Meet Our Team
Our Pastoral Team
Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of these qualifications as the “senior pastor” of this church.
Read More About the Qualifications of a Pastor
- A pastor must be devoted to his wife; one-woman man (Titus 1:6; 1 Tim 3:2). The pastor’s marriage illustrates Christ’s love for His church—His bride (Eph. 5:22 ff.). A Pastor must love his wife exclusively with his mind, will and emotions and not just his body.
- A pastor’s children must be in submission, though not perfect (Titus 1:6; 1 Tim 3:4-5). If a man does not know how to manage his own family, he will not know how to take care of God’s church. The first flock for a pastor is his own family as Pastor Dad. A Pastor’s qualification for the church starts in his home management as he leads them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
- A pastor is a faithful steward (Titus 1:7). Here the term used is overseer (Greek episkopos). It is not another office, but a functional title of the elder. It is what he does. He is a steward, a manager of God’s resources and Jesus’ flock. He takes responsibility, but not ownership.
- A pastor must be humble — not arrogant (Titus 1:7). A pastor must constantly demonstrate the gospel by admitting when he is wrong and assuming responsibility and restoring relationships.
- A pastor must be gentle — not quick-tempered (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3). No man will be of any use in the kingdom that is quick-tempered. The difference between how Jesus demonstrated anger is that He was angry at the abuse of others in the name of religion and the dishonoring of God. We get angry at how it affects us.
- A pastor must be sober — not a drunkard (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3). This is not just overindulgence in alcohol but is idiomatic for any behavior that fuels addictive responses.
- A pastor must be peaceful — not violent (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3). A pastor is not prone to inflict violence through his words. He is to be a peacemaker.
- A pastor must have financial integrity — not greedy for gain (Titus 1:7; 1 Tim 3:3; 1 Peter 5:3). A pastor is to be upright in his financial dealings and not accused of pursuing money over the kingdom of God.
- A pastor must be hospitable (Titus 1:8; 1 Tim 3:2). A pastor’s home is to be open for others to enjoy. A pastor’s home is not a heaven on earth, but rather a place of ministry.
- A pastor must be a lover of good (Titus 1:8). A pastor genuinely loves what is good. He does not just think he should love it.
- A pastor must be self-controlled (Titus 1:8; 1 Tim 3:2). Self-control is a characterization of every area of a pastor’s life: diet, time, mouth, exercise, relationships, sex, and money.
- A pastor must be upright (Titus 1:8). He has integrity in his relationships and in how he treats others.
- A pastor must be holy (Titus 1:8). His life is devoted wholeheartedly to Jesus externally and internally.
- A pastor must be able to teach (Titus 1:9; 1 Tim 3:2). All of the other qualifications are character qualities. This is the only ability-based requirement. He is to be able to teach sound doctrine, not just be able to communicate in an excellent manner. His teaching can be to one or two, to twenty, to a hundred or to a thousand. Most of the churches in Crete were house churches. The elders were to defend the faith once delivered to the saints against the numerous false teachers that arose.
- A pastor must be spiritually mature (1 Tim 3:6). Positions of authority without spiritual maturity lead to the trap of pride. When pride grows in a man, sin abounds.
- A pastor must be respectable (1 Tim 3:7). That does not mean that everyone must like him or even appreciate him. It means that there is no credible witness to an ongoing sinful behavior.
- A pastor must be an example to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). Elders are examples of biblical expressions sexually, time management, marriage, parenting, worship, relationships and any other way. A pastor should be someone your sons could pattern their life after and the kind of man your daughter should marry.
What would you do if an elder violates one of these requirements? 1 Timothy 5:19-20 warns us not to accuse an elder flippantly. Matthew 18:15-18 gives us the steps:
- Go to the elder alone,
- If still unsatisfied, go with another person,
- If still unsatisfied, let the greater eldership know. If accusations are verified and the elder remains unrepentant, rebuking that elder before all is the next biblical step.
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 gre...Read More
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.
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 ...Read More
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.
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 gradu...Read More
Matt Smith
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.
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 fo...Read More
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.
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 ...Read More
Ryan McKee
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.
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 C...Read More
Randy Russell
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.
Our Ministers
Martin Shin College Minister
Martin met his wife, Viviana, at their home church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They have two children.
Martin was born and raised in Argentina as the son of Korean immigrants and ...Read More
Martin Shin
Martin met his wife, Viviana, at their home church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They have two children.
Martin was born and raised in Argentina as the son of Korean immigrants and graduated from Seminario Internacional Teologico Bautista (B.A) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.Div.).
Before coming on staff as the College Minister, Martin served as an Associate Pastor at Iglesia Presbiteriana Betel en Argentina, where he served as a Young Adults Pastor, Mission Pastor and Congregational Life Pastor. During his time in the Chicago suburbs, Martin preached in Spanish, English and Korean, while serving at Korean Church of Chicago and The Orchard Evangelical Free Church.
