Our Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Dr. Daniel Gillenwater

Senior Pastor

Pastor Daniel has been on staff at Eastern Oaks since December of 2004. He was called into full-time ministry while attending Auburn University Montgomery, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Management. He then went on to receive his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Beeson Divinity School. Pastor Daniel is married to Hanna, a graduate of Huntingdon College and employee of ALFA. She serves Eastern Oaks as our Multimedia Worship Coordinator. Daniel and Hanna have been married since January 2004, and have a daughter (Lydia) and son (Ford). Daniel can be reached by calling the church office, or by e-mail at daniel@easternoaks.org. 

Rev. Eddie Gillenwater

Pastor

Pastor Eddie has been in pastoral ministry for over 40 years, and is the founding Pastor of Eastern Oaks. He is a graduate from Southeastern Bible College, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry, and Master’s Degree in Counseling. Pastor Eddie is married to Linda who is a retired Registered Nurse. Pastor Eddie and Linda have six children,  ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Rev. Jayden Carlos

Pastor

Pastor Jayden began working in ministry in Southern Baptist Churches throughout South Alabama. He joined the staff at Eastern Oaks in May of 2022 as our Student Pastor. Jayden is married to Haley Carlos, and they have one child, a daughter named Magnolia. Pastor Jayden has a Bachelor's degree in Spanish from Troy University and is currently studying at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for a Master's in Biblical Languages (MDiv Biblical Languages.)

Tim English

Band Leader

Tim has been a member of Eastern Oaks since 2012 and leads the Eastern Oaks Praise Band each Sunday as we seek to glorify God in our music ministry. He is passionate about worship and the BEST bass player you will ever meet...and we're not biased at all! Tim is married to Veronica and has two sons. 

Deborah Watson

Worship Leader

Deborah is one of the longest standing members of The Church at Eastern Oaks. She has been with us since 1998. Deborah has an amazing passion for the Lord and loves singing His praises. Each week she leads our praise team and our congregation as we lift up and magnify Jesus.