Our Staff
Ben Carson - Lead Pastor
ben@faithbridgeumc.org | 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 hiking, camping, biking and backpacking. 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. You can follow Ben's adventures through life and ministry through his blog at www.parsoncarson.wordpress.com
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. You can follow Ben's adventures through life and ministry through his blog at www.parsoncarson.wordpress.com
Kyle Sigmon - Associate Pastor
kyle@faithbridgeumc.org | 828-295-8333
Kyle is a local boy. He graduated from Hardin Park Elementary in 1999, Watauga High in 2003, and then Appalachian State in December of 2006. He majored in Philosophy and Religion and minored in music with guitar. He married his high school crush Elise in December of 2006 and together they now have 4 children: the oldest son named Jacob, a daughter named Jenna, and 2 other sons named Marshall and baby Miles. In 2014 Kyle completed an M.A. at Duke Divinity School in Christian Practice. He is ordained as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Kyle enjoys long walks on the beach, camping, and hanging out with friends.
Karen Crotts - Church Administrator
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Virginia Peurifoy - Assistant Pastor of Pastoral Care and Visitation
virginia@faithbridgeumc.org | 828-295-8333Virginia is a Licensed Local Pastor in the UMC and comes to FaithBridge after serving as a Hospice Chaplain for a number of years. She has a big, loving heart for serving God and others.
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Abbie Fite - Director of Children's Ministries
abbie@faithbridgeumc.org | 828-295-8333
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Abbie has a passion, heart, and gift for the faith development of children. She is originally from Jacksonsville, Florida, but has lived in the High Country for several years. She is currently pursuing a degree in History Education from App State and excels at getting out of escape rooms. If you have seen Abbie's keys, please let her know.
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Calista Colbert - Director of Youth Ministries
cali@faithbridgeumc.org | 828.295.8333
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Cali is currently in the master's degree program at Appalachian State for clinical mental health counseling. She has a passion for the faith development of youth and once forgot all of the words to a solo that she was singing. She is the world's foremost expert on The Avengers series, and can quote every line from the Prince of Egypt. Cali is also a classically trained singer, and sometimes says embarrassing things during worship such as "fart biscuit." Cali also doesn't pay attention during staff meetings, but she means well. She also consistently throws Abbie under the bus. P.S. if you have seen her computer charger or phone charger please let her know.
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Caroline Smith - Receptionist (Mama C)
828-295-8333
If you show up to FaithBridge during the week, you've likely experienced Caroline's gift of hospitality. She helps ensure that FaithBridge is truly a place where all of God's children are welcomed with love and grace. Stop in and say hi to Mama C!
Casting Bread Ministries
Sam Garrett - Executive Director, Casting Bread Ministries
castingbread@gmail.com | 828-295-8333
Sam comes to Casting Bread after many years in the non-profit world. Complete bio coming soon.
Diann Miller - Operations Manager, Casting Bread Ministries
castingbread@faithbridgeumc.org | 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.