to care for our military families. But our locally based Parksiders are also wonderful people. Our goal when you visit is to feel welcomed and loved while you are here!
Parkside Leadership
Pastor Mike- Lead Pastor
Dr. Mike Gerhardt, born in Philadelphia, PA, Received a BA from Kean University in NJ. He worked 8 years as a finance analyst. In 1980 he married Janet Lewis. 2 years later, he began Dallas Seminary and received a Masters of Theology in 1986. He cumulated 27 years of ministry at a Chinese church in NJ, an Alliance church in Hawaii; and at New Beginnings in Poughkeepsie before coming to Parkside in 2013. He has three sons: Brandon, Trevor, and Eric. He received his Doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2006. He strives to inspire many others to Know the King and Serve His Kingdom.
Follow Pastor Mike on Facebook, Twitter @drmikegerhardt
Pastor Justin- Family Pastor
Pastor Justin Morris began his ministry here at Parkside in September 2006. Justin is originally from Central PA. Having received Christ as a child, Pastor Justin received his call to ministry in the Summer of 1990. He attended Messiah College where he received his B.A. in Christian Education. After marrying his college sweetheart, Meredith, in December 1995, Justin graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with his M.Div. After seven years as a senior pastor in Ohio, Justin & his family have followed God's call to Watertown, NY. His heart is in ministering to children and adults, teaching them to be all they can be in Christ.
Follow Pastor Justin on Facebook
Pastor Reid- Youth Pastor
Pastor Reid Walsh began his faith journey following Jesus at a youth camp when he was 13. The following summer, he felt God leading him to a life of ministry. Following God's call, he attended and graduated from Messiah College with a degree in Christian Ministry with a focus on youth. He met Rachel while serving at his first church in Mountville, PA, and they have followed God's leading in both youth and worship ministries as far away as Oregon. Along with their two daughters, they moved to Watertown to serve at Parkside in May 2014. Reid has a passion to see young people become mature disciples of Christ and become disciple makers.
Follow Pastor Reid on Facebook, Twitter @pastorreidw or Instagram @reidnrae
Sharon Spearance- Administrative Assistant
Sharon Spearance serves as the Administrative Assistant here at Parkside. She and her husband, Bill, live in Adams Center. She attended Bethany Bible College in Canada, where she received a Business Degree. Sharon is very relationship oriented and enjoys spending time with her family. She also likes to bake and work in her flower beds at home. Sharon brings with her a genuine enthusiasm for God's work and a willingness to serve people with a warm smile and friendliness.
Support Staff
Julie Piers- nursery director
Julie serves as overseeing and scheduling ministry workers in our nursery and childcare for the various Parkside ministries on both Sunday mornings and ministries through the week.
Kate Forbes- worship coordinator
Kate serves the worship ministry by scheduling volunteers in all aspects of our worship ministry. She also leads the Worship Support Team, which makes decisions about music selection and direction of the worship ministry at Parkside.
Drew Autote- Digital media Specialist
Drew has recently been brought on to serve in graphic design and tech capacities. He is a senior at Watertown High School, and will be pursuing a music/performing arts education in Fall 2021.
Parkside Elders
John Cooper- Vice chairman of elders
BILL VANORMAN- SECRETARY OF ELDER BOARD
BILL MAIN- ELDER
BRIAN PECK- ELDER
Todd Benham- elder
darrell main- elder
