Meet Our Leadership
Each of our pastors, elders, and deacons have been affirmed by our membership to lead willingly, eagerly, and as examples to the church (1 Peter 5:2-3) with the heart of a servant (Mark 10:42-45).
Elders
The Elders are called to shepherd the church, taking into account the whole person, using the Word of God as the fundamental means of ministry. This includes church-wide leadership, vision and strategy, ministry leadership, responsibility for the teaching ministry of the church, as well as pastoral care for the individual members and attendees of the church in such matters as prayer, counsel and guidance.
Read More About the Qualifications of an Elder
The qualifications and responsibilities of the Elders are defined in our Constitution and our Bylaws. The biblical basis for the office of elder has its roots in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
The office of elder was first described in the Old Testament. Their functions included:
- Sitting at the gate to dispense wisdom, make rulings, apply the law, and protect the people.
- They were singled out to help Moses, share the Spirit, and do the above for the whole nation [Numbers 11]
There are several terms used to name the same role in the New Testament. They include “elder,” “overseer,” “shepherd,” “leader,” and “bishop.” Their functions include:
- Directing the affairs of the church [1 Timothy 5:17, Acts 6]
- Praying and interceding for the sick [Acts 6:4, James 5:14]
- Ministering from the word of God through: reading it publicly, preaching and teaching it, and encouraging others with it [Hebrews 13:7, 1 Timothy 4:13, Titus 1:9]
- Delegating tasks that keep them from prayer and ministry of the word [Acts 6:1-6]
- Refuting those who oppose sound doctrine [Acts 20:28-31, Titus 1:9]
- Resolving disputes [Acts 15]
- Laying on hands to ordain or bless [1 Timothy 4:14,5:22]
- Being an example to the flock [1 Peter 5:3]
How the Elders are selected
Nominations for the office of Elder come from members of the church. Consideration includes the following factors:
- Demonstration of the character and skills described in 1 Timothy and Titus.
- Membership in the Chapel Hill Bible Church.
- Availability for and interest in serving as an elder.
- Demonstrated involvement in the ministry life of the Chapel Hill Bible Church.
- Having gifts and skills that are needed to complement the gifts of other elders.
The current elders identify a number of individual potential elder candidates from those nominees who possess the qualifications of an elder. Potential candidates are approached by elders and are invited to participate in a one-year elder development program. As that program concludes, those participants who demonstrate gifts and skills of elders and are agreed upon by the current elders are asked to consider serving on the elder board for up to two consecutive three-year terms. If they agree, their names are published as nominees, and they are confirmed as elders by a vote of the members present at the annual congregational meeting.
Once their three-year term is finished, elders can either be confirmed again to serve a second consecutive three-year term, or opt for a one-year (or longer) sabbatical. (After their second consecutive term they must take a year off.) They may be nominated to serve another term as an elder after one year.
What the Elders do
The office of elder was first described in the Old Testament. Their functions included:
- Sitting at the gate to dispense wisdom, make rulings, apply the law, and protect the people.
- Their were singled out to help Moses, share the Spirit, and do the above for the whole nation [Numbers 11]
The terms “elder” and “overseer” are used in the New International Version (NIV) translation of I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Terms used in other translations and in other passages of the Bible are leader, shepherd, and Bishop. Their functions include:
- Directing the affairs of the church [1 Timothy 5:17, Acts 6]
- Praying and interceding for the sick [Acts 6:4, James 5:14]
- Ministering from the word of God through: reading it publicly, preaching and teaching it, and encouraging others with it [Hebrews 13:7, 1 Timothy 4:13, Titus 1:9]
- Delegating tasks that keep them from prayer and ministry of the word [Acts 6:1-6]
- Refuting those who oppose sound doctrine [Acts 20:28-31, Titus 1:9]
- Resolving disputes [Acts 15]
- Laying on hands to ordain or bless [1 Timothy 4:14,5:22]
- Being an example to the flock [1 Peter 5:3]
Aaron Kirtley
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
My wife, Michelle, and I met over 20 years ago in Boston. We moved to Chapel Hill from the DC area in 2014 with our four kids and have been attending CHBC since 2018.
I'm an engineer by training, I currently work for a large IT services company as Operations Director for their Global Real Estate Organization.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ as a child. My understanding of Scripture and love for the Lord has grown through the years as I continually become more aware of both the depth of my sin and the vastness of God's mercy.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
In addition to helping shepherd our church, I currently co-lead a Life Group. I hope to contribute to deepening Christ-centered community and outreach at CHBC.
Geoff Grant
Geoff met his wife, Chelsea, when they were studying music in college. They have three children.
Geoff and Chelsea are both from the suburbs of Los Angeles. After completing an undergraduate degree in Music Composition at California Baptist University, Geoff went on to earn an M.A. in Theology from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Geoff and Chelsea joined the Bible Church coming from Southern California in 2019. As the Pastor of Worship, he leads singing and crafts the Sunday morning services.
Geoff and Chelsea spend time writing songs together, camping, canoeing and enjoying good food and coffee. More than that, they enjoy spending time with their kids and with their family of Chapel Hill Bible Church.
