The Exchange - About Us

About Us

The Exchange was started out of a calling in the Fall of 2010 to plant a brand new expression of the body of Christ. In January 2011, God made it clear that Pearl, MS, was the place He wanted to start this new work. Over the next year and a half, God built a team of people with a desire to reach people who are far from God. On August 12, 2012, The Exchange officially launched weekly gatherings.

Since the launch, God has continually used The Exchange to impact the city of Pearl and lead people to Him. The Exchange isn’t just a weekly gathering of people, but a life-giving church of Christ-followers who share with others about the life they’ve found in Christ.

Want to know more about The Exchange? Scroll down or tap one of the buttons below to learn more.

Vision & Values

We exist to see people exchange their old life for new life in Christ and live out their purpose.

Christ’s love compels us to exchange:

Swipe or tap the arrows

IDEAS for TRUTH

No more believing that there are multiple ways to get to God, we teach Jesus as the only way and He is at the center of all we do.

Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

Teach the Truth: It isn't always comfortable and it doesn't always make sense, but the Truth of God's Word will always be what we teach and will always win over man's opinion. (2 Timothy 4:2-4)

Guided by the Truth: Yes, we will make plans with God's help, but we will always allow the Holy Spirit to trump our plans at any moment. Because we are directed by the Holy Spirit, we know we will always be progressing and changing and that's okay. (John 16:13)

SELFISHNESS for SERVING

A mindset shift not intended for the faint of heart! Although serving when we feel like being selfish goes against everything we know, we will serve others because it is in line with God's Word.

And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. - 2 Corinthians 5:15

Serve the church, city, & the world with our time: This doesn't mean we don't value downtime for resting, but we will look for opportunities to use our time and energy to serve our church body, our city, and the world. (Mark 10:45)

Generously bless the church, city, & world with our resources: What a waste to live only for ourselves! There are opportunities all around us to use the resources God has blessed us with to help bless others, and we will be a church that looks for ways to be generous with our money! (1 Timothy 6:18-19)

PLEASING for REACHING

We won't be about pleasing people but about reaching the lost. We will make decisions based on who we will reach rather than who we will keep.

Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." - Luke 5:31-32

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? ... If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:10

Authentic: No masks here. No hidden motives, just real, authentic, transparent people who are passionate about Jesus. (Matthew 23:27-28)

Diverse: We will see and value every person as first-class no matter what their skin color, education level, bank account, or background because that's how God sees them. (2 Corinthians 5:16)

Excellent: We aren't into being a mile wide and an inch deep. We believe God wants us to be focused on the things He has called us to do and to do them with excellence. (Colossians 3:23-24)

KEEPING for DISPERSING

Don't be a knowledge hoarder, always keeping what you've learned to yourself. As you learn more about God and His Word, share it with other people! This is how we multiply.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess... And let us consider how we may spur one another on... - Hebrews 10:23-24

Disciple-making: We're filled up so we can pour out - this is called disciple making. As God gives us wisdom and knowledge, we will in turn share that with others. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Community living: We're not talking about nursing homes or a retirement village; we're talking about closely connected groups of people. We know that life can get lonely, but we believe God wants us to do life together. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

Family building: There's no greater target for the devil than the family. We believe in the importance of helping individuals connect with Christ so that stronger family units are formed. (Ephesians 6:11-12)

FORGETTING for CELEBRATING

We're over pew sitting and taking for granted all that God does. We're about celebrating life-change and actively responding to what God has done for us!

Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done... - Psalm 40:5

Passionate worship: You won't find us worshipping God the same way we play a chess match or attend a funeral. It's more like when our favorite team scores a winning touchdown… and then some! We won't just receive the things God does for us, but we will respond to who God is and what He has done with excitement and celebration! (Psalm 100:1-2)

Thankful living: The biggest thank you we can offer to God for making the ultimate exchange for us is to acknowledge His goodness and respond by living out our faith every day. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Our Beliefs

We invite you to explore these essential statements about what we believe and then join us in working out what it means to follow Jesus in our daily lives.

The Bible

The Bible was written by men who were inspired by God. It is without error and was written for the building up and instruction of all mankind. Scripture is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs. It is alive and has the power to encourage hearts, direct minds, and change lives.

