At the age of 9, Pastor Everett "Gene" Easterling began attending Apostolic Gospel Church in Ironton, Ohio, as a bus ministry child, was baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Ghost at a young age, and has been preaching the Apostolic gospel for over 20 years. He married his wife, Iva, in 1994 and they have one child, Tanner.

The Easterlings felt their calling to the City of Ashland in 2003. At the age of 37, he was elected as pastor in August.

As a UPCI officer, Pastor Easterling is now serving as the Kentucky District Sunday School Director.

Pastor Easterling is an ordained minister of the United Pentecostal Church International.