Michael Cox – Worship Pastor

Growing up Southern California has many perks. One of which gives you the right to say “dude” anytime you want. In California, Michael grew up in a very Christian home. Church was a big part of his life at an early age attending a Christian school up until High School. In High School is where Michael found his gift of music, and helping in Youth Ministry. Ever since then, he has been helping people worship God in a highly energetic and spiritual way.

“Helping people encounter God through worship brings great joy to my life. I want to do this till I stop breathing, and God calls me home.”

Michael claims to be the world’s faster skipper. He challenges anyone to a race, and will give up this right to anyone who beats him. Other hobbies include bowling, which he states, “I’m so good that I even bought my own equipment.” He will give lessons for chipotle, which his favorite food.

Michael is thrilled to be a part of Velocity and help people come closer to God in the greater Cleveland area.

David Thorne – Associate Pastor

As a young lion cub, David was destined to be the king of Pride Rock. Afraid of his responsibilities, David ran away to live with his two crazy friends Timon and Pumba. It was somewhere during this time he decided on becoming a pastor. Determined, he returned to reclaim the throne only to find it occupied by a hot lioness named Jessica. Instead of fighting, they decided to get married- uniting the kingdom once and for all. David and Jessica have one small cub named Caleb Rock. Recently a wild monkey friend of ours painted Caleb’s forehead while lifting him up over a cliff while all our friends sang a song. Somehow this was supposed to represent that he was to be next in line for the throne- a very strange tradition. David likes reading, watching UFC, football, playing video games, and teaching his dog Molly to do the Macarena.

Scott Pugh – Lead Pastor

Scott went to college to become some kind of “ologist.” His ultimate goal was to discover the cure for garlic breath. He was unsuccessful in finding the cure – so he became a minister. Scott graduated from Kentucky Christian University back when mullets were still cool. He has done mission work in England, Portugal and spent seven years at a super cool church in Tollesboro, Kentucky. (Yep, Tollesboro, that’s right next to Ribolt and Rectorville.) He spent another six years at another church near Canal Fulton, OH.

He is married to his wife Vanessa who is the coolest person on the planet. Scott and Vanessa have two hilarious children. They have a four-year-old daughter named Madeline who is addicted to Chip and Dale cartoons. The also have a two year old son named Owen (who loves to play drums and is convinced that the Wiggles are the best thing in this hemisphere.)

Scott’s Beliefs

1. Scooby Doo is cooler than Sponge Bob Square Pants.
2. Clogs were the funniest shoes to watch girls wear when I was in grade school.
3. KISS and Motley Crue are the greatest music groups of all time.
4. Making God real is every Christians responsibility.