Our Pastors
Rev. Dr. G. Christopher Scruggs, Senior Pastor
Chris (above left) came to Advent in 1999 after serving as the Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Brownsville, TN. Chris is married to Kathy and they have four children. Chris practiced law for 14 years before going to Seminary.
Rev. Dr. Cindy Schwartz, Pastor of Congregational Care & Spiritual Formation
Cindy (above center) is an Ole Miss grad and married to another Ole Miss grad, Jonathan. She is the daughter of two educators. Cindy's husband Jonathan is from Mississippi. They have three great daughters Myriah, Daria, and Anastasia, now all young women. She came to Advent after completing her divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, but also has a Diploma in Spiritual Direction from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from University of Mississippi. She practiced as a psychologist for 12 years and served for 10 years as director of Living Waters House, a non-profit center serving church leaders in the Mid-South Presbytery. Cindy and Jonathan are committed to prayer, teaching the Bible, and service to the larger community. Their family enjoys theater, hiking/walking, and crafts. Cindy loves to read, knit easy stuff, and make jewelry.
Rev. Don Kerns, Pastor of Evangelism & New Site Development
Don (above right) came to Advent in 2008 after serving as the Pastor of Springwood Presbyterian Church in Burlington, NC. There he also led the New Church Development Group in Salem Presbytery. Don served in the Air Force in Space and Satellite Operations for six years before entering full-time ministry. He is married to Amy and they have two elementary age children, Luke and Rachel. They live in Arlington and are enjoying the challenge of creating a new church site of Advent there in Arlington.
Rev. Dr. David Schieber, Pastor Emeritus
Dave founded Advent Presbyterian Church in 1978 after successful pastorates in the Pittsburgh area. Dave is married to Linda and has grown children who belong to Advent. He is the former Chairman of the Board of LOGOS, has been Moderator of the Presbytery of Memphis, and is the current Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Mid-South. Dave retired on October 1st of 2010 after 43 years in ministry, almost 33 of them here at Advent.
Rev. Dr. Robert Crumpton, Pastor of Visitation & Guest Assimilation
Robert is a retired Pastor who came to Advent after a long career as a Presbyterian Pastor. He and his wife Nancy served as Missionaries in Ghana and have five grown children and seven grandchildren.
