Masonboro Baptist Church- Wilmington, NC

Leadership

Dr. Gordon Wright, Jr. - Senior Minister

Gordon is a native of Charlottesville, VA. After receiving a B.A. from Carson-Newman College (TN.) and an M. Div. from Southeastern Seminary, he came to Masonboro in 1984. In May of 2001 he earned a D. Min. in Marriage and Family from Eastern Seminary (PA). He is married to Judi and they have one daughter, Chloe’. Gordon enjoys tennis, running and bicycling.

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Rev. Larry Knowles - Associate Minister
Larry grew up in Brunswick County. He is a graduate from Wilmington College and NC State University. While at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville (KY), Larry met and married Mary Kate, a volunteer missionary nurse from Houston, Texas. They have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. Throughout their lives they have been involved in churches and for almost 25 years served as leaders. In recent years Larry has worked as an electrician, owner-operator of tractor-trailers and other ventures. But Larry has always found knowing and working with people to be the most exciting and enjoyable venue in life.

Rev. Brenda Flowers - Minister of Music
Brenda grew up in Columbus County. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from East Carolina University. Brenda has taught music in the public school system and served in church leadership for many years. She has a M.Div degree from Campbell University Divinity School. Brenda is married to Jeff, and they have one daughter, Allison. Her hobbies include music, reading, and fitness.

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Rev. Jonathan Hale - Minister of Youth

Jonathan grew up in Eden, NC. After earning a Bachelor of Social Work from Appalachian State University, Jonathan went on to earn a Master of Divinity in Christian Education from Gardner-Webb University. Jonathan has been in full-time youth ministry for six years and feels this is his specific call in life. He began his ministry at Masonboro in September of 2010. Jonathan and his newlywed wife, Ashley, live in Wilmington and they have a little dog, Edyn. Jonathan enjoys watching ASU football and UNC basketball, and in his spare time, he enjoys running, Ultimate Frisbee, and hiking.

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Rev. Shirley Womble- Minister of Children and Families
Shirley is originally from Virginia, but has lived in Wilmington with her husband, Mike, and their daughters since 2001. She taught elementary and pre-school children for twelve years before being called into the ministry. She has a Master of Divinity from Campbell University Divinity School with a concentration in Christian Education. Shirley enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and scrapbooking.

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Other Staff

Sheryl Hartwell - Director of Noah’s Ark Children's Center
Sheryl is married, the mother of two grown children, and the grandmother of one. She has over 25 years experience working with children including over 16 years at Noah's Ark as teacher and assistant director. She will became the director of Noah's Ark effective June 1, 2011 upon the retirement of Betty Clark. It is her philosophy that children learn best in a loving, safe, hands-on environment.

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Carrie Pate- Assistant Director of Noah's Ark
Carrie, a native of West Virginia, has lived in Wilmington for 25 years. She lives with her husband and their two daughters, Ashley and Morgan. Carrie has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Stanly Community College and has worked for Noah's Ark for a little over six years. In her spare time Carrie enjoys reading, playing tennis, going to the beach and spending time with her family and friends.


	Kathy Heath - Financial Secretary Kathy is a native of California. She is our Financial Secretary. She has four children and five grandchildren. Kathy’s hobbies include drawing, crafting, reading, gardening, music, and fitness. Email Kathy


	Kelly Penny- Afternoon Secretary Kelly was born in Raleigh, NC and moved to Wilmington with her family when she was a young child. She is currently a student at UNCW studying Communications. She anticipates graduating in May, 2012. In her free time Kelly enjoys cooking, exercising, and shopping.

Jimmy Moore - Maintenance Technician
Jimmy was born in Norfolk, VA and was baptized by immersion in a Free Will Baptist Church before becoming a teenager. His life has been dedicated to the calling of public service, both militarily and civil service. Joining Masonboro Baptist Church in 2000, he has served this church in a variety of positions including: church cook, deacon, choir member, member of numerous committees and is now serving as our church’s maintenance technician. He enjoys “The Freedom of Fellowship” and the love of his family and he’s luckily married to the church’s piano player.

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Beth Moore - Pianist
Music has always been the core of Beth's family’s life. Following her grandparents and parents, she grew up and played the piano in Cedar Falls Baptist Church in Fayetteville, NC where she was born and where her love of music began. In addition to Cedar Falls, she has been the church pianist for First Baptist Church in Morehead City, NC and after joining Masonboro Baptist Church in 1993, she began playing for Masonboro in 2003. She has two children; Amanda and Ryan and is married to Jimmy. Her enjoyment comes not only from playing music, but singing, bell ringing and spending time with her family.

Lillian Hurst - Organist
Lillian is a native Wilmingtonian. She is married to Bill Hurst and has two grown children, Jim and Susan. She also has two grandchildren. Lillian studied organ at UNCW and with private teachers. She was a former pianist and substitue organist at Temple Baptist Church. She joined Masonboro Baptist Church in September of 1995. She enjoys serving in the music ministry, spending time with family and friends, her pets, and traveling.


	Brad Kornegay- Connect Worship Leader Originally from Windsor, NC, Brad came to live in Wilmington in 1993. He studied Communications at UNCW and currently is a Medical Sales Representative. Brad enjoys spending time with his wife and their two daughters as well as boating and playing in the local band, "To Make Him Known."