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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 office of elder is Biblically mandated and thus one of the most important factors of a healthy church. 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. The goals of the shepherding ministry of the Elders are to teach, care for, equip for service, and protect the people who call this their church home. The lives of these men are to display the attitude of servant-leadership that Jesus modeled.

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 Bible Church elders aim to the serve the purposes outlined for church leaders in 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.
  • 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]

Oversight Team

Aaron Kirtley

Aaron Kirtley

Elder ('24)

Ben Thomason

Ben Thomason

Elder (Vice Chair) ('24)

Bill Stevenson

Bill Stevenson

Elder ('25)

Jay Thomas

Jay Thomas

Lead Pastor

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Mike Dial

Mike Dial

Elder ('24)

Roger Van Dyke

Roger Van Dyke

Elder ('24)

Board of Elders

Aaron Kirtley

Aaron Kirtley

Elder ('24)

Aaron Kirtley

Aaron Kirtley

Elder ('24)

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.

An engineer by training, I currently work for IBM as Operations Manager for their North American 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?

I currently co-lead a Life Group and the Men's Fitness Ministry. In addition to helping shepherd our church as we heal and reconnect after this difficult COVID season, I hope to contribute to deepening Christ-centered community and outreach at CHBC.

Alan Bell

Alan Bell

Elder ('25)

Alan Bell

Alan Bell

Elder ('25)

I attended UNC and got involved with InterVarsity and started attending the Bible Church. These years were ones of spiritual growth and developing the gifts that God had given me to serve Him. I started leading small group Bible studies and this evolved into leading Bible studies for international students and scholars. I am currently heading up the Handyman ministry.

I went to medical school at UNC and became a primary care pediatrician. I met the love of my life while I was a student at UNC. Pam and I have been married for 43 years and we have two sons and two beautiful grandchildren.

I grew up in a small town in eastern NC. My family attended a Southern Baptist Church and I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 10 years old.

The Bible Church is our family and I look forward to the great things that God will do in our midst. I look forward to being a servant of the Church.

Ben Thomason

Ben Thomason

Elder (Vice Chair) ('24)

Ben Thomason

Ben Thomason

Elder (Vice Chair) ('24)

Ben is the Managing Director of Experiential Learning at the Fuqua Business School at Duke University. He works with MBA students running project-based courses. He is married to Jennifer and has 2 children, EJ and Addie.

Ben came to know Jesus at about 10 years old. In college, he began to consistently pursue the Lord. God used people in his life to demonstrate how Jesus came so that we “may have life and have it abundantly.” This marked a time when he made an intentional decision as an adult to follow Christ. Today, Ben realizes more than ever his deep need for Jesus and is eager to continue to serve as an elder at Chapel Hill Bible Church.

Bill Stevenson

Bill Stevenson

Elder ('25)

Bill Stevenson

Bill Stevenson

Elder ('25)

Bill lives in Durham and has been married to his wife, Rebecca, for 32 years and they have three children, Will, Everett, and Emma, along with two daughters-in-law, Shanna and Olivia and two grandchildren.

Bill and Rebecca have been members of CHBC since 1994. Bill has served on the worship team, missions team, as a deacon and as an elder, while Rebecca is active as a teacher in the youth group and The Well. Professionally, Bill is the President of Spotlight Realty.

Bill and Rebecca met at Grove City College in western Pennsylvania where Bill studied Theology, and moved to Durham to attend the Fuqua School of Business at Duke.

Charles Herbst

Charles Herbst

Elder ('25)

Charles Herbst

Charles Herbst

Elder ('25)

I became a Christian at age 10 and am a retired UNC GI surgeon. Rosemary and I joined the Bible Church in 2004. I've been an elder here for 15 years and was and elder for many years previously at another baptist church.

I help lead the Berean adult class on Sunday mornings, JOY Fellowship (our senior adult ministry). and the Band of Brothers life group.

