Leaders and Staff

Our church is led by a group of elders, deacons, and staff members. We would love to meet you in person, but here is some information to help you become more familiar with us.

Click below to learn more about our different leadership teams!

Our highest form of church leadership is our church Council. It is made up of men and women from our elder and deacon teams who make high-level decisions, create policy, and oversee the financial well-being of the church.

Nate Benner

Senior Pastor

Nate is married to Alyssa and together they have two active boys. He earned his Master of Divinity degree, but continues to love learning through reading. Most of the time he is reading books on spiritual formation, mental health, and racial reconciliation. He is from upstate NY from an early age, yet Phoenix, AZ is home to him. Nate is an avid soccer fan. When he isn’t watching his kids, play, you can count on him being up early on Saturday mornings to watch Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League. 


Email Nate: nbenner@unioncenter.org

Scot Cook

Director of Music

Scot has been a staple on the Union Center music team. His desire to lead people toward Jesus is what drives him to do what he does. He hopes to model his style of ministry after John the Baptist, who pointed to Jesus and got out of the way. Scot is married to his wife Heather. 

Laura Kasson

Director of Operations

Laura is a wife, mother and grandmother who enjoys long walks, reading and occasional quilting. She has attended UCCC for more than 30 years and has been on staff for over 20 years. She values simplicity and clarity in everything she does, from routine church operations to tangibly practicing the way of Jesus. She is learning to see and experience God in all the details of everyday life and to care about the things He cares about. It brings her life to journey with others in this and is often asking the questions: How do we see God in daily life? and How do we radically love others like Jesus?


Email Laura: lkasson@unioncenter.org

Katie Shields

UCkids Coordinator


Katie grew up as a missionary kid and has been part of the church from a young age, giving her a deep appreciation for the people and community that shape our faith. Her experience in first response has shaped her desire to serve others and be there for people in both big moments and small ones. She loves reading, singing, theater, spending time outside, and making memories with family and friends. Katie has always had a heart for working with children and is passionate about creating a place where kids feel known, welcomed, and encouraged to grow in their relationship with Jesus.


Email Katie: uckids@unioncenter.org

Ryan Thorpe

Maintenance