Meet the team

Merri DeWinter
Administrative Assistant to the Administrative Bishop
Merri DeWinter serves as Bishop Timothy Brown's Administrative Assistant. She has an MBA and a background in non-profit. She is married to her husband, Aaron. They are the proud parents of five children, Brittney, Hayley, Gabriel, Madeline, and Griffin, as well as a proud Mimi and Papa to five grandchildren. Merri feels God has truly blessed her with this opportunity to serve at the State Office. She enjoys walking the beaches with her husband and spending time with her family.

Lindsey Bamberg
Administrative Assistant to the Youth & Discipleship Director
Lindsey Bamberg serves as the Administrative Assistant to Bishop Caleb Crooms. She attended Biola University, where she received her BFA and minor in Bible. She and her husband William attend The Haven Church of God. Where she serves on the Worship Team. Together they have four children, Aribella, Raleigh, Samara and Cade. Lindsey has a heart for Children and Youth, she believes that God has ordered her steps to be a part of the ministry that takes place in the Y&D Department. She has worked Florida COG Youth Camps almost every summer since she was 15 and attended many before that time. She enjoys art, photography and traveling, but most of all she loves spending time with her family.

Karen Thurmond
Credentialing Secretary and
Administrative Assistant for Church Ministries
Administrative Assistant for Church Ministries
Karen Thurmond began with the Church of God State Executive Office in September, 2014. She began her career at the State Office as the Receptionist. Karen now serves as Credentialing Secretary and Administrative Assistant for the Church Ministries Department. She considers it an honor and a blessing to be able to work for such a great organization. Karen has been married to her husband, Jones, since 1986. They have two grown sons, Jordan and Kyle; one wonderful daughter-in-law, Liza; and two beautiful granddaughters. She enjoys sewing and spending time with her family.

Toni Stone
State Treasurer
Toni Stone started at the State Office January 13, 2014. She serves as the State Treasurer. Toni’s responsibilities include monitoring and maintaining all financial aspects of the State Office. Toni has been married to her husband Warren since 1984 and are blessed with two daughters and three granddaughters. Since 1985 Toni & Warren are honored to be members of and to serve the Lord at Citylife Church. Spending time with family and friends is the joy and priority of Toni’s life.

Cynthia Mainellis
Business and Records
Cindy Mainellis serves as an Administrative Assistant and works primarily in Business and Records. Cindy began her career with Church of God in 1995 working for Women’s Ministries and the Receptionist. Throughout her years at the State Office she has seen her role increase in various responsibilities including assisting the State Ministries Director; design and the layout of Publications for Women’s Ministries and the Covenant Connection. She is a loving mother and grandmother. Her favorite pastime is being with her family and enjoying trips to the beach. She considers it a privilege and blessing to work with great leaders and serve the ministers and spouses among the Church of God in Florida.

Maddie Goncalves
Administrative Assistant for Women's Ministries
Receptionist
Receptionist
Maddie Goncalves serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Women's Ministries Department and as the Receptionist. She attends citylife church and previously attended citylifeU for 2 years. She has a big heart for people and loves to serve others any way she can. She recently got married to her husband Jacob, and she is excited to see where the Lord leads them on this new journey.

Pat Johnson
Administrative Assistant, Finance Department
Pat Johnson has served the Church of God since 1978. Throughout her tenure her duties have covered a vast range of responsibilities. She began working in the Evangelism and Home Missions Department as the Administrative Assistant to the Directors handling all reporting, various publications and financial management. She has experienced working in other departments such as M.I.P., Senior Adult Ministries for North and South Florida, Laymen’s Ministries, Cross Cultural Ministries and World Missions. Presently, Pat serves part time in our financial department under the direction of the Administrative Bishop. She considers it a great privilege to have worked in so many different ministries within the office and is especially delighted to be a part of such a great organization as the Church of God. In addition to her ministry here at the State Office, her late husband, L.B. Johnson and herself founded and were pastors of the “Lutz Church of God” for five years, which is now known as ”Revolutionary Life”. She is the Mother of two wonderful Christian children, Cherie Hill and David Edwards, and five wonderful grandchildren.