Albert has served on the Fourth Avenue staff since 2002. During his time with us, Albert has led the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, which has received over 150,000 prayer requests from the church family. The growing involvement in this ministry has taken a priority position in the church’s life and supports the Shepherds’ desire to create a culture of prayer.
Albert’s education spanned twenty years at seven colleges, universities and seminaries, ultimately receiving his Doctor of Ministry degree. His international prayer ministry has extended beyond four decades on five continents. He continues to speak at meetings, workshops and seminars. He serves as a member of the Presidential Prayer Committee and has for 20 years. Albert has been married to Patsy Davenport Lemmons for 64 years. They have five children and eleven grandchildren.
Devon oversees our ministry environments for our nursery and preschoolers. She loves little children and is delighted to be serving in these ministries. Devon and her husband Ben got married in 2008 and now have five children. They have been members at Fourth Avenue for nearly 9 years. As a family, they enjoy traveling, hiking, and playing games. Devon is also a painter and illustrator; she has always found the beauty in the world to be in the details.
Erin serves as the Children’s Minister on our staff at Fourth Avenue COC. She is thrilled to come alongside families to help the next generation discover the goodness of Jesus. She graduated from Auburn University with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Previously, Erin worked as an elementary school teacher for 5 years. She and her husband, Josh, have a daughter named Piper. As a family, they enjoy afternoon walks, trips to the zoo, and dancing in the kitchen.
Gary Shrader is Executive Minister at 4th. He came to Fourth Avenue after retiring from Williamson County Schools after 30 years as a teacher, coach, and principal. Gary works with the staff, members, ministries, and shepherds to serve the congregation and community. Gary and his family have been involved members at Fourth Avenue since 2000. Gary and Lydia have been married over 30 years, and have 3 boys: Brad, Bryan, and Cameron. Lydia is a retired teacher, and now works as a sitter with the elderly. They enjoy travel, nature, gardening, antiquing, and photography.
Katherine serves as an administrative assistant for Fourth Avenue. Her focus includes our church management software, various technology needs, and our HR department. Katherine and her husband Lee have attended Fourth Avenue for 20 years. They stay busy with their three boys, Andon, and twins, Jackson and Kenan.
Kyle serves as the Preaching Minister on our staff at Fourth Avenue Church. He has been serving in ministry in various capacities throughout his career, including preaching and young professionals ministry, teaching high school Bible classes, and serving on staff at a rehabilitation center. He has his B.A. in Bible and Ministry from Harding University and his M.Div. from Harding School of Theology. He is married to his lovely wife, Abby, and he enjoys conversations about Jesus, spending time with Abby, listening to podcasts, reading books, playing and watching sports, listening to music, watching movies, and hiking.
Libby Alvarez serves in a part time role on our staff at Fourth Avenue as a Reach Minister for Fourth Avenue Church. Her focus is to amplify the church’s vision and create an online presence that shares the message of Jesus. Her and her husband have been connected with Fourth Avenue for many years leading the youth mission team each year to Guatemala. Their daughter, Camila, shares their enthusiasm for Fourth Avenue and has grown in her faith through programs like Sprouts.