(2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105, 160; Romans 15:4; Titus 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalm 12:6)

God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being. God is all-powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future. He has eternally existed in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. While each of these three has their own individual characteristics, they are co-equal and form one God.

(Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; Romans 11:33-36; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 3:20; Acts 17:24-25)

Jesus the Christ

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin named Mary. He is equal to the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all men by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven's glory where He rules over the universe and prays for His people. Jesus will one day return visibly to earth.

(Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1-5; Hebrews 4:14-15; John 1:1, 14; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 1:15-22; Titus 2:13-14; Acts :19-11; Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 Peter 2:21-24)

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every believer from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. The Christian seeks to live under His control daily.

(John 16:7-13; 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16, 12:3-11,13, Ephesians 1:13-14, Galatians 5:25)

Man

Man is made in the image of God. He is the supreme object of God's creation. Although God designed man to have fellowship with him, man became separated from God through a free choice of disobedience. As a result, all human beings are born with a sinful nature and choose to sin against God. Man is incapable of regaining a right relationship with God through his own efforts.

(John 16:7-13; 14:16-17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 3:16, 12:3-11,13, Ephesians 1:13-14, Galatians 5:25)

Salvation

Salvation is a gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement, religious routines, or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can man be saved from sin's penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. We believe that the Holy Spirit comes to live in those who are "reborn" as God's children. As Christians live in obedience to God, the Holy Spirit empowers them to continually overcome sin and become more like Christ. We believe that those who are truly born again will be protected by God's power and steadfastly continue in their Christian life until the end.

(Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6; 1:12, Titus 3:5, John 3:16; Galatians 5:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 5:23-24)

The Church

The Church is the body of Christ of which Jesus is the Head. We believe the Church is universal and is made up of all who have trusted Christ across time. We also believe in the local church, which is an autonomous, geographically local congregation of baptized believers who gather for worship, spiritual growth, service, fellowship and observance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. The local church operates under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and is governed by pastors/elders who are assisted by deacons. God has commissioned the local church to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations.

(Matthew 16:16-19; 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-47; 20:28; Ephesians 1:22-23; 3:20-21; 4:11-13; Acts 2:41-42)

Baptism & The Lord's Supper

The church is charged by Scripture to celebrate two ordinances: baptism and the Lord's Supper. All who have received Jesus as Savior should be baptized by immersion as a symbolic testimony to their participation in the death and resurrection of Christ. In the same way, believers should regularly participate in the Lord's Supper as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's death and as a testimony of our fellowship with Him and our unity as the body of Christ.

(Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41-42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Marriage

Marriage is a biblical institution established by God as clearly described in the scriptures. We recognize that marriage as the uniting of one man and one woman in covenant commitment for a lifetime. Accordingly, this church, its pastors, staff and members will not participate in same-sex unions, same-sex "marriages," or domestic partnership ceremonies nor shall any of its property or resources be used for such purposes.

(Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-5; 1 Corinthians 7:2-16; Ephesians 5:23-33; Romans 1:26-27)

Last Things

God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. At the final judgment, unbelievers will be separated forever from God in a place of everlasting punishment because of their rejection of Jesus Christ. Believers, in their resurrected bodies, will live in God's glorious presence as they worship and serve Him forever.

(Matthew 25:31-46; John 14:3; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; Philippians 3:20-21; Hebrews 9:27-28)

What to Expect?

You've got questions. We've got answers!
At least, we've got answers to the questions people frequently ask

What should I wear?

Don't feel like you have to dress up. Most people dress in casual clothing, but you are welcome to wear whatever makes you comfortable. We are much more interested in who you are, not what you're wearing.

Where do I park?

New guest parking spaces are available by our main entrance along with handicap parking. There are additional parking spaces all around our building. You may park in the Trustmark Bank parking lot, and there are parking spaces provided on both sides of Bright Shopping Center. Additional parking is available across Bierdeman from our building, in the Heart of Pearl shopping center.

Where do I go when I arrive?

Our main entrance is located on the backside of Trustmark Bank. If you have preschool or elementary age children with you, you may enter through our Check-In Lobby entrance, located on the Bierdeman Rd. side of our building. When you enter, you will be greeted by people in orange lanyards who will help you know where to check-in your children, where to find coffee or a restroom, and how to find the main gathering space.

How long is the gathering?

