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find more at rich fork
rich fork church
3993 Old Highway 29
Thomasville, NC 27360
info@richfork.com
336.476.6258 | map
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Just everyday people who are called to serve the Lord at Rich Fork Church. We are passionate about the Gospel and sharing Jesus with those around us. We don't have all the answers, but we know the One who does!
Meet the Team
Get to Know the Team
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fun facts about me fun facts about me fun facts about me FUN FACTS ABOUT ME FUN FACTS ABOUT ME FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
Serving as an Elder is a ministry calling, a great privilege, and a responsibility that carries eternal significance. The Holy Spirit has given me a desire to shepherd in the local church. Colossians 1:28 speaks of proclaiming Christ, admonishing, and teaching in wisdom, with the goal of growing people in Christian maturity. That is the heartbeat of being an Elder. But, it is far more responsibility than one person can carry. That is why I am thankful that the Bible gives us instruction for a plurality of Elders to share the load. Elders carry a great responsibility to shepherd well because they will give an account to the Lord for the souls of the people that they are in the congregation (Hebrews 13:17). I am passionate about the role of Elder at Rich Fork Baptist Church because God has called me to it in order to be a part of what He is doing in this congregation and community.
elder
Casey Hearn
Dark Chocolate
favorite snack
23+
years @ rich fork
Sanford, NC
hometown
25+
years married
2
# of kids
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
scripture keeping me accountable
matthew 6:33
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
I LOVE Rich Fork Church; and I want to protect, lead, and teach the flock in a biblical manner that is pleasing to the Lord!
elder
Kevin Black
Barbecue
favorite food
14+
years @ rich fork
Thomasville, NC
hometown
15+
years married
2
# of kids
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
scripture keeping me accountable
john 17:17
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
When we came to Rich Fork, we saw a church where God was moving. We believe God gifts His people for His work and gives us life experiences to complete the vision and mission of His church. When I received the call to consider becoming a part of the Elder team, I was sort of in shock. You immediately ask why me and knowing how unworthy we are to this calling it took several days of head and heart discussions before I came to a peace about this decision. I believe a biblically obedient fellowship will change the community by allowing Christ to change us first and then change others as we share His message with them. We found in Rich Fork a community where God was moving, and where leadership was creative and passionate about their vision and mission to shape our community by sharing the grace of Jesus Christ.
elder
Kevin Parsley
Animal Crackers
favorite snack
9+
years @ rich fork
Kenova, WV
hometown
40
years married
0
# of kids
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
scripture keeping me accountable
luke 16:10
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
My parents were Christ Followers and modeled a love for and service to the church. Through the various stages of my life since leaving home, the church community has been fundamental in my spiritual growth and maturity. The move of Rich Fork toward the biblical model of elder leadership has been a very enlightening process, making me more aware of the importance of protecting the flock from the enemy. Therefore, serving as an elder has provided me an opportunity to continue grow in my love for and service to the church. Additionally, serving with the other elders has been a tremendous encouragement to me in the growth of my relationship with the Lord and the knowledge of His Word.
elder
Randy Waters
Filet Mignon
favorite food
27+
years @ rich fork
Jacksonville, NC
hometown
30+
years married
5
# of kids
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,"
scripture keeping me accountable
1 peter 3:15
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
Through all the years of attending Rich Fork it has been a special place. I have watched God use different men and ladies in my life to see what it is to serve. I have been blessed to serve with youth, college & career, and adults.
So thankful to attend a church that children through senior adults are so important. That has been the mission of Rich Fork and led me to Christ at a young age and continue to serve.
As an Elder I want to be a part of continuing these ministries: Childrens, Special Needs, Missions, & Adult Ministries.
elder
Steve Byerly
Steak
favorite snack
65+
years @ rich fork
Thomasville, NC
hometown
43+
years married
1
# of kids
And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”"
scripture keeping me accountable
matthew 14:33
Learn More
Justin Branch
worship pastor
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Matt Bryant
executive pastor
email justin
email matt
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Michael Bowers
head pastor & teaching Elder
email michael
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
The 2022 Census estimates the population of Davidson County to be approximately 172,586; of those, approximately 25%-35% are involved in the local evangelical church. This means that over 110,000 people in our county are either not in a relationship with God or do not prioritize their relationship with God.
As East Davidson graduates, my wife and I have always felt our calling was to minister and reach people from our home area. God has led us to Rich Fork as part of our calling. God’s plan to reach the world is through his people, the church. I am continually humbled and amazed at the individuals and families God brings to Rich Fork to reach the world with His good news.
executive pastor
Matt Bryant
Coffee
favorite snack
24+
years @ rich fork
Thomasville, NC
hometown
17+
years married
2
# of kids
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding...."
scripture keeping me accountable
job 38
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Why are you passionate about serving the Lord at Rich Fork?
When we recognize the relationship between who God is (Sovereign, uncreated, holy, worthy, perfect) and begin to understand who we are (broken, guilty, in need of Hope and Salvation) we can't help but respond in worship.
Our worship is not about finding our identity, but about praising, honoring, and worshipping God for His, for who He is!! It's an honor that I and our worship teams do not take lightly. We get to play a part in pointing people to Jesus, in helping them understand who He is and who they are and their need for Him. We also get to celebrate the life-changing transformation that only comes in a life surrendered to God and His will.
worship pastor
Justin Branch
Cheeze-Its
favorite snack
3+
years @ rich fork
Lexington, NC
hometown
13+
years married
3
# of kids
For I desire steadfast love1 and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
scripture keeping me accountable
Hosea 6:6
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
For the past twenty-five years, my family has been privileged to serve through the ministries at Rich Fork. When we stepped onto the property for a visit in 1997, Emily and I knew this was the church God was leading us. Little did we know that God was placing us in a church and community where we had the honor to raise our four children, continue to grow in ministry, and fall in love with Rich Fork.
