Central Staff
Click on a photo below to email the corresponding staff member
Rich Franz
Lead Pastor
About Rich
Rich’s greatest joy is helping people take their next step with Jesus. He loves seeing lives transformed and believes the local church is God’s plan for hope and community.
Outside of ministry, he enjoys time with his family, sports, and strong coffee.
Outside of ministry, he enjoys time with his family, sports, and strong coffee.
Scott Browning
Interim Worship Pastor
About Scott
Scott Michael Browning is a Contemporary Christian Music artist, worship leader, and songwriter whose passion is to help people encounter Jesus through Scripture-shaped, Spirit-led worship. His original songs, including the single “Forgiven,” blend honest testimony with modern CCM and congregational worship, inviting listeners to trade shame for grace and discover hope in Christ.
At Central Christian Church, Scott serves as Interim Worship Pastor, arranging and directing modern worship sets that balance musical excellence with accessibility, helping congregations sing loudly, listen deeply, and respond obediently.
Alongside his ministry, Scott is a seasoned music educator and innovator, holding a master’s degree in choral conducting and bringing more than eighteen years of classroom experience in chorus, musical theater, and creative arts. His approach to mentorship, ensemble building, and the integration of technology, recording, and multimedia shapes both his church leadership and his work in concert and classroom environments.
Outside of ministry and school, Scott enjoys time with his family, playing billiards, and firing up the grill or smoker for good BBQ. He and his wife, Rachael, are raising their two boys, Charlie and Isaac, and together they love investing in a local church community shaped by grace, authenticity, and vibrant worship.
At Central Christian Church, Scott serves as Interim Worship Pastor, arranging and directing modern worship sets that balance musical excellence with accessibility, helping congregations sing loudly, listen deeply, and respond obediently.
Alongside his ministry, Scott is a seasoned music educator and innovator, holding a master’s degree in choral conducting and bringing more than eighteen years of classroom experience in chorus, musical theater, and creative arts. His approach to mentorship, ensemble building, and the integration of technology, recording, and multimedia shapes both his church leadership and his work in concert and classroom environments.
Outside of ministry and school, Scott enjoys time with his family, playing billiards, and firing up the grill or smoker for good BBQ. He and his wife, Rachael, are raising their two boys, Charlie and Isaac, and together they love investing in a local church community shaped by grace, authenticity, and vibrant worship.
Rick Gross
Communications Director
About Rick
Rick's life goal is to help connect people to what God has for them. Rick would love to see a Super Bowl in person and meet Dave Matthews Band. Rick grew up here in St. Petersburg, graduating from Boca Ciega High School (woohoo class of '99!) Rick and his wife Jenn met while doing community theater. They have two awesome boys, Gavin and Nolan. Together, they form the likes of a family that had never been seen. He loves to read, watch football or baseball, and find a park to hike at with his family!
If you’re new to Central, he’d love the chance to meet you.
If you’re new to Central, he’d love the chance to meet you.




































