Garber Church Staff
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-12
The staff is only one part of the body of Christ at Garber, every member of the body has a role to play and is essential to His church.
Derek Warnick - lead pastor
Pastor Derek joined the Garber Church staff in the Fall of 2023. He hails from the great state of Kentucky, where he served as the executive pastor at Centenary Methodist Church in Lexington, KY for over 14 years. He is married to Anne and together they have three boys, Theo, Tyler and Trae (affectionately called the Sons of Thunder) and recently Derek and Anne, adopted Olivia (the first Warnick Girl in decades)!! Pastor Derek will wow you with his Trick Shots and his love for serving our God! You can reach Pastor Derek at DWarnick@garberchurch.org.
Matthew Atha - associate pastor
Matthew became the associate pastor at Garber in April 2012. Matthew and his wife Monica have two sons: Zeke and Zack. Matthew graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary, Southwestern Seminary, and the University of Texas at Austin. Matthew has served United Methodist Churches in Danville, Kentucky; Marion, Indiana; Lebanon, Missouri; and Winters, Texas. Matthew enjoys college football and basketball. He likes to weightlift, walk, and swim. His favorite Scripture passage is Galatians 5:1. Matthew can be reached at: matha@garberchurch.org
Beth Hicks - secretary
Beth joined the Garber staff in August 2009. Beth is a graduate of North Carolina State University with degrees in Accounting and Business Management. She has previously worked as a certified financial planner/tax return preparer. Beth has two adult children. Her favorite passage of Scripture is Matthew 6:21. Beth can be reached at: bhicks@garberchurch.org
Mary Coleman - ministries coordinator
Mary joined the Garber staff in May 1994. She has been married to her husband Wiley and they have three grown children and three grandchildren. Mary received her BS in psychology from UNC-CH -- which makes her a big Tarheel fan! She enjoys gardening, reading, walking, and being with family. Her favorite Bible verse is Matthew 28:19. Mary can be reached at: mcoleman@garberchurch.org
Matt Johnson - director of music and worship arts
Matt joined the Garber staff in August 2009. Matt and Mary Hannah have three children: Elijah, Gideon, and Susannah. Matt received his BA from Lynchburg College in 2007, and his Master's in Music Composition from UNCG in 2009. His favorite Scripture passage is John 18:37. Matt can be contacted at: mjohnson@garberchurch.org
Jacob Hardin - student minister
Jacob joined the Garber staff in May 2020. Jacob graduated from the University of Georgia Athens (Go Dawgs!) in 2020 with a major in communications and a minor in religion. Jacob is married to his high school sweetheart, Caroline. Jacob has an older brother and sister. His family lives in Evans, Georgia. Jacob's hobbies include participating in sports, working out, and being with family and friends: Jacob's favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:8. Jacob can be reached at: jhardin@garberchurch.org
Tye Wallace- senior adult coordinator
Tye joined the Garber staff in September 2024. She is excited to get to know our MOSAIC Senior Adult group, as well as being in fellowship, prayer and service with the entire Garber Church Family. Tye, and her husband Joey, have two fur babies, River (Golden Retriever) and Skye (Beagle). In her free time, Tye enjoys reading, walking her dogs, and fishing with her husband. Tye graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. Her favorite Bible Verse is 1 Corinthians 16:14. Tye can be reached at TWallace@garberchurch.org.
Sue Webb - congregational care minister
Sue joined the Garber staff team in September 2013. Sue graduated from South Edgecombe High School and earned a BS degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University. Sue moved to the New Bern area in 1984. She served as both an Assistant Principal and Principal in the Craven County School System. Sue has two adult daughters, Jennifer and Laura. Laura also serves on the Garber staff. She also has three grandchildren and enjoys spending time with her family. Sue's favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10. Sue can be reached at: swebb@garberchurch.org
Amanda Kennedy - music assistant
Amanda joined the Garber staff full-time in January 2018. Amanda has played the organ at Garber since 2009. Amanda enjoys walking her dog, working out at the gym, and spending time with family. Amanda's favorite Bible verse is John 3:16. Amanda can be reached at: akennedy@garberchurch.org
Laura Wilkins - preschool director
Laura joined the Garber staff as the Director of Children's Ministry in January 2011; in 2022 she transitioned to the role of Preschool Director. She is married to Jonathan, and they have one daugther, Caroline. Laura is a graduate of UNC-CH and has a teaching license from East Carolina University. She previously worked as an elementary school teacher and a varsity cheerleading coach. Laura's favorite passage of Scripture is Joshua 1:9. Laura can be reached at: lwilkins@garberchurch.org
Lara Lee Waters - director of communications
Lara Lee joined the Garber staff in May 2020. Lara Lee is a New Bern native and grew up at Garber Church with her parents, Mac & Sara (King) and sister, Mary Beth. Lara Lee previously worked as the Life Enrichment Director for a retirement community in Cary and as Director of Student Involvement at her alma mater, Peace College. Lara Lee is married to Matt and they love Disney World! Her favorite Scripture passage is Hebrews 11:1. Lara Lee also serves as the trip coordinator for Garber's Appalachia Service Project teams. Lara Lee can be reached at: lwaters@garberchurch.org
Zach Landon- facilities coordinator
Zach joined the Garber staff in the spring of 2024. He is married to Laura (Fox), who grew up in New Bern, and they have a 3 year-old son, Griffin. Zach enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and playing golf; he has played in several bands too...maybe one day he will join the Praise Team! Zach has extensive experience managing people and facilities. To reach Zach you can email him at ZLandon@garberchurch.org
Michelle Roys - bookkeeper
Michelle has been the bookkeeper at Garber since January 2020. She is responsible for payroll, contribution records, and paying the bills. Michelle and her husband Scott moved to New Bern in 2002. Michelle previously served as music assistant several years ago. She is a graduate of Luther College in Iowa. Michelle and her husband Scott have two adult children. Her hobbies include singing, acting in the community theater, crochet. Her favorite Scripture passage is Micah 6:8. Michelle can be reached at:
Ruth Powers - kingswood director
Ruth joined the Garber staff in August 2011 as the Director of the Kingswood After-School Ministry. Ruth is a New Bern native and graduated from the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She worked as an elementary teacher for 33 years before becoming the Kingswood Director. Ruth's favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 3:20. Ruth can be reached at rpowers@garberchurch.org.
Pete Mumford - site team
Pete has been working at Garber since 2019 as a member of the site team. Pete is an avid golfer and fisherman. When you see Pete around, he will always have a smile on his face! Pete can be reached by calling the church office at 252-637-4022.
David Barteau - crossing guard
David may be one of the first persons you see at Garber Sunday morning! David assists people in crossing Country Club Road from the Sanctuary to the Ministry Center. David became a part of the Garber team April 2009. He was born in Long Island, New York. David enjoys reading, chess, electronics, and yard work. David can be reached by calling the church office: 252-637-4022.