Jason Portnoy
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
Elizabeth and I have been married almost 20 years. We have three children: Ella, Ben and Pippa.
I grew up just outside of Philadelphia, which is where Elizabeth and I met, got married and had all three of our kids. In 2014, we moved to Chapel Hill when, in an answer to prayer, a job opportunity arose, allowing us to relocate to North Carolina and closer to Elizabeth’s family.
Professionally, I am a lawyer with a background in real estate and real property litigation. For the last 10+ years I have been working in-house in the title insurance industry where I am currently Senior Claims Counsel for Investors Title Insurance Company in Chapel Hill.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
Growing up, faith was not really a part of my life. Outside of holidays (and even those seemed more cultural than “religious”), my upbringing was what I would consider a fairly normal, secular life. I continued with this trajectory until God broke into my life following my second year of law school. He did this primarily through two people – a co-worker who I shared an office with and Elizabeth, who I had just begun dating. These two people who I suddenly found myself spending most of my time with were Christians and caused me to think about things that I never really considered before. My co-worker gifted me a copy of "Mere Christianity" which I began to read, and I started to attend church with Elizabeth. Reading "Mere Christianity," I became convinced by Lewis’ logic of the existence of God. Attending church, I felt a peace I never felt before and instantly knew this was where I was meant to be. However, it wasn’t until reading and studying the book of John that I saw myself as a sinner in need of a Savior.
In November, 2003, I accepted Jesus and was baptized shortly thereafter. There are a lot of details to my story of coming to Christ and subsequent maturation of my faith that this space and medium can’t do justice to the work God has done, but I will gladly share with anyone who desires to know more.
Since coming to Christ, I have been blessed to have been a member of churches where I have been discipled, mentored and shepherded well. At CHBC, I have had the privilege of serving our church body in similar ways, leading a life group as well as other small groups, including several small groups.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
My hope is to help equip our church by continuing to shepherd well, investing in people, and establishing a strong community of faith within the CHBC body from which we can all pivot to our surrounding spheres for God’s glory.
Jay Baas
Janet and I have lived in the Triangle area for almost 25 years. Janet is a retired elementary music teacher and I tried to retire April 2020 from managing insurance claims for a large independent agency. COVID got in the way and I have been working two days a week to help them out since then.
I play trumpet and flugelhorn with the Durham Community Concert Band and The Durham Bullhorns and have served as various positions on the Board including President and Treasurer. I have also been on the Board of The Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro.
We are blessed to have our son and daughters’ families here in the area and have a wonderful time with our six grandkids between them. Just last December we were so excited when our son and daughter-in-law were blessed with an adoption of a 3-year old special needs daughter from Taiwan!
I grew up in a Christian home, but really didn’t recognize a close relationship with Jesus until late in my high school years and then in college. When Janet and I were married right after graduation we were transferred to Florida. God led us to a great Bible-believing church where we became deeply involved, enabling us to grow in the Word and our relationships. Through the many job transfers we had in my career, God has replicated that blessing again and again. Each time we were graced with the opportunity to become involved as part of these individual communities, growing in our faith and making great friends along the way.
The Bible Church has taught us that we all have a role to play as ministers of Christ. Through working with the Deacon Board over the past five years, I have had the opportunity to help the Bible Church in practical ways. Janet and I lead a Life Group in Chatham County and are excited to see the ways that God has used and continues to use our Life Groups to come along side the folks at the Bible Church. Through the teaching and encouragement that is the Bible Church, we are blessed with daily opportunities to grow in our faith as we also help others do the same.
We are excited to see how God is honing and refining CHBC, to make us more effective disciples, ministers and ambassadors of the Gospel throughout our community, North Carolina and to the ends of the earth, and I am humbled and excited to play a part in that plan.
Jay Thomas
Jay met his wife, Rebecca, while interning at College Church in Wheaton, IL. They have four children.
Jay was born in India, but grew up in Marin County, CA. He holds degrees from Wheaton College (B.A.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.).
Jay became the Lead Pastor at Chapel Hill Bible Church in 2011 after serving as the College Pastor at College Church. He is co-author of Sex, Dating, and Relationships: A Fresh Approach, and the author of 1 Corinthians: A 12-Week Study in Crossway's Knowing the Bible series. He has also written articles and reviews at The Gospel Coalition, Tabletalk Magazine, and Themelios.
I love serving in a major culture and university environment. We can make a high impact on our nation and world. This is an international, relational, semi-southern area with a strong need for a healthy, gospel-driven church.
For fun, Jay likes to dabble in music, humor (especially puns), art, architecture, eating, and occasional fitness.
Kyle McManamy
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
I’m in Chapel Hill because, 10 years ago, a nosy aunt set me up with her niece. Going on our 10-year anniversary (we had a fast courtship), Mary and I have loved being a part of CHBC in various capacities.
Mary is a chemistry professor at Elon University, a deacon, and loves a dance floor at a wedding.
