Cross Leadership & Staff

Dr. Tommy Boland, Senior Pastor
On February 1st, 2012, Tommy Boland and his family were launched out of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale to be church plant missionaries and the founding pastor of Cross Community Church in Deerfield.  Tommy is a graduate of Knox Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity, and completed the Doctor of Ministry program at KTS. He is the author of a number of Bible Study and Christian Living materials and also contributes monthly to the Good News of South Florida.  On March 6, 1993 Tommy married his best friend Kim who assists him in ministry, and together they have four children: Brock, Jenna, Katie, and Zack.  Sports are a huge part of the Boland Family DNA and they all participate in mixed martial arts.  Some of his favorite authors include, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis, Steve Brown, Tim Keller.

Brock Boland, Music and Media Director

Brock began leading worship at The Cross when he was still in high school. While in college, he served as the Contemporary Worship Leader at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand. Brock received his B.A. from Stetson University in Music/Business as a baritone. He has performed in musicals such as Oklahoma and Thoroughly Modern Millie, opera performances at Stetson and also with Bella Canto and the Vero Beach Opera. Brock serves as the Director of The Cross Christmas Special, directs the Cross Choir, and also manages our digital media.

Liz Petley, Ministry Operations Director

God led Liz and her husband David to The Cross in January 2022. They have raised 5 kids together – a blended family since 2009 – and their passion together has always been making disciples of Jesus and serving Him! Liz has spent many years in music ministry, children’s ministry, and more. She holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from The Art Institute of CA-San Diego. Liz spent much of her career in the corporate world; however, in 2023, God called her to “do church full time”, in her words. Liz handles church administrative operations, as well as coordination of various ministries and events, and works closely with our volunteers. Her mission is to show God’s love to everyone she meets, and for them to know there is hope in our savior, Jesus! Her motto is “Be the change you wish to see in the church!”

Jen Kohnert, Children’s Ministry Director

Jen and her husband, Joel, are native Floridians.  They married in 2004 and have 7 children.  Jen has worked full time in Kids Ministry in the past and has also been a full time stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. During the season at home with her children, Jen felt God’s calling to lead the Kid’s Ministry at The Cross.  She has a passion for kids, families, and all things child rearing. “It takes a village to raise a child.”  We at The Cross would love to be your village and partner with you as you point your precious little ones to Him.

Paul Affanto, Facilities

Paul has been at The Cross for many years, and you may recognize him as bass player on the Cross worship team! In addition to being part of our wonderful music ministry, Paul works behind the scenes during the week taking good care of our campus. Paul is not only a musician, but an artist too! He enjoys creating art in various mediums and participates each year selling his art at the The Cross Craft Fair which benefits Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child.