Geoff Grant

Geoff Grant

Worship Pastor

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Geoff Grant

Geoff Grant

Worship Pastor

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.

Hank Lesesne

Hank Lesesne

Elder ('23)

Hank Lesesne

Hank Lesesne

Elder ('23)

As a founding elder of CHBC in 1970, through many ups and downs, God has grown Hank in his love for Him and His church. Hank is especially desirous of helping the younger leaders with any wisdom he can pass on. Missions, especially internationals, has been a true love of his, including Mission's Prayer Suppers and yearly conferences in Kenya and Malaysia to bring medical education to medical mission physicians/nurses through the Christian Medical/Dental Association (1980-2002).

Married to the love of his life, Jean, for 55 yrs, with a daughter, Marcy, who lives with them, and a son, Hal, who is a Director of IT/Cloud with Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Association, God has blessed Hank and Jean immensely. They have 4 grandchildren who are also God's blessings to them.

Hugh Jones

Hugh Jones

Elder ('25)

Hugh Jones

Hugh Jones

Elder ('25)

I started going to CHBC when I was a student at UNC, 1973-1977. My wife, Julie and I moved back to Chapel Hill in 1988. CHBC became our church home for our family.

Several years ago I served on the elder board with a desire to help shepherd the flock. God has given me a heart that cares for others and their well being. As a CRU staff member for 42 years, I also have a heart for equipping others for service and thus being an elder has been a great place for me to use my gifts and calling.

My full-time job is as a CRU Bridges Mission Director, giving leadership to our international student ministries around the country.

Julie and I have 3 adult children who all live in Durham and Chatham counties.

Ian Howes

Ian Howes

Elder ('25)

Ian Howes

Ian Howes

Elder ('25)

I live in Chapel Hill and have been married to my wife, Meg, for 32 years. We have 5 children. My wife and I have been members of CHBC since 1992 and I've served as an elder since 2005.

Professionally, I'm the CFO of Accelerator Life Science Partners, a Seattle-based venture capital company that starts and runs emerging biotech companies. By training, I'm a Chartered Accountant and have an M.B.A. from Kenan-Flagler (UNC). I'm also the Chair of Agape Corner, an organization that mentors struggling young men in Durham.

For recreation, I play mediocre tennis and golf and am an avid follower of English football (with the round ball).

Jason Portnoy

Jason Portnoy

Elder ('24)

Jason Portnoy

Jason Portnoy

Elder ('24)

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.

Elizabeth and I have been married nearly 15 years. We have three children: Ella (13), Ben (11) and Pippa (8).

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.

HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?

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 a Rooted class and other men’s ministry groups.

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

Jay Baas

Elder (Chair) ('23)

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do for a living

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!

How did you become a follower of Christ?

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.

How do you hope to contribute to the mission of CHBC?

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 Thomas

Lead Pastor

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Jay Thomas

Jay Thomas

Lead Pastor

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.

Jeff McArthur

Jeff McArthur

Elder ('23)

Jeff McArthur

Jeff McArthur

Elder ('23)

Jeff is married to Megan and were high school sweethearts back in Oregon who married just after college. Jeff and Megan have three sons, Scott, Jack, and Kylyn, whom they adopted in 2020.

Jeff and Megan live in Mebane, but have survived long stints in both Carrboro and Alaska. For more than 12 years, Jeff has worked for a local coffee roasting company in Durham, as head roaster, coffee buyer, and more recently as a senior leader and manager of our green coffee buying and quality control team.

Growing up in Christian family that was active in the Lutheran church, Jeff became a follower of Christ while in Junior High. However, it wasn't until he was in his early 20's when he truly gave his life over to Jesus Christ and started asking what it meant to carry his cross or to love his neighbor. Jeff and Megan both went through revival in their hearts and were believer-baptized together in their local church in Alaska at that time.