I have led at Bible Church previously as the College Minister and the Founder and Director of Triangle Fellows. Presently, I work at a startup in Duke Divinity School that focuses on how churches and cities thrive.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I went to a Christian school as a kindergartener and was introduced to and accepted Christ that year. My faith grew and I really took ownership of it in 8th grade, when I was confronted with the reality not only that God wanted a relationship with me, but that I NEEDED one with Him. Along the way, God has provided great mentors, examples, churches, and community that have all helped me progress in my discipleship of Jesus.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I hope to help shepherd CHBC individually and corporately, utilizing my affections for pastoring, teaching, strategy, innovation, and community-building.
Michael Carnahan
Michael met his wife, Ginger, at Furman University and they have been married for almost 19 years. They have three children, Makayla, Declan, and Brennan. They moved to the area to attend graduate schools and have been attending CHBC since 2001. Since graduating from Duke University with a PhD in chemistry, Michael has enjoyed designing and developing medical devices.
During his childhood, Michael attended a Southern Baptist church in Asheville, NC. While he was brought up in the church, he specifically remembers God tugging at his heart after a day at Vacation Bible School when he was about 10 years old. He went home that evening and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. As he's grown and matured, his relationship with Christ has also grown. Michael is thankful for the godly men God has used to disciple him.
Roddy Dinsmore
Roddy and his wife, Katie, met at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event at the University of South Carolina. They have 3 children (one of whom is adopted). They also actively foster as God provides opportunities.
Roddy grew up in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, and moved to Bristol, TN, when he was 13. He majored in German at Presbyterian College, where he was an all-American soccer player.
Before coming on staff as Youth Minister in 2007, Roddy was the singer/songwriter for the Christian rock band Origami and served as a worship leader and youth pastor at Saxe Gotta Presbyterian Church in Lexington, SC. Roddy has preached in four different languages (English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German) and has done ministry in four different continents.
I love languages and cultures of the Triangle. It is a fantastic place to meet people from all over the world and to learn about them and their cultures. I especially enjoy the fact that we can reach the nations right here in the Triangle.
For fun, Roddy enjoys soccer, songwriting, gardening, and languages.
Tao Huang
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
I have been married to Ping Shen whom I met in our hometown back in China. Ping and I have two teenage boys, Teddy and Ethan.
I’ve been working at SAS, a software company headquartered in Cary, for the past 20 plus years. My work mostly involves designing and implementing business software, and sometimes interacting with our software users.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
With my atheist upbringing, it wasn't until later in my adulthood when I came to know Christ our Lord. My journey with Jesus began when I came to the United States to pursue my other earthly dreams in the graduate school. I can always vividly remember the first time when I attended an on-campus Bible Study Fellowship. It was His Word that drew me to Him. The Lord has used various circumstances to guide me in my relationship with Him ever since.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I feel so blessed to be called to serve as an elder. I've served or been serving in several roles at Chapel Hill Bible Church as a deacon, as Leader of Chinese Fellowship, and in other volunteering capacities.
As Christians, we’re called to spread the Good News to all people. I hope to use my experience and conviction to bring people from various ethnic/cultural backgrounds to worship Him as pictured in the beautiful scene of Revelation 7:9-12.
Wally Turnbull
Wally Turnbull and his wife Betty, have been part of the Bible Church since 2003 when they moved to Durham from Haiti where they served for 30 years as missionaries.
Wally, who has been a Bible Church elder since 2005, is the publisher of Light Messages Books. He has a heart for those who do not know Jesus, for diversity, and cross-cultural unity.
Deacons
How the Deacons are selected
- Demonstration of the character and skills described in 1Timothy.
- Membership in the Chapel Hill Bible Church.
- Availability for and interest in serving as a deacon.
- Demonstrated involvement in the ministry life of the Chapel Hill Bible Church.
- Having gifts and skills that are needed to complement the gifts of other deacons.
The current elders identify a number of individual potential deacon candidates from those nominees who possess the qualifications of a deacon. Potential candidates are approached by current deacons and are asked to consider serving on the deacon board for a three-year term. If they are willing to serve, their names are published to the congregation. They are confirmed as deacons by a vote of the members present at the annual congregational meeting.
The qualifications and responsibilities of the Deacons are defined in our Constitution and our Bylaws. Deacons serve three-year terms. The chair, vice chair, and secretary of the deacons serve as trustees for the church. The deacons also appoint a Treasurer each year to oversee the finances of the church.
Once their term is finished, many deacons continue in various service roles throughout the church. They may also serve in specific leadership capacities based on their interests and the needs of ministries of the church. They may be nominated to serve another term as a deacon after one year.
What the Deacons do
Deacons are charged with assisting the elders in the administration of the church. All major actions of the deacons are subject to the approval of the elders.
Deacons care for all matters pertaining to the physical properties and finances of the church. This includes:
- maintenance and protection of the church buildings and supervision of their use
- formulation and presentation of the annual operating budget
- supervising of Sunday morning activities including opening and closing the building, providing support for worship (communion, ushering, audio and visual support)
- formulation of operating policies and guidelines for facilities, finances and personnel
In addition, the deacons may undertake special projects, and many deacons are key participants in other ministry teams.
