Gerad Strong is Co-Director of the Church Multiplication Network and works strategically with Church Health at the Assemblies of God National Office.

As a Lead Pastor of a rural multisite church in South Dakota, Gerad led a revitalization effort, resulting in the establishment of seven new church campuses in two years once they started their endeavor. 

In Dallas, Texas, Gerad contributed as an executive team member at Northplace Church, overseeing church planting initiatives and implementing a successful multisite strategy. He also played a key role in The Water Tower Network, which significantly impacted rural pastors.

Gerad is the published author of The Forgotten Field, which offers insightful perspectives on rural revitalization and church multiplication. 

Based in Springfield, Missouri, with his wife Melanie and their children, Eli and Hannah, Gerad is committed to fostering church health, growth, and multiplication across diverse communities and contexts.

Maricela H. Hernández was elected as the West Spanish language area executive presbyter in August 2021, representing nine Hispanic districts within the Assemblies of God. She is the secretary/treasurer of the Texas Gulf Hispanic District of the Assemblies of God. Maricela has served in the General Presbytery since 2012.

Prior to her current role, Hernández served as lead pastor of Templo Paraiso, Sullivan City, Texas for nine years (1995-2004). Alongside her husband, Rev. Rafael Hernandez Jr., they planted Asamblea Familiar Cristiana in Penitas, Texas in 2002, which they continue to lead.   

Hernández serves on the Nelson University Board of Regents and Global University Board of Trustees. She founded Flames of Fire Bible School in 2007. She serves on the CMN lead team and NWM regional director. She is involved internationally serving as the USA Women Ministries Treasurer for the Hispanic World Fellowship of the Assemblies of God.

Hernández holds a master's degree in leadership from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of Texas Pan American. She is also a graduate of Bethel Bible Institute.

She and her husband, Rafael, have two adult children and four grandchildren.