Although he spent more than half of his 39 years in Texas, Pastor Noel Vincent is originally from the midwest. As a young boy growing up in Indiana, he did all the usual things, including getting into a bit of trouble now and then. Noel came from a big family with four generations in his household. His great-grandfather was the only man in the house, but he was very affectionate and loving, and he was always ready to step in to see the family through some crises or other. "Grandpa Jackson" was a godly man and had a tremendous influence on young Noel. From this background, Noel developed a strong sense of duty and family. In junior high school, Noel's mother remarried and the family moved to Houston. After a few bumps and scrapes, the new family finally settled down. Noel graduated from high school in 1981 and started attending college part-time, while working.

Though he had visited churches off-and-on throughout his childhood, Noel didn't come to Christ until he was in his late 20s. It wasn't until he had built a successful investment business and married his beautiful wife, Stephanie, that he began to sense that there must be something more to life. He and his new bride struggled for a while, but eventually found their footing. In April of 1991, Noel gave his life to Christ while on a business trip in Tampa, Florida. Stephanie had done the same the year before. Noel enrolled in a Bible study, and before long, developed a deep desire to know the Lord through the scriptures. He starting teaching adult Sunday School in 1996 and soon thereafter, he and Stephanie began to sense a call to the ministry. After much counsel with a close friend and pastor, Noel and Stephanie surrendered to the ministry in 1999. Noel was quickly accepted to the undergraduate program at Southwestern Seminary where he is currently pursuing a degree in theology part-time.

After a year of seminary, Noel started a home Bible study that eventually grew into the Compass Community Church. The church was formally organized the following year and immediately purchased it's current property in northwest Houston. The new fellowship worked nights and weekends for more than a year to get the buidling ready for public worship. Today, Noel and Stephanie have two children, Chelsea 9 and Noah 4. Stephanie is a homemaker, and Noel still makes his living as a financial consultant. Stephanie has wrestled with chronic fatigue since their son, Noah, was born. And though she doesn't get out much, and has never even attended a single service, she is still very much a part of the church family.