I love serving as a Life Group leader and cherish the deep community and discipleship opportunities that has provided. Megan and I have a blast in Kids Ministry; teaching in the 1st or 2nd grade classes for many years, as well as joining the Kids Ministry Leadership Team in 2019. As an elder, I'll continue to point those around me to the love of Jesus Christ, to the power of the Gospel, and to the joys of yielding to the Holy Spirit for His glory.

Kyle McManamy

Kyle McManamy

Elder ('24)

Kyle McManamy

Kyle McManamy

Elder ('24)

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.

Matt Smith

Matt Smith

Discipleship Pastor

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Matt Smith

Matt Smith

Discipleship Pastor

Matt and his wife, Tammy, met at their home church in Burlington, NC. They have one adopted daughter and actively foster parent.

Matt was born and raised in Burlington and graduated from Wake Forest University (B.A.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Before coming on staff in 2017 as Discipleship and Training Pastor, Matt served as a high school physics teacher, Associate Pastor at Bethlehem Christian Church in Elon, NC, editor for Zondervan, Vice President for BiblicalTraining.org and New Directions International, and a cross-cultural missionary with Freedom to Lead International. He is an associate editor for Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words.

I believe discipleship is meeting people where they are and helping them go where God wants them to go. Ultimately, that means helping others become more like Christ in their beliefs, affections, and behavior. I am passionate about coming alongside people in this journey of discipleship.

For fun, Matt enjoys music, movies, hiking, and travel.

Michael Carnahan

Michael Carnahan

Elder ('23)

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.

Mike Dial

Mike Dial

Elder ('24)

Mike Dial

Mike Dial

Elder ('24)

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.

I met my wife, Scarlet, when we were both in graduate school and we have been married for 16 years. We are blessed with two children, ages 13 and 11. We are an active family that loves the outdoors.

I work in healthcare venture capital where I start and build biotechnology companies.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?

I became a Christian at the age of 8 through my loving parents who taught me about Jesus. While I was in graduate school, my faith was really tested when my mom became sick with cancer. It was the most difficult time in my life, but the Lord really humbled me through that experience and taught me what it was like to completely trust in Him. It was a period of significant growth for me as a believer.

He continues to work in my life, reminding me daily of His goodness, grace and mercy.

HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MISSION OF CHBC?

I am humbled to serve in this role and open to serving the church in any way needed. I have a heart for people and enjoy building new relationships and mentoring others.

Randy Russell

Randy Russell

Pastor Emeritus

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Randy Russell

Randy Russell

Pastor Emeritus

Randy has been married to his wife, Kathy, for over 40 years. They have five grown children (two of whom are adopted), and five grandchildren (one in heaven). He grew up south of Chicago and graduated from Northern Illinois University (B.S.) and Denver Seminary (M.A.).

Randy joined the staff of the Bible Church on Labor Day Sunday, 1980. During his ministry here, Randy has helped over 230 couples begin their marriages and was the founding pastor of Chatham Community Church in Pittsboro, NC. He retired from full-time ministry in summer of 2017, but continues part-time in a counseling capacity.

In my many years at CHBC, I have been able to lead people to the Lord, to grow in the Lord, to become servants and leaders, and to mature in their relationships. Over this time I have seen the church grow in expressing gifts, expressing unity, expressing diversity, and living together in the gracious life of Jesus.

Randy enjoys playing golf, watching the Chicago Cubs, studying history - particularly the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. You can find Randy's research on Abraham Lincoln and slavery at his website.

Roddy Dinsmore

Roddy Dinsmore

Missions Pastor

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Roddy Dinsmore

Roddy Dinsmore

Missions Pastor

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.

Roger Van Dyke

Roger Van Dyke

Elder ('24)

Roger Van Dyke

Roger Van Dyke

Elder ('24)

Roger has been a member of the Bible Church for over 40 years!

Roger was a physical therapist who evolved into a serial entrepreneur, starting a Rehab Corporation, a Travel Company, a Christian non-profit, and now is working as a business consultant.

