MEET THE PASTORS

A bearded man wearing a black and white patterned shirt and a black baseball cap with a gray brim, standing next to a woman with long black hair, hoop earrings, and a nose ring, both smiling in front of a building with brick and glass exterior.

Lead Pastors

In January, 2020, after 20 years pastoring in South Florida and Northern Virginia, God called us to Winter Springs to start Authentic Church.  Planting a church in a global pandemic was...interesting.  Everything we learned, everything we thought we knew about the process of starting a new church went out the window.  But everything we felt about the heart behind planting Authentic Church remained true:  We want to live authentic lives.  We want to love like Jesus.  We want to help others do the same. We have three awesome children, Julia, Analisse, & Joey!

Kevin & Stacy Hockenbury

A man with a red beard wearing a gray fedora, yellow polo shirt, dark jeans, and white sneakers sits on the edge of a fountain in an outdoor park setting with greenery in the background.

Kevin has a passion for the lost and a heart to make disciples for Jesus: He loves when someone comes to know the Lord at a deeply personal level. Born in Philadelphia, Kevin and his widowed mother relocated to South Florida after his father’s death when Kevin was only 6 years old. Although he felt called to ministry at a young age, he went his own way in his teen years until a radical encounter with Jesus at age 21. He’s been serving Him every day since. Nothing brings Kevin joy like when an addict is set free or a prodigal son or daughter returns home. He preaches God’s truth from a place of expectancy.  A massive fan of Philly sports and Cuban food, Kevin also enjoys cooking, fishing, playing softball, and fanboying over all things Star Wars. 

A woman with long black hair wearing hoop earrings, a black shirt, and a white watch standing against a red brick wall.

Stacy counts it both a great honor and a weighty responsibility to preach the Word of God. She came to know Jesus as a freshman in college and immediately heard–and followed–the call to full time ministry. Her desire is for all people to have a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus. Stacy believes that revival begins in the heart of the individual: We must allow God to expose the hidden things that are in us–not to shame us, but to free us, heal us, and draw us ever closer to Him. To that end, Stacy is passionate about helping others develop their emotional and spiritual health for their own benefit and the benefit of their relationships, families, workplace, and the church. Born in the Bronx, she, like Kevin, was raised in South Florida. In her down time, you’ll find Stacy hunting for new coffee spots or combing through the stacks at her favorite used bookstores.  Interested in having Pastor Stacy speak at an upcoming ministry event or service? Inquire here.

MEET THE TEAM

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    Anthony Gehin

    Operations Director

    Anthony is a lover of great food, enjoys woodworking, and a good laugh. He is married to Elizabeth Grace and father to their four gorgeous daughters (Penny, Ava Grace, Cecilia, & Allison). Anthony has been serving the Lord with his life and his gifts in graphic design and filmmaking for over 15 years, and he’s always excited to introduce the incredible hope found in Jesus to others--usually over a shared meal! He’s a geek for dogs, tacos, and tech.

  • A young man with a mustache and goatee, wearing a black beanie, black t-shirt, and gold chain necklace, smiling outdoors with greenery in the background.

    Manny Nunes

    Youth Pastor

    Pastor Manny has served in youth ministry for over 10 years as a youth leader, Fine Arts coach, & mentor. Manny is passionate about discipling the next generation to go all in with Jesus. His wife, Arachel, also serves on Manny’s leadership team and recently earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. When they aren’t busy renovating their home, Manny & Arachel spend their free time binge-watching Criminal Minds, eating carrot cake, and living out their FBI profiler dreams.

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    Kayla Davidson

    Kids Pastor

    Kayla accepted Jesus her freshman year of college. A month later, she was called into missions and has served in ministry ever since. For the past 4 years, she’s served as a missionary, included living overseas, and is currently the Director of Chi Alpha at UCF. Pastor Kayla has a passion for others to encounter Jesus! In her free time you’ll find her hanging out with her dog, Nicodemus (Nico), going to amusement parks, finding new places to explore, at a thrift store, or relaxing watching a movie at home. 

  • A smiling middle-aged man with dark, curly hair and a goatee, wearing a light gray button-up shirt, reaching forward with both hands outdoors, with a blurred natural background.

    Anthony Mora

    Connections Director

    Anthony loves being with his wife of 23 years, Renee, and his three daughters. He has been in ministry for over 16 years as a youth leader, coach, small group leader, and mentor. Anthony brings unmatched enthusiasm and motivation to everything he does and has never found a situation to which a Top Gun quote did not apply. In between working for Google and swimming in place for hours, you can catch Anthony meeting new folks and butchering the lyrics to 80’s Hair Metal. #Hollah

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    Sean Bernath

    Tech Director

    Sean Bernath was born on a grey February morning in Ohio. Initially helpless and unable to fend for himself, Sean has since learned many skills, including the ability to walk, talk, and program complex electronic systems. Sean graduated from Full Sail University back when his hair was thicker, and music was better. Sean is relatively new to serving the Lord in a professional capacity, but marvels at the unexpected ways God has prepared him for this new journey.

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    Renée Mora

    Storyteller

    Renée spent her whole life in the same Virginia town until 2020 when the Lord called her and her family to Winter Springs to help plant Authentic Church. She served in lay ministry for 14 years in Virginia as a life group leader, youth leader, fine arts coach, and mentor. She’s a former film critic and current reigning queen of the witty one-liners. When she’s not busy laughing at her own jokes, Renée has a passion for writing, deep conversations, and watching Hitchcock films.

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    Alexis Woodbury

    Next Steps Coordinator

    Ministry has been a central part of Alexis’s life since she was 12 years old and serving the church has only deepened her love for helping others step into their God-given purpose. She is happily married to Josh, and they have a wonderful addition to their family, Autumn! When she’s not using her natural planning skills and attention to details to serve others, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and unwinding by the beach.

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    Jessie Sanders

    Lifegroups Director

    Jessie was born and raised in church and has been actively serving in various roles since high school. In college, she found a strong passion for building authentic community within her campus ministry, helping others to find meaningful connections and grow in their faith together. Even while working as an engineer for aircraft simulation, she still finds ways to bring people together. Whether she’s traveling the world, exploring Florida’s springs by paddle board, or enjoying a day at the theme parks, Jessie is always up for a new adventure - and she loves inviting others along for the ride!