For fun Martin likes to grill argentinean style "asado", play futbol (soccer) and spending time with his children.
Erin Bethany Women's Minister
Erin, married to Jesse, is originally from Newport News, VA and moved to Durham in August of 2017. She began to follow Jesus as her Savior and King in college at James Madison Univ...Read More
Erin Bethany
Erin, married to Jesse, is originally from Newport News, VA and moved to Durham in August of 2017. She began to follow Jesus as her Savior and King in college at James Madison University. She found her passion for sharing the truth of Christ and equipping His saints through church-planting in Richmond and Newport News over the twelve years following.
Before moving to NC, she was the Director of Communication, Missions, and Women’s Ministry at Catalyst Church in Newport News and began pursuing seminary studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The Bethanys moved to NC in 2017 for Jesse to study and work in the UNC library system, and they immediately found a home at Chapel Hill Bible Church. Erin was brought on staff with CHBC as the Lead Administrative Assistant in August 2017, and promoted to Women's Minister in July 2019.
Gaby Correa CHBC en Español Minister
Gaby was born and raised in Puerto Rico and studied at the University of Puerto Rico. At the age of 17, he began to serve in ministry and in 2006 was sent to plant a church in Guay...Read More
Gaby Correa
Gaby was born and raised in Puerto Rico and studied at the University of Puerto Rico. At the age of 17, he began to serve in ministry and in 2006 was sent to plant a church in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. During this time, he met his wife, Katie, online while she was in Pakistan as a missionary. He moved to North Carolina in 2012 in preparation for their wedding. They now have four boys.
While working in sales at a car dealership, he began serving in ministry to other hispanic families in the Triangle. In 2016, he joined Global Outreach International as a commissioned missionary to Spanish-speaking residents in the area and was commissioned as the Latino Ministries Director in August of that year at Chapel Hill Bible Church. Likewise, Katie is actively engaged with Gaby in ESL ministry as an outreach to hispanic residents who are interested in learning English.
For fun, Gaby enjoys music, movies, sports, and traveling.
Matt Gilleskie Youth Minister
Matt is a lifelong Bible Church attender and became a member in 2016 after his conversion. In high school, he participated in The Yard – CHBC’s youth ministry – where he form...Read More
Matt Gilleskie
Matt is a lifelong Bible Church attender and became a member in 2016 after his conversion. In high school, he participated in The Yard – CHBC’s youth ministry – where he formed lasting friendships, heard the Gospel expounded, and saw it embodied.
After graduating from UNC, Matt married his wife, Anna, who is a medical student at UNC, a member of CHBC, and a leader in The Yard.
Matt graduated from Duke Divinity School and was named CHBC’s Youth Minister in August 2022. In this role, he aims to “present everyone mature in Christ” by proclaiming him, by God’s grace (Col 1:28-29).
In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with Anna, reading, and playing basketball.
Ministry Leadership Team
Ashley Gyori
I've been working with the special needs community since 2009. I have a passion for this group of people and I strive every day to make our church more inclusive and welcoming to people of all abilities.
Colin Rowley
Elizabeth Portnoy
Elizabeth was born in the States, raised in Oxford, England, and remains a proud citizen of both countries. She attended James Madison University, and, upon graduation, moved to Philadelphia, where she earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth married her husband Jason in 2006, and they have three children. She and her family moved to Chapel Hill in 2014, and have been attending the Bible Church ever since. She has served as a volunteer in both the Connections and Children’s ministries.
Due to many moves throughout my life, I have often been the “newcomer” finding my way in unfamiliar places. Over time, these experiences have fostered a deep love of people, their cultures, and their stories. I delight in building relationships and am excited to continue growing the culture of hospitality at CHBC, through the love of Jesus.
Elizabeth enjoys traveling; a crisp, cold morning with abundant sunshine; green pastures; and doesn’t know of anything much sweeter than a rich conversation over a good meal with friends.
Ministry Residents
J.W. Ruff
JW and his wife, Sarah, met in Detroit Michigan through a mutual friend while JW was working for the Detroit Pistons and Sarah was in medical school at Michigan State University. They have 2 children - Jackson and Savannah.
JW was born in New York City and was raised in Oxford, MI. He graduated as a scholar athlete from Northwood University (BBA) and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Before coming on staff part-time in 2016 as Worship Associate, JW served as the director of basketball camps and clinics for Detroit’s NBA team the Detroit Pistons, Youth Director at Hadley Community Church, a worship and young adult leader at Woodside Bible Church, a worship and youth leader at New Life Church, and has been an at-home parent for over the past 10 years.
I believe that God’s love and desire for the family are seen in the Trinity - The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. We are to love one another as the Father loves his Son. I am passionate to come alongside families as they journey together with a love and desire to draw closer to Christ.