Roger was raised in a Christian home and attended Christian schools. At age 14, he accepted Christ at a Billy Graham Evangelistic Association crusade. Jesus became his personal Savior and Lord, and he's been following Him ever since. Occasionally, during worship, Roger wipes tears from his eyes because he's so grateful and in awe of who Jesus is and what He's done.

Roger has been married to his wife Carole for over 40 years and has 3 married sons, and 4 grandchildren.

Ryan McKee

Ryan McKee

Community Pastor

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Ryan McKee

Ryan McKee

Community Pastor

Ryan served the Bible Church nearly 3 years as a pastoral resident before coming on full-time as Community & Care Minister. Ryan’s residency was defined by coupling his biblical and theological training at Western Seminary with hands-on ministry training and mentorship from the pastors and elders. Ryan has served in various roles, which include: preaching, teaching, next-generation formation, shepherding, and community building.

As Community Pastor, Ryan leads the training and oversight of over 50 life groups around the Triangle. In addition, his role oversees our congregational care to respond to tangible and spiritual needs within our church family.

Ryan has also worked as a college football coach and continues to steward his knowledge and skillset of the game of football by mentoring and discipling young athletes.

Ryan & Laura have called Chapel Hill Bible Church their home since 2013. They live in Durham with their two boys and two girls.

Tao Huang

Tao Huang

Elder ('24)

Tao Huang

Tao Huang

Elder ('24)

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. I cannot believe we'll soon be celebrating our silver anniversary!

Ping and I have two teenage boys, Teddy who is a high school senior and going to college this Fall, and Ethan who will soon be a proud rising 9th grader at East Chapel Hill High.

I've been working at SAS, a software company headquartered in Cary, for the past 20 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 been serving in several roles at Bible Church such as Leader of Chinese Fellowship, a deacon, and in other volunteering capacities.

As a Christian, we're called to spread the Good News to all people. I hope to use my background as a member of the minority group of the church to bring more people from various ethnic/cultural backgrounds to worship Him as pictured in the beautiful scene of Revelation 7:9.

Tim Safley

Tim Safley

Elder ('23)

Tim Safley

Tim Safley

Elder ('23)

Tim and Karen both grew up in the Triangle, where they met in high school. They've been married to for 17 years and have two kids, Lawson and Anna. They also have a dog named Alice.

Tim has been involved in mentoring relationships for over 2 decades. He served on the Young Life staff for 14 years before leaving to work in non-profit leadership development. Presently, his work includes training and equipping men and women to invest in Next Generation Leaders for a lifetime of God-honoring influence.

Tim grew up in the church and had a lot of information about who Jesus was, but it became real for him in high school when a Young Life volunteer leader modeled out for him what it looked like to be follower of Christ.

What excites me is helping folks develop a vision for showing up in the lives of other people and what it looks like to be a leader in their spheres of influence.

Wally Turnbull

Wally Turnbull

Elder ('25)

Wally Turnbull

Wally Turnbull

Elder ('25)

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

The deacons assist the Board of Elders in the administration of the church. They are responsible for the physical properties and financial matters of the church, and they serve as the directors of the corporation for civil matters.  Specific responsibilities of the deacons include providing for the needs of Sunday worship services and presenting a budget proposal to be voted on at the annual congregational meeting.  Deacons are prepared to assist the elders in guiding the spiritual life of the church. By nature of their role, these men and women must be servants at heart.
How the Deacons are selected
Nominations for the office of Deacon come from members of the church. Consideration includes the following factors:

  • 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
The Greek work diakonos (translated, deacon) means servant. Acts 6:1-7 is often seen as the prototype of the office of deacon.

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.

Andrew Hove

Andrew Hove

Deacon ('23)

Andrew Hove

Andrew Hove

Deacon ('23)
Andrew Slatter

Andrew Slatter

Deacon ('25)

Andrew Slatter

Andrew Slatter

Deacon ('25)

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.

Carol Younkin

Carol Younkin

Deacon ('24)

Carol Younkin

Carol Younkin

Deacon ('24)

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.