All deacons serve as “Sunday service supervisors” once approximately every 8-10 weeks; two deacons share this responsibility each Sunday. Deacons also supervise each of the special services that occur during the year (such as Christmas Eve and Maundy Thursday). (A large active group of former deacons also helps with these worship service support duties.)
The church hosts four workdays each year, providing an opportunity for all in the congregation to assist with major projects (such as landscaping or painting). Each deacon serves for at least two of these four workdays.
There is a church leadership retreat held each year that all deacons are encouraged to attend. There is a deacon-elder dinner once each quarter, to facilitate communication between the elders and deacons.
Adam Smith
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
My wife, Hope, and I are thankful for the privilege to serve the Lord full-time with the ministry of Athletes In Action (AIA). We joined their staff in 2018, and moved from Indianapolis to North Carolina in the summer of 2019 to work with the athletes at UNC Chapel Hill.
We both like hiking in the mountains, enjoying God's creation, and spending time with our 15 nieces and nephews when we have the opportunity.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
Blessed by being born into a believing household, I placed my faith in Jesus at a young age (4 or 5). College was a formative time in my spiritual growth, as I had to really own my own faith outside of my family, and the Lord was gracious to draw me closer to Himself as I was challenged in my faith in a number of ways. Through the numerous ups and downs of my life, He has always been there for me.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I hope to contribute to CHBC's gospel community by serving the members through caring support and tangible help.
Alan Bell
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
I have been happily married to the love of my life, Pam, for 46 years. I am a retired pediatrician. We have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. I enjoy leading a life group that often meets at our house. I love to be outside and work in the yard, garden, and building things. Golf is my favorite hobby because it allows me to be outdoors and spend time with family and friends.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I was raised by Christian parents and accepted Jesus as my savior at age 10. In my early teen years, I turned away from Christ. I re-dedicated my life to Him as a senior in high school. As a freshman at UNC, I was involved in Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship and started attending CHBC.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
Our mission is to worship the Lord, share His love with others, and love our neighbor as ourselves. I want to demonstrate a servant's heart in words and in deeds.
Andrew Slatter
Amanda and I have been married for 10 years and have two energetic boys, Henry, 6, and Jack, 3. We moved to Durham in 2011 and began attending CHBC in the parking lot in September 2020. We feel very loved by the life group we have connected with and have grown deeper in our walks with Christ since then.
I am a CPA and work as an audit associate at a local public accounting firm. I enjoy working with area businesses, churches, schools, and nonprofits while ensuring their financial statements paint a clear picture of their organization. I love working alongside leaders to make a sometimes-stressful process as painless as possible.
I grew up in a Christian home and became a follower of Christ early in elementary school. God used a presentation by a touring ministry called the Power Team to show me why I needed the Gospel and I became a believer shortly after. I grew in my faith throughout my high school and college years and try to continue to remind myself of my constant need of God’s grace.
I hope to contribute to the mission of CHBC however possible behind the scenes and to support ministry leaders by anticipating their needs.
Ann Sumner
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
I am a stay-at-home homeschooling mom to three amazing teens, Lily, Amy, and Matthew, and wife to the love of my life, Brian. I have transitioned from teacher to manager/cheerleader as the kids finish out high school at Alamance Community College. I have the privilege of serving twice per month in Kids Ministry as a 2nd Grade Small Group Leader and a Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Large Group Leader, so you will often find me putting together slides for a lesson, doing a trial run of an object lesson, or (much to the enjoyment of my family) practicing the motions for worship songs. On the other weeks, you’ll find me catching up on house work or in the kitchen hopefully making something healthy, but often making cupcakes. My weekends are filled with family, fire pits with friends, various community activities, and sometimes you’ll see me serving coffee on Sunday mornings.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I grew up in church and cannot remember a time before believing in Jesus. I was raised by a mother who epitomizes a child-like faith, and a father who is truly blessed with the gift of generosity. I like to describe my journey with Jesus as walking into a zero-entry pool: Each gentle step leads me into a deeper abiding relationship with the Lord. The Lord is faithful and tenacious in His pursuit of me, and I am thankful that He is patient with my “slow wade” into deeper waters.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I pray that during my time as a Parish Deacon, the Lord will use me as His hands and feet to bless my Parish and the greater body of CHBC. May I help express the love that Jesus has for each of you, and may that help foster a deep and rich community that is impassioned to serve and minister to our neighbors.
Carol Younkin
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
Charlie & I have been married for over 40 years. In 2006, my job transferred us to NC and we were introduced to CHBC by a friend and attended while here house-hunting; we became members that same year. Prior to retirement in 2012, I worked as a medical science liaison for Eli Lilly. I am a nurse and health educator by training, and although retired, my passion is for serving people with differing abilities (spiritual, physical, mental, cognitive, sensory, and social). We have a son, a daughter and 5 amazing grandchildren who live in Ohio & New Jersey.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
As a child and teen, I attended a small denominational church where the Word was not taught and the Bible was seen as “part poetry, part history, and part fiction.” I never knew Jesus as anything more than a historical figure. One day a patient of mine asked me, “Do you know Jesus?” That started a quest for the truth. We started listening to Moody Radio and learned from some of the best teachers as we sought and found a Bible-believing church. We both gave our lives to Jesus as adults. Thanks be to God, to a kindly patient, Moody Radio, and some wonderful bible-believing churches in the 4 states we subsequently lived in as we followed my career across the country.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
My desire is to serve humbly and with integrity in any capacity for which I am both needed and equipped. I am passionate about seeing our church grow in maturity, outreach, fellowship, and godly repute and that we continue to be lead by godly pastors who are faithful and devoted to God’s word.
