MEET THE TEAM
CHARLIE MCCALLIE / co-PASTOR
Charlie is the founding pastor of The Commons Church in Flagstaff, AZ. His post graduate degree is in Biblical hermeneutics from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland where he focused on biomedical ethics and the relationship of science and faith. He is currently an activist in the areas of climate change, immigration, and civil rights. Charlie has been married to his wife, Marca, since 2003 and is a proud father of four.
GRETTA MILLER / co-pastor & Director of Communications
Gretta has been a part of The Commons since we started in 2010. She is a musician, a writer, a yoga enthusiast, and a lover of nature. She is passionate about spreading love through social justice, which includes her work advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and the local immigrant community. Gretta and her husband, Kyle, have been married since 2012, have two kids, and support the foster care system. She hopes to create avenues that allow people to find belonging and become the healthiest, most-vibrant version of themselves.
JESS MAGEE / connection & Young adults coordinator
Jess has been a part of our community since 2017 and joined our team to launch a new College Ministry in the Fall of 2020. Her two greatest passions are preparing and enjoying good food, and doing life with college students/young adults. She follows the lead of Jesus to gather with people from every walk of life: every color, religion, language, sexuality, and culture. Her hope is for our college friends to know how much they are loved and how powerful and valuable their voices are.
ABI HOUGHTON / Kid’s ministry coordinator
Abi is amazing with the kiddos at The Commons. She oversees the newborn to elementary kid classrooms. Abi plans intentional lessons that spark creativity and curiosity, while keeping the teachings of Jesus as the center. We are so grateful for her kindness, energy, and wisdom.
VICTORIA Brandon / JUBILEE DIRECTOR
Since joining our community in 2022, Victoria has made significant contributions to The Commons. An undergraduate student at NAU majoring in International Affairs with a certificate in Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving, she has been actively involved in the disability community throughout her life. Victoria is committed to creating a welcoming environment for Jubilee students, where they can freely ask questions and express themselves without societal pressures. Her passions include advocating for people with disabilities and advancing social justice, with a particular focus on providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals of faith. In her personal life, Victoria enjoys the company of her goldendoodle, Luna.
ROSS PETTERSON / SET UP & TEAR DOWN coordinator
Ross coordinates our set up and tear down team. He is a father of two and teaches at Sinagua Middle School. His hard working energy and friendly personality make him a rock on our staff. He cares for our meeting space and creates an environment ready for intentional gathering.
Gracie drought / kid’s ministry teacher
Gracie teaches our children’s lessons with love are care! She is the best barista in town and has been to more National Parks than the rest of us. She is a nursing student, and gymnastics coach, and a joyful soul. She is dearly loved by our community.
Colt mccallie / sound & Production coordinator
Colt coordinates our sound set up and podcast upload. His kind spirit and positive attitude make him a joy to work with. He is a pole-vaulter and loves adventures of all kinds! We are so grateful for the way he creates our Sunday sound experience with excellence.
Emma / Campus ministry coordinator
Emma has a heart for helping college students find community and a safe place for intentional conversation. She is thoughtful, hard working, and wise beyond her years. Emma also helps in our Jubilee ministry and sings on our music team.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
The Commons is a diverse family that is welcome to everyone. We believe the life of Jesus is so compelling that we center our community around his teachings and follow his lead and invitation to be an inclusive gathering. One of the most joyful images Jesus used to describe the Kingdom of God was an elaborate feast that everyone was invited to. As a fully inclusive church, all are welcome to partake in the sacraments regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We celebrate communion (The feast!) at almost every Sunday gathering. At The Commons you'll find believers of all kinds and skeptics of all kinds. We are interdenominational. We believe the message of the love of God has always been for everyone, and we strive to make our little corner of the beautiful diverse global church exactly that, church for everyone.
BAPTISM
What’s up with baptism?
Before Jesus left he said “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Just like communion, baptism is a sacrament, a way of remembering what Jesus did and partaking in a physical action as a beautiful act of obedience.
The action of being immersed in the water illustrates dying to ourselves and being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection and our new life.
Just like a marriage ceremony, those who choose to be baptized get to stand in front of friends and family and profess their love and commitment, while inviting the community around them to support them in this journey!
If you would like to talk to us more about being baptized, email Charlie HERE.