Cory serves as a part-time staff pastor focusing assisting with the teaching and preaching ministries of the church.

After studying Sports Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi, Cory served two and a half years in West Africa as a researcher and church planter. After returning to the States he earned his M.Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Ph.D. from Reformed Theological Seminary. Before moving to Cleveland in 2012 to join City Church, Cory served in pastoral ministry in congregations in Mississippi and North Carolina. In addition to his role with City Church, Cory is the President of Emmaus Theological Seminary, a fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians, and a Church-Planting Catalyst with Send Network.

Cory was born and raised in Southwest Mississippi and became a Christian at a young age under the guidance of his parents. He and his wife, Jasmine, met in West Africa and have four children. When Cory isn't supporting the various pursuits of his children with Jasmine, he enjoys cooking cajun food and smoking meat.