Rev. Brian Coats, Senior Minister

Brian Coats is a pastor, preacher, communicator, teacher, writer, speaker, husband and father. An ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he has been the Senior Pastor at CCC since 2012. He is responsible for providing direction and care to the entire congregation. He serves as head of staff and preaches about 48 times per year. He guides and equips lay leaders in coordinating all the church’s ministries.


In ministry since 1994, Brian has served as a senior pastor, associate pastor, youth minister and communications director. He feels a call to passionately and compassionately share the story of the life and love found in Jesus Christ. A member of the instructional team for Truett Seminary's Faith and Sports Institute, Brian teaches The Bible and Sports, Sports and Theology and Youth Sports.


Brian and Nicole Coats met at Texas A&M University and have been married since 1996. They have two daughters, Kiley and Cailyn, and a son, Joshua.


Brian writes a weekly devotional on Substack. To read or subscribe, click here.



MAGGIE PARMER

family ministries intern

A Waco native, Maggie grew up at Central Christian and is excited to now serve the church that has been such an important part of her life. She is passionate about creating a welcoming and meaningful place for children, youth, and families to grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus.


Maggie graduated from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in 2025 with a degree in Supply Chain Management and a minor in Applied Statistics. While at The Citadel, she was involved in leadership, service, and athletics, serving as captain of the women’s golf team.


Maggie loves finding creative ways to teach Scripture and helping young people see how their faith connects to everyday life. She especially enjoys building relationships with students and families and creating opportunities for them to serve and grow together.


Outside of church, Maggie enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, staying active, and spending time with her dog, Dallas.

LYNNE GACKLE

music director

Dr. Lynne Gackle has led the CCC choir and music program since September 2025. She is a Professor Emeritus of Music at Baylor University where she served as the Director of Choral Activities and Ensemble Division Chair. Dr. Gackle previously taught at the University of South Florida, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Miami (FL). 


An active choral clinician/conductor, nationally and internationally, Lynne has also held various positions within ACDA, including National President; Southern Region President; President, ACDA-Florida; and VP of College/Community Choirs for TCDA.


Internationally recognized for her research on the female adolescent voice, Lynne is the author of Finding Ophelia’s Voice, Opening Ophelia’s Heart.  

other Program and support staff


  • Anita Selters, organist

    Anita has been the CCC Organist since 2014. She has lived in Waco since 1969. She enjoys quilting, reading and spending time at their ranch.


  • Brenda DeBerry, Office Manager

    Brenda began working at CCC in September 2021. She moved to Waco from The Woodlands, and she enjoys crocheting, traveling, and spending time with her puppy Nick.

  • COSIE NEWTON, preschool director

    With over a decade of service to Noah's Ark Preschool, Jenny motivates her teachers  with a passion for brain-based learning and problem solving through play.  With a BS from the University of North Texas, she is a certified teacher with a specialization is Language Arts.