Rev. Joey & Tracy Kuchler
senior pastors

Pastor Joey Kuchler has had the dream of starting a church in Uptown New Orleans ever since his college days at Loyola University. He and Tracy have been the youth pastor, then worship leader and associate pastor for 12 years at Calvary Assembly, a thriving church in Dunwoody, the Uptown of north Atlanta. They were also the youth pastors at Celebration Church in New Orleans. If you had to distill their ministry, you would see a true community of friends working together creatively to help irreligious people become fully-devoted followers of Christ.

After Tracy’s tragic stay on life-support and her dramatic journey to wellness, God catapulted Joey and Tracy toward reaching their dream of starting Uptown Church in New Orleans. Joey and Tracy have been happily married since 1992, have 2 great kids (Joseph and Elise), and seem to be appreciating life together more than ever. If you want to play some golf, tennis, basketball, shoot some pool, or talk over coffee, email joey@uptownchurch.net to connect. Tracy is coordinating the welcome ministry and is a homemaker who would love nothing more than to be there for you… tracy@uptownchurch.net.

Bruce Smith (Rev.)
teaching pastor & director of development

Bruce and Joey grew up together playing tennis and other competitive sports. Over the years they developed a friendship and unknowingly found themselves attending the same college down in sunny Florida. In time it became clear that the Lord was at work molding their futures together. For years Bruce has prayed, thought and planned for the opportunity to start a church in New Orleans. Along the way he became convinced that when and if the opportunity arose he wanted to pursue it with one person--Joey. Now, after bible college degrees, a graduate education in theology at Wheaton College, several years in ministry, studies in topics and experience in arenas ranging from leadership development to corporate culture and marketing, and several successful years in the investment sector, it appears to be the time to get after the lifelong dream: building a church with his closest friend in their hometown. Bruce is thrilled to be working beside Joey and will be focusing on church development, strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, writing, and teaching. You can reach him at his email address with any questions... bruce@uptownchurch.net.

Did you know that our own Teaching Pastor and Director of Development was featured on National Public Radio? Bruce was interviewed by Scott Simon on the popular Weekend Edition show for his historic sale of one of the most important rare coins in the world, the 1913 Liberty Head "V" Nickel. Stay tuned, as Bruce will be preaching in the near future on the spiritual lessons learned from this historic achievement. Click here to hear the NPR interview on the $3 million Nickel.

Jessica Carlyle
children's minister

Jessica Carlyle was called by God to teach and minister to children at the age of eight, so she realizes the impact of children’s ministry. Since her calling, Jessica has been involved in children’s ministry and training on many levels. She is currently one year away from graduating from the University of New Orleans with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Jessica has had many years of experience with children, most recently on staff at Celebration Christian Daycare and Preschool. Jessica and her husband Rory have been married since January 2004. We are excited to welcome them to the Uptown Church family. If you have any questions or if you would like to get involved, please email her at jessica@uptownchurch.net.

Rev. Matt & Jen DeGier
college pastors

If you are a college student in the New Orleans area you should get into XA (Chi Alpha), the Christian campus ministry of choice, by contacting Matt & Jen DeGier, matt@uptownchurch.net or jen@uptownchurch.net or check out their website www.nolaXA.com.  Matt and Jen are hosting small groups or "satellites" meeting at Tulane and Loyola.

Mary McIntyre Toca
pastoral care minister

Mary has come to us from the Masters Degree Program at Loyola University where she studied Theology and Pastoral Care and Counseling. She graduated with honors and is very enthusiastic about ministering to Uptown Church as the Pastoral Care Counselor. Mary is originally from Bradford, Pennsylvania, and has been in ministry after being saved at the age of fifteen. She moved to New Orleans in 1981 to attend Loyola for her undergraduate studies. Mary's ministerial focus is healing of the mind and spirit through talk in a caring Christian environment. Mary is married to David Toca and has three great children: Lauren, age 12; Grant, age 9; and Thomas, age 2. If you would like to talk you can reach her at mary@uptownchurch.net.