Christine Chu Hornsby
I'm originally Canadian, but immigrated to the U.S. in high school. I am married to Travis Hornsby, and we have a daughter (Margot). My parents have recently moved here to be with us as well. I went to school, med school, residency and fellowship mostly in the Northeast (NJ, New York, Philadelphia) and then took a job at Washington University in St Louis as an assistant professor until 2021. I am currently a gynecologist at UNC.
I was raised in a Christian family, and was baptized fairly early at 12, but feel that I really started a relationship with Christ in my college and med school years, where the Korean churches I was a part of really showed me what an interactive, living relationship Christianity is supposed to be. I also had incredible brothers and sisters in Christ as my examples. In residency, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Redeemer Presbyterian in New York, which further helped me to deepen my faith in both an intellectual and emotional standpoint during an admittedly taxing and challenging time in my life. I still feel that every day, I'm trying to work out what it means to be a follower of Christ, sometimes struggling in this journey, but having learnt from these churches and fellow believers that "the Hound of Heaven" chose me first and will pursue me to the end has been a point of comfort.
I hope to contribute by being a new voice from someone who is not from the area and has not grown up in this church. I hope also that my viewpoint as a millennial woman of color may be helpful to growing the church in its outreach and future goals. I would love to work on ways that the church can actively serve and grow its mission to the surrounding area, particularly the underserved and those who are different from the average CHBC church member. If we aren't acting as God's hands, giving our money, time, and ears, helping to fulfill physical needs while pointing to the spiritual ones, as Jesus and the early church did, then it seems that our service is incomplete.
David Bordelon
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING
My wife, Anna, and I have been married for 16 years, and have children in 8th, 7th, & 5th grades. I currently work as an engineering program manager for a semiconductor company in RTP.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
By the Holy Spirit's leading, through faithful Christian parents and a gospel-preaching church, I was called to faith in Christ in the 6th grade. He has graciously and consistently provided me with discipleship and opportunities to grow and serve since that time.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I am looking forward to serving the congregation in ways that promote our unity in Christ and facilitate a clear demonstration of the gospel in our witness and in our life together.
Ed Gaunt
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
Carol and I moved to Carrboro in 1990 and joined CHBC soon after that. Our four children were actively involved in the church while growing up, and Carol and I have stayed involved in various capacities at the Bible Church over the past 34 years.
I retired in 2015 after working for 30+ years in laboratory medicine and public health research. Since retiring, I have been making sawdust in my garage shop almost every day, building, repairing and/or restoring stringed instruments as well as working with old, and not so old, furniture. I love working with old wood that has a history and giving it a new life.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I grew up in the church. I was "sprinkled" as a baby, was confirmed and joined the church as a youth, participated in youth group as a teen, and attended church in college and chapel while in the service. In 1977, however, at the invitation of a friend, Carol and I attended an Assemblies of God church in Lawton, OK, which was totally different than anything either of us had ever experienced before! All of the sudden, the Lord became very real to me in a way that He never had been previously.
Over the ensuing years I have continued to draw closer to the Lord, and in 2001, when the current CHBC facility opened (with its own baptismal pool), Carol and I were among the first folks to be baptised there and we re-dedicated our lives to Christ by intentional immersion.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I went to Virginia Tech where the school motto is "Ut Prosim": That I May Serve. I feel that service to others has been my spiritual gift for over 50 years. I look forward to again serving on the Deacon Board as it transitions into its new roles of parish care and resource management, and to working closely with the Elders and other members of the church body as we move forward.
Emily Williams
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
I retired from my position as Church Administrator at CHBC after working here for 19 years! I now spend time applying my administrative gifts to my role as our HOA President as well as some personal interests. I pursue my hobbies of quilt-making, cross stitch, other handcrafts, and my love of solving puzzles (especially sudoku). My husband, Byron, is also retired, and helps with the preschool class on Sundays. We have been married 42 years. We have one son, Scott, who has been married 8 years. He and his wife, Natasha, are both teachers.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
When in 7th grade, I was invited to a revival at a church in a neighboring town by a school friend of mine. Although I had been attending church all of my life, that occasion was the first time I heard a message that made me realize that the gospel applied to me, that I was the sinner in need of the saving work of Jesus on the cross. I devoured the Bible and spent many hours discussing what I read there with my friend. In college, I was further convinced of the necessity of living my life for Christ and the futility of understanding life on any basis other than the gospel. I came down to UNC for grad school in 1980 and have attended Chapel Hill Bible Church ever since.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I believe that my gifts and experience in administration at this church will aid me in helping to serve our church in the areas of resources, facilities, and other behind-the-scenes matters. My 19 years on staff enables me to bring a unique perspective to the role of deacon. In this season of changes to that role, I think that I may be able to serve our church in helping to create a new sense of the role of deacon that will serve our church long into the future.