Quite honestly, if I lived in Davidson County and did not serve at Rich Fork, I would attend Rich Fork because of its heritage, and history, as well as the continued commitment to sharing the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, by believing that every follower of Jesus Christ should be prepared to make disciples of those in their lives, in their workplace and wherever God calls them to go. (Matthew 28:18-20)
I’m humbled to serve as the pastor to this incredible congregation and cannot wait to see what God has in store for us as we continue to be FOR our community.
head pastor & teaching elder
Michael Bowers
Pizza
favorite snack
25+
years @ rich fork
Charlotte, NC
hometown
29+
years married
4
# of kids
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
scripture keeping me accountable
ephesians 3:20-21
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Andrew Ward
discipleship pastor
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Caleb Starr
student pastor
email andrew
email caleb
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Lee Hedrick
missions & senior adults pastor
email lee
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Why are you passionate about serving the Lord at Rich Fork?
I believe Rich Fork is exactly where God has led my family and I to serve his church and advance his kingdom!
I am passionate about spreading the glory of God through faithful proclamation of His Word and taking part in discipling others so their lives can be transformed by the Gospel.
student pastor
Caleb Starr
Chips & Salsa
favorite snack
1+
years @ rich fork
Jonesboro, GA
hometown
9+
years married
4
# of kids
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
scripture keeping me accountable
matthew 28:18-20
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
I had been saved for about 8 hours when the pastor of my home church in Colorado asked me if he could “disciple” me. He showed me what “life-on-life” discipleship looks like as he climbed into the trenches of life with me. I was on a dark and sinful path prior to becoming a Christian, and therefore know the power of Jesus Christ and the Word that changed my life.
I am passionate about “life-on-life” discipleship, climbing into the trenches of life with others, and teaching them how to do the same as we all learn how to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, love one another, and teach others how to live the truths of Jesus Christ and His Word.
discipleship pastor
Andrew Ward
Sushi
favorite meal
6+
years @ rich fork
Yoder, CO
hometown
16+
years married
2
# of kids
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
scripture keeping me accountable
psalm 51:16-17
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
I love serving and helping people. I love using my talents and my desire of working with my hands to help meet the physical needs of people as well as their spiritual needs.
Working with the senior adults brings me joy in gaining knowledge and wisdom from them. They so often minister to me instead of me ministering to them.
Our job as believers are to be the hands and feet of Christ.
missions & Senior adults pastor
Lee Hedrick
Meat on a Smoker
favorite snack
whole life!
years @ rich fork
Thomasville, NC
hometown
22+
years married
2
# of kids
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,"
scripture keeping me accountable
colossians 3:23
Learn More
Rebecca Byerly
awana coordinator
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Audrey McNeill
preschool director
email rebecca
email audrey
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Kelly James
family ministries director
email kelly
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
I have always been passionate about preschoolers and their families. I love their eagerness to learn, their innocence, and their energy. Preschoolers are so teachable, especially when taught the way they learn!
It can be a hard phase for parents and I love partnering with them during this rapid stage of growth in their child's (children's) life.
preschool director
Audrey McNeill
Mellow Yello Zero
favorite snack
14+
years @ rich fork
Florence, SC
hometown
35+
years married
3
# of kids
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace..."
scripture keeping me accountable
1 peter 4:10
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
Rich Fork is home. It and the people within this church have been such a major part of my life during crucial moments, spiritual and non-spiritual.
I believe in Rich Fork's vision of shaping our community by sharing the grace of Jesus and have loved being a part of living that out through the various ways our church serves it's community.
awana coordinator
Rebecca Byerly
Dark Chocolate
favorite snack
18+
years @ rich fork
Thomasville, NC
hometown
12+
years married
3
# of kids
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
scripture keeping me accountable
romans 12:2
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
IT'S IMPORTANT! Every opportunity we can to teach children and families about what Jesus has done for them, is IMPORTANT!
We don’t entertain children but share truths that can change their life’s forever!
family ministries director
Kelly James
Tacos
favorite snack
14+
years @ rich fork
Davidson County, NC
hometown
24+
years married
4
# of kids
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
scripture keeping me accountable
mark 10:45
Kristie Foster
financial secretary
Mickey Ferguson
administrative assistant
email kristie
email mickey
Learn More
Jeff Hudler
audio & video director
email jeff
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Why are you passionate about serving Rich Fork?
It allows me to work as a team with volunteers and our worship team to let the gospel of Jesus be heard and seen.
God gives us talents on the tech side of things to be like artists painting a picture of the Gospel through sound and video with little to no distraction to hinder someone from having the opportunity to come to Jesus or for someone to renew that relationship.
audio & Video director
Jeff Hudler
Steak & Potato
favorite food
16+
years @ rich fork
All Over!
hometown
26+
years married
3
# of kids
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
scripture keeping me accountable
james 1:5-8
Adam Flasch
Bill York
Daniel Jacobsen
David Clodfelter
David Nance
Rich fork deacons
David Richards
Guy Springer
Jesse Teetor
Joe Gailey
Johnny Craven
Karl Milliren
Patrick Figgatt
Paul Housand
Roger Ferguson
Sam Swaim
2023-2024
thomasville
lexington
denton
trinity
linwood
high point
asheboro
winston-salem
archdale
salisbury
for
our
city
