Greg Howard is the Senior pastor and founder of The Cross Church. He loves the ocean, beach volleyball and golf, sometimes drives an old jag (He inherited it from his dad!), is a photographer, loudly cheers for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and once won a free trip to Costa Rica in a “closest to the pin” competition.

Greg’s story is a long one of God’s grace and mercy. He became a real Jesus follower while working as a professional Fashion model in Paris and New York.  After working in the fashion industry for 15 years, Greg got called into ministry and worked for 15 years at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale before venturing out in faith with a small, but amazing team of people to plant The Cross Church in 2014. He is married to his beautiful wife Gaby and the two of them want to reach  people with the grace, love and hope of Jesus.

WATCH PASTOR GREG'S TESTIMONY

CONTACT PASTOR GREG

Ryan and Heather were part of the original team that helped plant The Cross back in 2014.  Ryan serves as a Pastor at the Cross Church alongside Pastor Greg and Heather serves as the Church Administrator (she wears a lot of hats!).  Heather is truly the glue that holds everything at the church together - and if you have been around her you have heard her unforgettable joyful laugh!

Originally both from the Midwest, they proudly cheer for the Green Bay Packers (go Cheeseheads!)

CONTACT HEATHER

Owen and Amanda Ridgeley have recently moved here from Vermilion, Ohio.  Owen accepted the position of assistant pastor to Pastor Greg Howard after the church board offered him the position in February 2026.  Owen and Amanda are excited about this new calling God has placed on their lives for ministry here at The Cross Church. They have 6 amazing young adult kids and 2 grandsons in 4 different states.  

Owen has had the privilege to serve the Lord in many different positions over the past 30 years. He has served as a Youth Pastor at Calvary Chapel, planted and pastored a Calvary Chapel in New York, worked at 2 Christian camps, helped start an orphanage in Haiti, and has been a department Chaplain for both a prison and fire department (in NY).  He was also a volunteer firefighter in NY after 9-11-01.  He is also a licensed emergency medical responder. Owen loves working with people (especially young adults) and teaching through the Bible. He loves live music and meals out with friends. 

Amanda has been serving at Christian camps for the past 3 years.  She was the director of her home church’s children’s ministry in Michigan for 15 years before that,

in addition to leading women’s Bible studies. She’s also been on 20 Central American mission trips, led many vacation Bible Schools there, and helped plant a church in Nicaragua. She has a huge heart for kids, discipling young adults, and serving her community for Jesus. She has also been working with families in their homes, various schools, and in a hospital, helping others improve their mental health while in crisis.  The personal calling God gave her over 30 years ago was to reach the next generation with the Gospel message (Psalm 78:1-7).

Owen & Amanda 

“Better Together”

Alex is the Worship Leader at The Cross, and we’re incredibly grateful God led him to sell his business and move from Wisconsin to Florida. While family ties (Ryan and Heather!) played a big role in the move, we’re the ones blessed to have him leading worship each week.

Alex’s passion for worship began early—he picked up the guitar in 6th grade and went on to lead worship in school, church, and throughout college. He’s a big fan of coffee, all things sports, and, yes, he’s proudly another Packers-loving Cheesehead!