Eric North
My wife Ellin and I have been married for 38 years, the parents of two adult children and grandparents of four. After pastoring churches for over three decades in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey, we relocated in 2018 to North Carolina where I drive a city bus for Chapel Hill Transit and Ellin works for Google in downtown Chapel Hill. We’ve been attending CHBC since the fall of that year and you can typically find me playing with our worship team and Ellin greeting on Sunday morning at the front door.
I grew up in a Christian home attending our small baptist church in Brooklyn. When I was around eleven, after years of hearing the message of the gospel, I put my faith in Jesus. As I grew older I recognized the importance and value of serving that led to taking on music, teaching, and leadership roles as both a deacon and elder.
One thing that I hope to encourage our body to do is invest in service wherever possible as individuals, as part of a team, and most importantly, as a family, instilling in our kids a mind and heart for serving Jesus, our church, our community, and each other.
Hugh Jones
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
I'm married to Julie, celebrating our 45th anniversary this June. We have three adult kids. Ben lives in Oakland, CA and our two girls live in Durham. I work with Bridges International and spend most of my time coaching other Bridges and CRU staff around the country. I also have the privilege of ministering to international students at Duke.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
During my junior year in high school, a group of lay witness evangelists visited our church in Beaufort, NC, sharing their testimonies and encouraging all who didn't know God to simply pray something like this, "God, if you're real, I want to know you." I prayed that prayer that night and I believe that was the beginning of the adventure of knowing God personally. That was the first time I had heard that God could be known personally.
My senior year of high school I was invited to a gospel of John Bible study, which explained more to me about this new relationship with Jesus.
My freshman year at UNC, a Campus Crusade for Christ student knocked on my door, inviting me to their Friday night weekly meeting. It was at those meetings and small group Bible studies where I more clearly learned about the gospel message, and I even began sharing this good news with others in my dorm.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
God has given me a shepherd's heart and the gift of encouragement. My desire is to care for others at CHBC - to provide shepherding and encouragement.
Jan Hoyle
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
David and I celebrate 45 years of marriage this year. We are blessed with 4 married children and 12 grandchildren. In addition to visiting and babysitting our grands, I am a nurse and do occasional nursing, mostly assisting David with his dental business.
For 22 years I have volunteered year-round with the Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
During college, I was challenged in my faith and was driven to scripture for the wonderful message of grace.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
My hope is to be a part of building up and loving well our community of believers at CHBC.
Jason Van Sant
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
Cristy and I are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year, and we have an 8 year old daughter named Sophie and a 2 year old dog named Lincoln Pizza.
A lot of my week is filled with running a video production business that I started a few years ago (Reach Creative), but outside of work, I love date nights with Cristy, exploring BBQ restaurants with Sophie, making my family laugh, and training Jiu Jitsu at a local gym.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
Growing up in a home where Sunday mornings were reserved for sleeping-in and eating pancakes, I spent my childhood completely unaware of the giant void that existed in my life. It wasn't until I was nearly 22 years old when God got my attention and made me aware of who Jesus is and how my faith in Him was the vital piece that was missing from my life.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
As a Parish Deacon, my hope is that God will use our family to connect with and care for those in our parish who may not feel known in our church community. Through this connection and care, He will cultivate for folks a stronger sense of belonging to our local church body.
Jenn Thomason
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
A native of Little Rock, AR, I met my husband, Ben, during our college years at Baylor. We spent our first 2 years of marriage in Houston, TX, and have called NC home for the past 22 years. We have two daughters, Addie, a rising sophomore at Belmont University, and EJ, a current sophomore at Trinity School. We have attended CHBC since 2013.
I have served in various roles with Meals on Wheels of Orange County for the past 10 years, and my favorite part is serving meals to the homebound on Mondays. I own a small business, Happies For The Home, selling home decor and gifts in downtown Mebane and Cary. I also enjoy conducting downsizing and estate sales for folks in the community.
Some activities I enjoy include watching documentaries, taking a good nap, walking with friends, watching baseball and basketball, and attending concerts.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I grew up in a Christian home and committed my life to Christ at the age of 10 after a week of Vacation Bible Study at my church. I began walking with the Lord during my college years at Baylor through a CRU mentor. God has used the local church and Godly women in my life to continue to help me grow in my relationship with Christ through my adult years.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I desire to help members to feel known and loved, to share in the gift of hospitality, and to walk alongside women in all stages of life.
John Amodeo
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
My wife Jeslea and I moved into our home in South Durham in July of 2020 for the start of my doctoral program at Duke. Jeslea is a professionally-trained and licensed cosmetologist; and in 2022, we constructed an in-home salon out of which she provides cuts and colors to a quickly-growing clientele! She is a fantastic homemaker and capitalizes on hospitality as an evangelistic tool.
