Staff

Marty Vershel

Lead Pastor

Not your usual Methodist pastor in Texas, Common Ground's Lead Pastor is Marty Vershel. Marty is a transplanted Florida boy. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Political Science and Communications. After he received his Master of Divinity at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, he served in several churches in the Texas Conference: Associate Pastor at A & M UMC in College Station, and Senior Pastor at Bullard UMC, Van UMC, Wesley UMC in Beaumont, and Chapelwood UMC in Lake Jackson. With his leadership, energy, and vision, those churches saw amazing increases in membership growth and financial stability.

All of that, Marty believes, was the path God created to lead him here to Common Ground. He wants to lead this new church, one which will do great things for God and His Kingdom. "One of my favorite Scriptures is in the 29^th chapter of Jeremiah," Marty says, "It says 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' That verse never left my mind as the plans and design of Common Ground began to develop." Asked to describe his vision for the church, he says it is about bringing people in, building them up, and sending them out. At Common Ground, Marty wants the people of this community to celebrate God's Word together in worship, find ways to serve others in a meaningful way, and then share the love of Jesus in the community and the world.

When he has down time, he shares it with his best friend, his border collie Biscuit. He also likes to play a round of golf now and then; and he looks forward each year to setting up his vast Christmas village, complete with mountains and a frozen pond. But, though these things are important to him, there are only a couple of things about which he is absolutely, undeniably passionate: his sons and baseball. Yes, if you spend a little time with Marty, you'll hear about Common Ground, the exciting new church he's leading into the 21^st century. But if you're really lucky, you'll hear about Connor, Zachary, and his beloved New York Mets.

Michael Cleveland

Worship Leader

From Tulsa, Oklahoma to national-touring rock'n roller, now here in north Houston leading worship and helping shape the vision and direction of Common Ground. Michael grew up in the epitome of the Bible belt with parents who he says have lived out Christ's love in front of him since day one. He is the oldest of three, a brother Chris, 23 and sister, Jennifer, 18.

Michael has been performing his entire life. He was 2 the first time he was on stage singing at church. When he was 10, he picked up the guitar. By age 14 he and his brother who was now playing piano were traveling over the Oklahoma five state area leading worship. After high school, Michael attended college on a full-paid music scholarship but eventually withdrew to sign and tour the country with his brother's and his band, Sweet Memorial.

May 25^th, 2008, Michael married the love of his life and best friend, Natalie Wear. She is here at Common Ground directing the Children's Ministry. When not with Natalie, Michael loves sports, especially basketball, wakeboarding, movies, and hanging with the guys.

Natalie Cleveland

Children's Minister/Media Director

Bubbly, artsy, and goofy. That’s Common Ground’s new children’s director. Meet Natalie Cleveland. This girl has a lot to smile about. With a diploma in hand and a ring on her finger, newlywed Natalie was excited to pick up her life and relocate to Houston, Texas.

Natalie grew up in Missouri singing as a kid in church. Her father, Gregg Wear, a full-time itinerate minister and author, had her travel with him on the road leading worship. Music has been a passion of hers since watching “The Little Mermaid” as a child. Continuing to sing after her contract expired with a small indie record company, Natalie left Kansas City for Tulsa.

She received her diploma at Rhema Bible Training Center in Oklahoma. While attending classes, she worked full time, was on Synergy’s worship team, and somewhere found time to meet her now husband Michael. Michael kept Natalie sane during this busy time in her life with porch swing talks, walks in his neighborhood, and writing music together. Michael is the guy who saved Natalie from herself.

Natalie has a younger sister, Madison, and a younger brother, Clay, along with 5 step brothers and sister; Brandon, Gabe, Celeste, Nathan and Zack Fry. She loves having a “bonus family” as she calls it. It wasn’t the first time Natalie had a step family, and after having experienced the worst, the Fry’s weren’t just an ordinary addition, but an addition that was welcomed with open arms. She couldn’t imagine her family without them.

When not in the office you could expect to find Natalie clicking her camera, painting a picture, or looking for a new movie to rent.