Joe Trussell, Senior Pastor

Pastor Joe Trussell has served as Senior Pastor of the Church of God (Holiness) since July of 1994. Joe was born in Bolivia, the son of missionaries. Then after he married Faith, they went back to Bolivia to follow in his parents’ footsteps. While they were in Bolivia, their daughter Erica was born. Their second daughter, Becca, was born while they were on furlough. They returned to the United States in 1993 where, one year later, Joe accepted the position of Senior Pastor here in El Dorado Springs.  Joe and Faith raised their family in the church and now have three grandchildren which are the absolute pride of their lives.  Joe loves to play racquetball, ride his bicycle, and hunt; but his favorite pastime is mountain climbing.  He has climbed many mountains over the past 25 years - Mt. Ararat in Turkey, Mt. Kilimanjaro on the roof of Africa, several 14ers in Colorado, and his personal “high”: Mt. Sajama at 21,463 feet above sea level in the country of Bolivia.  Having missions embedded in his DNA has taken Joe into 40 different countries around the world, where he has had the privilege of teaching and preaching Christ in Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist countries.  Joe loves his ministry at the Church of God (Holiness) and considers it a privilege to be part of the team!

In the fall of 2023, Joe took a sabbatical and walked the Camino de Santiago all the way across Spain! You can read up on all those adventures here.

Patrick Miles, Small Group & Outreach Ministries

Pastor Patrick is the most recent addition to the Church of God (Holiness) family. He and his wife Rhonda and four of their eight children moved to El Dorado Springs in the summer of 2022, when Patrick accepted the Associate Pastor position. He met and married his wife Rhonda in Albuquerque, New Mexico while serving in the Air Force. Together they have 8 children and 3 grandchildren. 3 of the adult children remain in Washington state with their spouses and children, and one son lives in Montana. Patrick attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Arts degree. He has been a church planter and bi-vocational lay minister while serving for 30 years as a police officer. Patrick has a passion for God’s word and for encouraging others to walk in faith. His favorite pastimes are spending time with his ever-growing family and reading. You will usually find him surrounded by books or reading a variety of material. He and his family love being part of the Church of God (Holiness) here in El Dorado Springs, and consider it a blessing to join this amazing community.

Jim Purtle, Youth Pastor

Jim Purtle is the Youth Pastor here at the COGH. He came here as an intern in 2002 and just never left. Jim leads the high school and junior high youth groups. Jim also helps lead worship music on Sundays, and oversees our technology and keeps all the electronics running. His wife Cindy is a math professor and volunteers with several church ministries. Jim and Cindy welcomed their daughter Laura into the world in 2012, and their second child Jack was born in 2014. Finally in 2016, their family grew even more with the addition of the twins, Andy and Jonny.

Tessie Watkins, Children’s Ministry Director

Tessie Watkins is the Children's Director here at COGH. Tessie joined our staff in November 2016. Her husband, Brandon, works for an area agricultural supply company. He regularly helps out during weekly church events. Brandon and Tessie are the parents of two energetic little girls, Sadie and Anna; and a precocious young man named Carter. After some life-changing events, they felt God had led them to teach His word, to love His people, and to share His love more intentionally in our Children's Ministry. They are excited to love, teach, and have some fun with the kids. Their excitement is overflowing at the possibilities God is holding in His hands.

Darrin Griffin, Worship Leader

Darrin Griffin is our Director of Music Ministries here at the COGH. Darrin leads worship music, organizes singing groups, and co-directs our Easter drama. His wife, Jane, plays the piano and does many things behind the scenes to assist in this ministry. Darrin and Jane are both career educators. They are the parents of three wonderful children, Megan, Ryan, and Logan, who often volunteer at the church as well.

Mitzi Norman, Secretary

When you call the church, Mitzi is the one you will talk to. She is really the one who runs everything around here! If you want something, she will know where it is. Mitzi joined our team in March 2012. Her favorite thing about ministering at the El Dorado Springs COGH is "helping people and spending her workdays with people who are just like family." Mitzi has been married to Mike for 26 years and has three daughters, three sons-in-law, and a growing collection of grandchildren!

Barb Bland, Administrative Assistant

Barb is married to Ralph and has two children and even a reasonably useful son-in-law!  When asked to name her favorite thing about ministering at the El Dorado Springs COGH, she said, "Using the gifts God gave me for Him."  She is the resident proofreader and copy writer, the “hey, how does this look?” consultant, and general aesthetic quality-control supervisor. She does print materials and marketing and all sorts of things. Barb is invaluable to the operation of the church, and we are happy to have her on staff.

D’Ette Eaves, Financial Secretary

D’Ette is a wonderful lady. She handles all the paperwork and receipts and such; and also hosts dinners, volunteers endlessly for community charities and other good causes, and just generally loves people like Jesus does. Her favorite thing about ministering at the El Dorado Springs COGH is "being with the people."  We are thankful for D'Ette, especially when she makes all the bills go away!