In August of 2023, we welcomed our baby girl, Andie Jaclyn; and at 8 months, she is the perfect mix of feisty, joyful, and tender. Jeslea and I love parenting, take the call seriously, and aspire to a big, silly family.
My weeks are split between research in a neuroscience lab and designing software with one of my best friends at a biotech company in Research Triangle Park.
On Monday nights, Jeslea and I co-lead a life group chock-full of amazing people. On Sundays, we are fortunate to periodically serve in kids ministry and on the worship team.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I was raised in a spiritually divided household, but was exposed to a high-caliber of reformed theology through my mom. Unfortunately, this was devoid of the heart of the gospel: a personal, relational, grace-filled walk with Jesus Christ down a life-long path of steady obedience and sanctification.
I grew into a frustrated and confused young man, so afraid of failure that I refused to put effort toward anything in case my best efforts weren’t good enough. Moreover, the truth of scripture racked me, which I tried to manage intellectually while cramming relationships and experiences deemed hip and cultured into the empty space at the center of my worldview. In God’s grace, I was saved from serious damage only by a selfish desire to preserve the abilities of my mind and body.
In the winter of 2013, I tested just how far I could go in athletics, academics, etc. riding on raw intuition and charm. What a train wreck. But in this wreck my Savior met me.
In 2014, through a season of ‘hands and feet’ Christianity alongside some close friends, I finally learned the heart of the gospel. My life was fundamentally changed by a righteous, holy, merciful God. I’ve lived for His glory ever since.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I hope to wake up each morning, declare my utter inadequacy in all things before God, and asked for His help. I hope to treat the study of my Bible as the most important scholastic endeavor of my life.
I hope to lead my family and the brothers and sisters for which I am responsible with Spirit-granted wisdom and discernment, eager to submit to the will of the Father and to listen to His voice. I hope to pour myself out in service to our community and to our church, going to bed an empty cup each night.
I hope to proclaim the gospel always.
In doing this, if the Lord were to grant His servant a request, I hope He uses me and others to help channel the theological prowess of our congregation into small, consistent actions of active discipleship, service within our church, service alongside our local missions partners, hospitality to the neighborhoods within our parishes, and care for demographics in need (seniors, single parents, single adults, addicts, those mentally unwell, internationals, etc.) within and outside our church.
Julie Spencer Raynor
Archie and I have just celebrated our first-year wedding anniversary and live in Durham. We enjoy family, projects, flowers, and the beach. I have always had a passion for taking care of children. Vocationally, I have been a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and currently serve as Assistant Superintendent for Research and Accountability in Durham Public Schools.
I have been a follower of Christ as long as I can remember growing up in a home with Christian parents and values. My spiritual formation has matured with the teaching at CHBC, various bible studies, and rich Christian fellowship. I continue to grow in awe of God’s greatness and grace on a daily basis.
I hope to use the gifts God gave me to further the kingdom of God -- through the mission of CHBC. I enjoy using my spiritual gift of administration that includes budgeting, logistics, and planning, to align with the work of the Lord. It is an honor to serve my Lord and our church in these ways.
Kim Barrier
Bob and I have been married for 25 years. We met and were married at CHBC. CHBC has been our church family since 1995 and has helped us raise our three wonderful children, Nathan (22), Katherine (20), and Rebecca (14).
I am a Registered Dietitian for Durham County Dept. of Public Health. I work on a grant funded program that provides nutrition education to students in Durham Public Schools and combats food insecurity.
I was eight years old and visiting my aunt and uncle when they shared with me Jesus’s love and gift of new life. I decided that week to give my life to Christ. My spiritual growth has followed many hills and plateaus since that moment in my aunt’s spare room, but I continue to be in awe of God’s unending love, care, and faithfulness to me.
I have served in Kid’s Ministry over 20 years in different capacities. I find great joy in loving the kids and teaching them about Jesus and His love for them. I see my role as deacon as an opportunity for me to serve and support more of the CHBC body as we strive together to take the good news of the gospel to our communities and the next generation.
Linda Schlabach
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
I find peace in the early morning hours, between God and me, while driving to my job at 3:00 am and before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. Listening to old hymns and reading the Bible helps to soothe my soul and prepare me for the day ahead. After work, I help those in my community.
With two kids, three grandkids, and two puppies, I am reminded daily of the blessings in my life.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I became a follower of Christ when He showed me true salvation through Him and His sacrificial love.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
This is a wonderful opportunity to serve in the church by bringing people together, both the Spanish and English-speaking congregations. With the help of Christ, we can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Maggie Wilkins
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
My preschool sweetheart, Chad, and I have been married for nearly 15 years. The Lord has given us three children: Vivi, Jules and Miles. The bulk of my days are spent raising our kids and being involved with their schools, Waypoint Preschool and Creekside Elementary.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I first remember deciding to follow Jesus as a young child after a puppet show and gospel presentation at the church where I grew up. This church family continued to nurture my faith and disciple me as I grew up.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I hope to help fellow CHBC members connect to community and to be an encouragement to the CHBC family (Hebrews 10:23-25).