For fun, JW likes to play games, one-wheel with his kids, explore the outdoors, play music, and read.
Liang Dong
Liang grew up in Chapel Hill Bible Church and is an alumnus of The Yard (youth ministry).
Liang graduated with a B.S in Computer Science at UNC Charlotte in 2019. Currently, he is pursuing his M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. This fall, he will work closely with his confidant, Matt Gilleskie, in The Yard (youth ministry) and is excited to build deep friendships with the students and grow together in Christ.
Liang is passionate about preaching the Word and making disciples as he experienced this first-hand from others here at Bible Church.
In his spare time, Liang loves to read, play soccer, and have table fellowship with friends.
Ministry Operations Team
Amanda Birrenkott
Amanda moved to Chapel Hill from Florida with her family in 2019 (right before the pandemic) and is excited to have found the Bible Church. She is married to Rob, an administrator at UNC Law School, and they have two middle school aged girls - Bailey and Mackenzie.
Amanda demonstrates God's love and compassion by opening her home and sharing a meal with others.
In her spare time, Amanda enjoys exploring the NC mountains with her family, playing tennis (not well), and drinking coffee while cheering on her Florida Gators!
Hannah Waters
Hannah is from Cary, NC and she graduated this past spring from UNC! She has a degree in Exercise and Sport Science and English. She has been attending CHBC since her freshman year of college and became a member in 2019. Hannah was a YoungLife leader throughout college and has spent many summers at Pine Cove Christian camps.
Hannah loves to read, will talk your ear off about how Harry Potter is an allegory for the gospel, drinks way too many cups of coffee a day, and would love to have a conversation about theology with you. She hopes to go to seminary at some point in the future 🙂
Julianna Campbell
Julianna began attending Bible Church after moving to Durham from Springfield, Missouri. She is married to Clayton, who studies at Duke Divinity School, and they have three young children: Soren, Nouvelle, and Ruby.
Julianna is passionate about serving God's people and seeing them grow into healthy, whole-hearted followers of Jesus.
In her spare time, Julianna enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family, grabbing coffee with friends, learning about theology and psychology, and cheering on the Mizzou Tigers from her native Columbia, Missouri.
Lynelle Rowley
Lynelle began attending CHBC after relocating from Houston almost five years ago. She and her husband Colin have four children.
Lynelle's background is in vocal performance, opera, choral singing and directing, and church music ministry. Her days are filled up with homeschooling, kids' extracurricular activities, quality time with family and friends, and lots of audio books.
In addition to being involved with the music ministry at CHBC, she sings with a choir based in Greensboro called The Bel Canto Company. In the future she hopes to become a counselor.
Mary Ramirez
Having originally been born and raised in Africa, Mary moved from the Central Coast in California 8 years ago with her husband, Gabe, and three kids. They have learned how to survive the humid summers of NC and now call this home, relishing the real experience of the four seasons.
Mary has been teaching for many years, initially as a High School teacher in the public school arena and then as a homeschool teacher for co-ops, and also as an ESL instructor for Alamance Community College.
Mary enjoys spending time with her family, grabbing coffee or walking with friends, working in her garden, reading, and eating quality chocolate.
Rachel Alcorn
Rachel made the move to North Carolina from Southern California and is excited to be able to call Bible Church home. She spent a few years in the interior design & architecture industry and is passionate about the potential for art and design to echo the redemption of Christ and foster human flourishing.
Rachel has served with high schoolers in camping ministry and at her home churches over the years and loves getting to walk alongside students as they grow in their knowledge & love for Christ and His Kingdom.
Rachel enjoys spending her free time making art, reading, or sitting on the beach with an iced coffee in hand - but is happiest when she's filling her role as Auntie Rach to her nieces and nephew (sister to Chelsea Grant).
College Interns
Jack Shriver
Jack is from Pittsboro, NC. As a current junior at UNC - Chapel Hill, he is pursuing a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry while on the pre-veterinary path. Over the summer, he interned with the North Carolina Zoo and loved his experience!
Jack has been with CHBC since August 2021 when he started attending College Collective with his roommates and has loved the community he has found here.
Jack will be interning this year in college ministry to help organize and lead CC gatherings on Sunday and during the week.
Sophie Hajek
Sophie Hajek is from Cary, NC and is a junior at UNC Chapel Hill majoring in Biology with a minor in Education.
She began attending Bible Church with her parents, Bob and Kathleen Hajek in 2019. Since beginning at UNC in 2020, she has invested in the College Collective community and is excited to pour back into a ministry that has supported her through her college career.
Sophie is an aspiring hairless cat owner and enjoys hiking, canoeing, and anything outdoors. She is considering a career in healthcare, but ultimately is excited to see where the Lord leads her in the future.
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