Our worship gatherings are around 65-75 minutes in length.

Will there be activities for my birth-kindergarten?

Yes, we invite you to bring your birth - kindergarten age children in LittleLIFE for them to experience God on their level through playtime, Bible stories, and music. We will serve them a snack during the hour they are in our care, but only after everyone has used hand sanitizer and any relevant surfaces are cleaned.

Will there be activities for my 1st-4th grader?

Yes, we invite you to bring your 1st-4th grader in KidLIFE for them to experience God on their level through games, videos, music, and Bible stories. We will serve them a snack during the hour they are in our care, but only after everyone has used hand sanitizer and any relevant surfaces are cleaned.

Will there be activities for my 5th-6th grader?

Yes, we invite you to bring your 5th-6th grader to 56LIFE. 56LIFE serves as the bridge for our 5th & 6th graders from KidLIFE (1st - 4th grade) to StudentLIFE (7th - 12th grade). This bridge gives them the opportunity to hang out with their friends and grow in their understanding of God, the Bible, and their faith in a gender-specific small group setting. 56LIFE meets during the 9:30 gathering and then attend the 11:00 gathering together.

Will there be activities for my 7th-12th grader?

Yes, we invite you to bring your 7th-12th grader to StudentLIFE. StudentLIFE primarily meets on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00pm, to connect with other students and Jesus through teaching, games, worship, small groups, and hangouts. BUT StudentLIFE does meet on Sundays. It is called StudentLIFE Extra. This is an additional opportunity for students, grades 7th - 12th, to gather on a Sunday morning to build community and study the Bible. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month during the 11:00 gathering.

Will my kiddos be safe?

Our team is made up of background-checked, loving individuals who are ready to welcome your child. We use a check in system that prints a sticker for each child with their parent's name and number listed on it. Parents are given a matching sticker they must present in order to check their child out. This prevents children from going home with the wrong person! The sticker your child has also has any known allergies listed to make sure your little one is always safe. You can even skip the new family registration check in line by pre-registering your family!

What if I'm not ready to come in-person?

That's ok! We still provide ways for you to be a part of the gathering online. The gathering will be available through YouTube and Facebook each Sunday at 9:30 & 11:00am.

Can I attend if I'm _______?

Fill in the blank with whatever fear you have about not being accepted: divorced, single parent, broke, recovering addict, LGBTQ+, atheist, skeptic, etc. Everyone is welcome to come to the The Exchange gathering. So come as you are, and we'll see you on Sunday!

What if I need ASL Interpretation?

Our church family is blessed to have people with a passionate desire to share the truth of God's word with the Deaf community and help them encounter a loving church family! The Exchange is categorized as a Deaf Accessible church. That means Deaf people have access through an interpreter in a hearing service.

Our ASL Interpreter is available during the 9:30 gathering. If you are a part of the Deaf community we would love the opportunity to connect with you, answer any questions you may have, and help connect you with our church family. Tap here to get connected with our interpreter, read more about ASL Interpretation, and find ASL Bible translations!

Meet the team.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet non elit, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum faucibus accumsan nulla, non faucibus velit convallis et. Nulla adipiscing elit.

Bryant May

Lead Pastor

Bryant and Heather are originally from Brandon. They were married in November 2008 after meeting at Mississippi College. Bryant has served in full-time ministry for the last 18 years. He holds a Master of Divinity from Liberty Seminary and has a passion for teaching and leading people from the truth of God’s Word. Bryant spends time broadcasting sports and cheering for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Bryant and Heather also enjoy spending family time with their son, Braylon and daughter Cait.

Heather May

Next Gen Team Leader

Heather is a Mississippi College graduate with a degree in communication. She has over 15 years of experience leading and serving in children and student ministries, and leading discipleship groups and events. Heather has a passion to see people experience Jesus in real ways and grow in their love for God's Word. She also works as a Project Manager for a sales & leadership development company, where she has worked for the last 9 years. She is a mom to Braylon and Cait, and she enjoys writing and thinking creatively about how to reach people far from God with the gospel.

Josh Jordan

Worship & Creative Pastor

Josh is originally from Clinton, MS. He met his wife, Celeste, while they were both serving as student leaders at church, and they were married April 16, 2011. Josh graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in business but has actively served in worship ministry for more than 20 years. He loves being a dad and hanging out with their children, Piper, Judah, and Brooks. Josh also enjoys writing music and being outdoors.

