Our Staff
Ben Carson - Lead Pastor
[email protected] | 828-295-8333
Ben is passionate about meeting new people and hearing their stories. He also tries to lend a voice to those who are unable to speak for themselves, and seeks to share the love of God with everyone! Ben is an avid sports fan (Go Wolfpack!) and enjoys playing all kinds of sports and activities. He prefers to spend as much time outdoors as possible, and loves cycling and exploring the trails of the High Country. Ben has a degree in Business Management from N.C. State and a MDIV from Asbury Theological Seminary. Ben originally hails from Rutherfordton, NC, a place that most consider "small town friendly."
Ben and his wife Jenny have three children: Chloe, Malachi, and Carter. They are excited to be living in the High Country and to call FaithBridge home.
Ben and his wife Jenny have three children: Chloe, Malachi, and Carter. They are excited to be living in the High Country and to call FaithBridge home.
Rev. Hopper Gibby - Associate Pastor
[email protected] | 828-295-8333My name is Hopper Gibby (they/them) and I am very excited to join you all here at FaithBridge UMC! I am Appalachian born and raised, but I have lived all over rural North Carolina. I came to seminary at Duke Divinity School from Western Carolina University and my home church is Cullowhee UMC. I have worked many jobs during seminary, including as a campus ministry intern, a hospital chaplain, a farmhand, and as a ministry intern at Blackburn's Chapel in Todd, NC.
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Kathy Cozort Oliver - Director of Music Ministries
[email protected] 828-295-8333
Kathy comes to FaithBridge with a distinguished resume in the field of education and music, making her a perfect fit for our congregation. Throughout her career, Kathy has helped guide individuals of all ages on their musical journeys, fostering a deep appreciation for music and its spiritual power. Kathy has a knack for connecting with all people and helping them discover their unique musical talents.
Karen Crotts - Church Administrator
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Shanon Yates - Director of Children's Ministries
[email protected] | 828-295-8333
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Shannon is an educator and two-time graduate of Appalachian State University. She has been serving children and families in different capacities for 12 years in the public school system, early childhood education, and community outreach programs. Her professional specialization is using expressive arts for social and emotional learning. Over the last three years, she has transitioned to serving children in ministry having served as a Volunteer Pre-K Director for a large church in Lenoir. In her freetime, she loves spending time in nature and connecting with her family and friends. She is thankful for the opportunity to serve the children, youth, and families of FaithBridge!
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Director of Youth Ministries
| 828.295.8333
This position is currently vacant. Contact us for more information or to apply.
Casting Bread Ministries
Clara Coffey - Executive Director, Casting Bread Ministries
| 828-295-8333
Diann Miller - Operations Manager, Casting Bread Ministries
| 828-295-8333
Diann was born in Boone, and grew up in Wilkesboro. She and her husband, Ralph were married in 1974, settled in Boone and raised three daughters; Denise, Crystal and April. Now Diann and Ralph enjoy being grandparents to three young boys; Devyn, who is 15 years old, Mason, who is 13, and Cody, who is 7. Diann first connected with Casting Bread Ministries as a client in 2009, and has worked as a tireless volunteer here since October, 2010. Diann feels a special calling to participate in the Ministry of Casting Bread which has truly given her a new lease on life. Her goal is to help others who come to the Food Pantry, in the same way that FaithBridge and Casting Bread helped her and her family when they were in need. In her spare time, you will find Diann working in her garden, crocheting and always looking for the smiles in the people she meets.