STAFF
Rev. Shelby Hardy
Executive Director
Shelby Hardy, our Executive Director, is an Empowered Master’s Commission graduate. Shelby is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God. Additionally, she has received her Bachelor's of Ministry, focusing on Biblical Counseling from WCBC. She has been involved in Master's for over a decade. Her passion is to see young women become all they can be in Christ. Shelby and her husband, Caleb, have been married for eight years and have two daughters. God has given her the heart to see lives changed through the process of discipleship.
God changed my life through Master’s Commission. He took a young broken girl's heart, and over three years of discipleship created, in me, a spirit that desires to see lives changed and the Gospel shared. God has awakened my passion for seeking His face through prayer and worship. I long to know the Father's heart and look forward to sharing that desire with other young people. I long to see a generation tarry with the Father, waiting for Him to show up. God desires to know us and encounter us, and it's beautiful when we wait on Him and let it happen. EMC creates the Isaiah 6:8 heart. When the Lord cries out who will I send into the pulpit, the missions field, or the business world, Master’s students have prepared to answer the call, saying, “Here I am. Send me!” I am excited to continue to be a part of what God does in this next generation of Master’s students.
Marissa Nelson
Assistant Director
Marissa graduated from Empowered Master's Commission before continuing on to complete her graduate degree in ministerial leadership from Southeastern University. After her academic experience, Marissa served overseas as a church-planting missionary in Belgium. She is also a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God. She is passionate about worship and creative arts ministry as well as teaching others in using their gifts to further spread the gospel. Multi-cultural evangelism has been a part of Marissa's life from a very young age as she has developed her goals to reaching numerous people groups.
"There is a desperate need for Biblical discipleship in this next generation. Where countless people are questioning their identities and purpose, I want to help women realize their strength through grasping ahold of their relationship with Jesus. EMC helps provide a space to ask questions, become disciplined, and encourage others in pursuing after the One who grants our peace in a chaotic world. The pursuit of God is our main mission and the greatest joy is in bringing others on the journey."
STAFF
Laurie Hayes
Student Life Coordinator/Support Staff
Laurie graduated Empowered Master's Commission in the spring of 2019. She was a student for three years, doing her internship in administration and discipleship. Laurie received her Associates of General Ministry from West Coast Bible College and Seminary during her second year of Master's. She has a heart and passion for others to have the life-changing experience she had here at Empowered.
"As a student, Master's Commission has not always been easy for me, but it showed me that I am competent to do anything I want. I’ve seen so many people give up on others and not give them chances, but I believe in giving them chances. I love watching people transform into new people and being able to grow. The three years I attended Masters Commission changed me in many ways. Philippians 4:13 “ I can do all thing through Christ who gives me strengthen”. When I came into Master's, I thought I could not do any of it, but with his strength, I can. I believe in people and letting them know no matter what people say about you, you can do it."
Victoria Collier
Personal Assistant/Support Staff
Victoria is a 2024 Empowered Master's Commission graduate, who felt the call of Ministry on her life during her three years as a student. Victoria studied to get her ministerial credentials through Global University which she will be obtaining in 2025. She has a heart to worship the Lord and to lead youth and young adults in discipleship.
"I discovered EMC at a pivotal time of my life. I was wanting to understand the Lord at a deeper level but unsure of where to start. At EMC I found a place where I could explore the heart of God. Through wise guidance and unwavering encouragement, I experienced true freedom and embraced the Father's boundless love.
As an alumni of EMC and now a staff member, I cherish the opportunity to walk alongside other young women on their journeys with Christ. My door is always open, whether it's to grab coffee, share a laugh, or simply listen. It is my privilege to offer support and create lasting friendships while doing so! "
Psalm 34:8: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."