Team
Steve McMichael
Steve McMichael is an ordained minister and Registered Nurse. He served in Africa for eighteen years prior to joining Evangel University in August 2020 as Missionary in Residence. While residing in Africa, he pastored international churches and assisted with pastoral education and developing outreach ministries, including extensive outreaches to migrants and refugees. He is passionate about the local church as Jesus builds and graces it to reach the greater community. Steve is married to Jennifer and they have one daughter, Leah.
Melissa Pulis
Melissa Pulis has worked with the Center for Compassion since its inception in August, 2018. She served as the Program and Logistics Coordinator and is now the Center’s Associate Director. Melissa has a degree in political science and over 25 years of experience in local church ministry as a youth pastor, small group leader, prayer team member, and deacon. She loves working with students and calling out the greatness she sees in them and walking alongside them as they find pathways to leadership. Melissa frequently volunteers with Convoy of Hope and has served as a national volunteer at many Convoy of Hope community events across the nation. She is married to Dr. Steve Pulis and is mom to Nathan and Colin.
Sylvia Avery
Sylvia Avery started with the Center for Compassion as administrative assistant in the fall of 2021. Sylvia is a graduate of Central Bible College and has served in ministry for 15 years. She and her husband have been co-pastoring their church, Life360 Republic, since 2014. She is passionate about and loves talking with people about missions, and helping them discover how they can use their unique calling and gifts to serve with compassion locally and globally. She and her husband, Dalton, have two kids, Adalyn and Rowan.