Meet OurTeam

Pastors & Ministry Leaders

Dale Paschall

Senior Pastor

Pastor Dale Paschall was born on December 5, 1975, in Durham, North Carolina. He attended Southern Durham High School, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and North Carolina Theological Seminary.

He is married to Yeris Vergara Wilcox, originally from Las Tablas, Panama, and together they are blessed with a wonderful family. They are proud parents of Sarah, Roger, Brianna, and Michael, and are grateful for their daughter-in-law, Aaliyah, and grandsons, Michael Jr. and Zayn.

Pastor Dale enjoys coaching basketball for both young men and women, cheering on the UNC basketball team, spending time with his grandsons, and making memories with his children and his beautiful wife.

Pastor Dale has a heart for people and a deep passion for teaching God’s Word in a way that is practical, encouraging, and life-changing. He desires to see individuals and families grow in their faith, discover their purpose, and experience the transforming love of Jesus in everyday life.

Preston Bennett

Associate Pastor

Pastor Preston Bennett was born on November 2, 1970, in Hamlet, North Carolina, to the late Willie and Judy Bennett. He graduated from Richmond Senior High School, earned his undergraduate degree from St. Augustine’s University, and received a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Webster University.

He is married to Dawn Bennett, originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, and together they are proud parents of Brandon, Dareus, Jaime, and Antwan, as well as a granddaughter, Kaia.

Pastor Preston currently serves as a high school counselor at Jack Britt High School, where he has worked for the past ten years. He also coached tennis there for five years and still enjoys playing the sport. Pastor Preston answered the call to preach and was ordained in June 2021.

Pastor Preston and Dawn enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and serving the Lord in whatever way they can. Pastor Preston has a heart for encouraging others, walking alongside people through life’s challenges, and helping them grow spiritually, emotionally, and personally through Christ.

Johnny Hunter

Worship Pastor

Johnny Hunter serves as the Worship Leader at Cliffdale Community Church, where he leads with a heart for creating an atmosphere of worship that draws people closer to God.

Johnny is also the President of Global Life & Family Mission, a ministry devoted to promoting strong family values, racial harmony, and the protection and well-being of children around the world. In addition, he serves as the National Director of Life Education And Resource Network (LEARN, Inc.), a consortium of life-affirming, pro-family advocates and a prominent African-American evangelical pro-life ministry in the United States.

Johnny and his wife, Patricia, a recording artist, live in Fayetteville, North Carolina. They are the proud parents of Johnny, David, and Danielle.

DeWayne Wells

Youth Pastor

Pastor Dewayne Wells serves as the Youth Pastor at Cliffdale Community Church, where he is passionate about helping the next generation grow in their faith and build a strong foundation in Christ. He has a heart for students and desires to see young people discover their identity, purpose, and confidence through a personal relationship with Jesus.

Pastor Dewayne and his wife, Shyrene, have been married since 2024 and faithfully serve together in ministry. He is committed to creating a welcoming and encouraging environment where youth can ask questions, build meaningful friendships, and learn how to live out their faith in everyday life. Through biblical teaching, mentorship, and genuine connection, Pastor Dewayne leads with authenticity and compassion, guiding students toward spiritual growth and a lifelong walk with God.

Monica Carrion

Children’s Ministry Elementary Coordinator

She and her husband have been married for 15 years. They are blessed with two children, Jacob and Madison.

Monica previously worked as a Registered Medical Assistant in OB/GYN for nearly 10 years and now serves as a Pre-K Teacher Assistant. Her family has faithfully attended Cliffdale for almost nine years, where she has served on the praise team, taught in children’s ministry, and now dedicates her time to helping lead and grow the children’s ministry.

Monica believes that our greatest struggles often become the place where God calls us to serve — something she has experienced personally. Serving children has deepened her faith and strengthened her walk with Christ. She considers it a joy to teach, encourage, and help children grow in their relationship with Jesus.

Her prayer is that every child who walks through the doors feels loved, valued, and finds hope in Christ.

Natalie Keith

Children’s Ministry Preschool Coordinator

Natalie serves as our Preschool Coordinator with a heart full of love for little ones and a passion for helping children experience God in ways they can understand. She believes the early years are so important in building a strong foundation of faith, and she is dedicated to creating a safe, joyful, and nurturing environment where preschoolers can grow.

With a gentle spirit and natural connection with children, Natalie helps make church a place kids are excited to come each week. From engaging lessons to fun activities, she loves watching little hearts learn about Jesus and begin their faith journey.

Natalie considers it a privilege to partner with families as they raise their children to know and love the Lord.

Julie Van Zuiden

Administrative Assitant

Julie has served as the Administrative Assistant since 2017 and plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the church. With a heart for organization and a passion for supporting ministry, she helps keep communication, planning, and church life running smoothly behind the scenes.

Julie grew up at Cliffdale and is the daughter of founding pastor Morris Barnett, giving her a deep love for the church and its history. She has been married to her husband for nearly 12 years, and together they have two daughters.

In her spare time, Julie enjoys reading, going for runs, and spending time with her boxer, Gracie Lou.

Norman Cooper Sr.

Cliffdale at the Lake Campus Pastor

Norman Cooper Sr. serves as Pastor of Cliffdale at the Lake and is deeply committed to sharing the love of Jesus and teaching God’s Word. His heart for people encourages others to grow in faith and live transformed lives.

A proud Army veteran, he oversees fuel operations at Simmons Army Airfield and Camp Mackall and also serves in Prison Ministry, reminding others that no life is beyond God’s grace.

Pastor Cooper has been married to his wife, Dominique, for nearly 23 years. She teaches at Trinity Christian School and has faithfully served for over 20 years singing and now leading choir, ministering through worship at both Cliffdale Community Church and Cliffdale at the Lake. Her life reflects the love of Jesus each and every day. Together, they have six children, including one serving in the U.S. Navy.

Guided by Matthew 6:33, his life reflects faith, family, and a joy-filled commitment to serving the Lord.

Gregory Williams

Cliffdale at the Lake Associate Campus Pastor

Gregory Williams serves as Associate Campus Pastor for Cliffdale at the Lake and has a deep passion for helping people not only understand God’s Word, but live it out daily.

An active-duty enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army, he shares the gospel both inside and outside the church, striving to see lives — and culture — transformed by Christ.
Gregory has been married to his wife, Dakota, for six years. They have a four-year-old son, Weston, and are expecting another child soon. Dakota also serves on the worship team at both Cliffdale campuses.

At 26, Pastor Williams is passionate about calling the next generation to bold faith. He is also launching the Fayetteville Renewal Project, a nonprofit focused on uniting local churches to serve their community.