Celeste Jordan

KidLIFE Director

Celeste graduated from The University of Mississippi Medical Center with a degree in Occupational Therapy and works part-time as an Occupational Therapist at UMMC. In ministry, she is passionate about kids growing to know, love, and serve the Lord with their lives and coming alongside families in discipling their kids. To relax, Celeste enjoys a good cup of coffee, a good book to read, a good walk outside, and good times with her family and friends.

Jeri McKnight

Administrative Assistant & Environment Coordinator

Jeri has been a resident of Pearl for the past 15-plus years, moving from Forest, MS where she owned Jeri’s School of Dance for twenty-two years. She has one daughter, Stacie, and a granddaughter, Brittany. She is currently in the Insurance Business and fills her spare time with volunteer work, music, reading and gardening

Tyler Boles

Connections Pastor

Tyler and his wife Virginia are both from Quitman, MS. Tyler is a William Carey University graduate with a degree in religious studies. Tyler and Virginia served as missionaries in Australia, and Tyler has also served as a student pastor with multiple churches. Virginia works as a Registered Dietitian. They have three children - Luna, Ezra, and Stella. The Boles enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, and a good Netflix binge.

Matthew Stevens

Student & Care Pastor

Matthew and Morgan moved to Pearl from Quitman, MS, along with their daughter Magnolia Belle. Their youngest daughter, Margot Rose, was born not long after they moved to Pearl. Matthew graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in Communications. He is passionate about building relationships, and he has over 15 years of experience in student ministry. Morgan has a Childhood Development degree and works as an elementary teacher. They love getting people together to play games, and in their free time, they love to travel and explore!

Amanda Lyle

Ministry Assistant

Amanda and David Lyle are life-long residents of Pearl, MS and have been married for over 30 years. Amanda has spent many years working in the corporate world in bookkeeping and accounting. David is a salesman for a safety company. They have 2 children, and 2 grandchildren, and they love planning family vacations where they can all be together. Amanda is passionate about loving people in their brokenness. In her spare time, she loves thrift shopping and working in her her flower beds.

Sherilyn Marks

Next Gen & Communications Director

Sherilyn and her husband Jonathan, moved to Pearl from Meridian, MS., and have been married for over 15 years. They have four children: Lily, Alyssa, Evie, and Maelyn. Jonathan leads The Exchange medical team and also serves in many different capacities at The Exchange. Sherilyn is passionate about caring for families by equipping parents to show the love of Jesus to their kid(s) and helping communicate ways anyone can engage within the church family. The Marks family enjoys spending time with family and having people over to their house to hang out and play games.

Tim Temple

Discipleship & Missions Pastor

Tim is originally from Braxton, MS. He and his wife, Jaime, met through mutual friends, and they were married in June 2009. Tim has been in ministry for more than 20 years as a student pastor and lead pastor. He has a passion to see people grow in their relationship with Jesus and live out their purpose by serving others. Tim loves playing drums and anything outdoors. He and Jaime have 3 daughters - Ari, Ellie, & Indie.

Moni Powers

LittleLIFE Director

Moni, short for Ramona, met her husband, Mark, while they were both serving in the U.S. military and stationed in Germany. They have 4 children and 4 grandchildren. Moni has served in children's and student ministry for most of her adult life, and she has also worked as a ministry assistant. She is passionate about helping preschool-age children experience Jesus on their level each week! Her husband, Mark, works as a budget analyst at the VA during the week and serves on the tech and security teams with The Exchange. Moni serves to help create truth-filled, engaging experiences for preschoolers, equip parents to disciple their children, and build a team of passionate doorholders to love and serve the next generation.

Plan Your Visit

The gathering happens Sundays 9:30 & 11:00
we'd love to have you there!

Join us in person at 417 N. Bierdeman Rd. Pearl, MS 39208

Join the online gathering through Facebook for the best real-time conversation with others and live captioning. Join through YouTube for the best ease-of-use experience.

We're so happy you are planning to join us for a gathering, and we're excited to host you!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and anyone who might be joining with you to help us prepare for you through the button below.

Let Us Know You Are Coming!

About Us