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.

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

Christine Chu Hornsby

Deacon ('25)

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.

Ginger Carnahan

Ginger Carnahan

Deacon (Secretary) ('24)

Ginger Carnahan

Ginger Carnahan

Deacon (Secretary) ('24)

I was blessed to grow up in a Christian household. I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior at five and chose to be baptized at twelve. As I reflect, I find my school and college years marked by solidifying my identity as solely in Christ. I’d say that subsequently, the overarching thread has been the ministry of the presence of God solidified in the midst of hardship and grieving. We have experienced great blessings as well, but it’s the balance of having walked through deep griefs that has rooted in me the knowledge that this world is not our home and Christ is all.

Michael and I met in undergrad at Furman University. We married after I graduated in 2001. Since he was pursuing his degree at Duke, naturally, I pursued mine at UNC. I have a MS in Biochemistry and Biophysics. I currently lead a seventh grade homeschool community once a week and also homeschool our three children: Makayla (16), Declan (14), and Brennan (12).

I love this fellowship of believers deeply. I have served in various ways in the twenty years we have been here, and during different seasons have had the chance to get to know many believers that are still here and many that have moved away. It is a gift to know even a part of what the Lord is doing and has done in and through this body. I am a practical and detail-oriented person; I look forward to continuing to use my administrative gifts and serving the church in the particular role of deacon so that this fellowship can continue to serve the Lord and make Him known in our community and spheres of influence.

Julie Spencer Raynor

Julie Spencer Raynor

Deacon (Chair) ('25)

Julie Spencer Raynor

Julie Spencer Raynor

Deacon (Chair) ('25)

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

Kim Barrier

Deacon ('25)

Kim Barrier

Kim Barrier

Deacon ('25)

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.

Layla Dowdy

Layla Dowdy

Deacon ('23)

Layla Dowdy

Layla Dowdy

Deacon ('23)
Mark LoPresti

Mark LoPresti

Deacon ('25)

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.

Mary McManamy

Mary McManamy

Deacon (Vice Chair) ('25)

Mary McManamy

Mary McManamy

Deacon (Vice Chair) ('25)

Mary is married to Kyle (elder) and they live in Chapel Hill with their dog, Lulu. Mary is a chemistry professor at Elon University. Mary and Kyle have been members at CHBC for 10 years.

"The mission of being transformed by the Gospel: our lives, our cities, our world, is played out in big and small, public and private ways. And I believe that is just the way God intended it – He cares about both the big and small things. As a chemist, I care a lot about the small things, the really small things, and I want to be able to contribute to the mission of CHBC in the small, sometimes behind-the-scenes things, so the big things are unhindered."

Roger Brooks

Roger Brooks

Deacon ('25)

Roger Brooks

Roger Brooks

Deacon ('25)

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.

Shiney Deel

Shiney Deel

Deacon ('25)

Shiney Deel

Shiney Deel

Deacon ('25)

Michael and I have been married for nearly 19 years, and we are blessed with three sons (Gabe - 16, Micah - 13, and Joseph - 9). I have an engineering degree, but have had the privilege of being a homemaker ever since the birth of our second child.

We moved to Chapel Hill in 2013 for Michael’s career. Chapel Hill Bible Church was the first church we attended since it was walking distance from our house (at that time). We have been attending CHBC ever since and are so grateful to have found community, solid Biblical teaching, opportunities to serve, and more at CHBC.

I grew up in a Christian home where daily prayer, Bible reading, and church was encouraged and demonstrated. When I was 13 and fully realized my sin and need for a savior, I put my faith and trust in Jesus and was baptized a few years later. My faith has grown so much since I first gave my life to Christ, and the Lord continues to mold me, teach me, and show me His goodness and faithfulness as I follow Him.

I hope to contribute to CHBC’s mission by serving the Lord and His church humbly, prayerfully, and joyfully in order to bless our church family and bring glory to God.

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