Margaret Faircloth
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.
I met my husband Warren at CHBC, and we have been happily married for 38 years. Our daughter, Laura, is married and living nearby. I am enjoying retirement, puttering in the yard and taking care of family, friends, and our church members.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?
I grew up in a Christian home and fabulous Christian community, believing in Christ all my life. As a teen I made a firm choice to follow Christ as my own Lord, and He has faithfully kept me in His hand ever since.
HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?
I have gifts in administration that I look forward to sharing with our church family.
Mark LoPresti
My wife Kristin and I live in North Durham and will have been married for 18 years this summer. We moved to Durham in 2005 after we were newly married and started attending CHBC back in 2006. We now have three kids (Eli 12, Barrett 9, and Abigail 3), each with quite different personalities!
Professionally, I work at Biogen in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where I have been since 2006, making drugs to help people with effects of serious neurological diseases.
I knew Jesus from a young age and was blessed to have believing parents. As a young adult, I really came to walk with Jesus in a personal way in college when the Lord put some people with the Cru ministry in my path and the Holy Spirit started to tug on my heart. It was during these years that I came to know what it was to have a relationship with Christ and started to develop a passion to share that with others. What a blessing it has been to walk with Jesus and see others (including my own children) grow in faith alongside me.
I hope to be a blessing to the body of Christ, helping to maintain CHBC’s witness for the Gospel in an increasingly secular world. I hope to help facilitate CHBC’s mission of reaching every person with the Gospel message and growing our body in discipleship.
Meg Howes
I am the well-loved wife and mother to my husband, Ian, and our 5 children. Our boys, Winston and Stuart, along with Winston’s lovely wife, Alex, live in Los Angeles. Our 3 girls, Emma, Claire and Phoebe, live locally with the younger two attending UNC and NC State respectively. I am a stay-at-home mom and homemaker who enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and all things chocolate.
I was raised in the Catholic faith so I knew of God, but it was my husband (already a seeker) and his friends who shared the gospel and lived relationally with Jesus which led me to know Him as Savior and Lord. I continue to be amazed the God of the universe wants to know and dwell with us.
The more I know Jesus, the more I want to serve Him and His body. I believe I can do this as I support, care and minister to His church at CHBC.
Roger Brooks
My wife Ann and I married a year out of college, and have been married for 37 years. We have five children, the youngest a junior in high school, and one very new granddaughter.
I grew up in Chapel Hill, but have spent most of my post-school adult life as a commercial litigator working in Manhattan. I loved that work, if not that city, but took early retirement at age 55 so that I could devote my legal skills to religious liberty and free speech litigation. For the last 4 years, I have been full-time employed as a litigator with Alliance Defending Freedom, doing just that. Once work no longer required us to live in New York, we promptly moved “home” to the Triangle in late 2016, and are glad to be here!
I grew up in a thoughtful and intentional Christian family, and became a Christian younger than I can remember. My parents were much the most formative influence in bringing me to faith, and to helping me grow into thoughtful, considered faith. In my high school years, I usually attended the CHBC (then small, and meeting in Gerard Hall), and learned much more about careful study of the scripture from Jim Abrahamson’s sermons—overhead projector and all. I made a more intentional “adult” commitment in my mid teens, and was baptized by Jim in Lake Clearwater in 1977 or thereabouts.
Early in my legal career, I quit and went to Regent College Seminary in Vancouver, BC, where I received an M. Div. and an eye-opening introduction to how much more I could learn from the Bible when I studied it with the rigor I had learned to apply in the law, rather than merely “devotionally” and casually. Flowing from that, I love to teach, and find that I am able to get people excited about the “more” they too can find with careful study . . . and a helping hand. So, I’ll do that when need arises.
Ann and I feel deeply that in our increasingly anti-Christian world, young families in the church need to be encouraged in the all-too-countercultural idea that raising a (numerous!) Christian family is a high and demanding calling of greater importance, challenge, and joy than (for most) anything else God will put before them. In whatever way we can—through relationships, through hospitality, through helping with women’s Bible study child-care (Ann)—we want to provide that encouragement.
More generally, in the modern world and particularly the mobile slice of society that largely makes up CHBC, we believe that cross-generational relationships within the church are deeply needed, for both emotional and modeling reasons. Since it’s too late for us to be the younger end of that equation, we want to do what we can to befriend younger members and families.
And of course, in any large human organization, there is just “stuff that needs to get done” . . . waiting tables, as it were. I believe that helping with such “stuff” is a rather explicit part of the scriptural job description.
Ready to TAKE THE NEXT STEP and get involved?
Chapel Hill Bible Church
QUICKLINKS
Take Your Next Step (biblechurch.life)
Bible Church en Español (biblechurch.es)
Learn About & Pray for Our Missions Partners (biblechurch.partners)
Integrate Your Faith + Work (trianglefellows.org)
CONTACT US
Chapel Hill Bible Church
260 Erwin Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Office: 919.408.0310
Email: info@biblechurch.org
FOLLOW US
© 2023 Chapel Hill Bible Church
Read our Privacy Policy