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.

  • David Banks - senior pastor

    David became the Senior Pastor at Garber in July 2012. He and his wife, Jerri, have five children: Anna, Erin, Sarah, Joeli, and Timothy. David graduated from Columbia International University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. David has served United Methodist Churches in Pinehurst, Sanford, Morehead City, Raleigh, North Carolina and Highland Park, Illinois. David enjoys golf, bowling, basketball, and reading. His favorite Bible story is Joseph, and his favorite Scripture passage is Psalm 127:1. David can be reached at: dbanks@garberchurch.org


    David Banks has been appointed at the President Pro Tempore for the Global Methodist Church North Carolina Provisional Annual Conference and will begin that role in early 2023.  

  • 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 for 30 years and they have three grown children and two 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

  • Theresa Weatherly - children's ministry director

    Theresa joined Garber as the Director of Children’s Ministry in July of 2022. She is married to Dave and they have four children, Anasazi (Jordan), Noah, Maia, and Sarah and one granddaughter Naomi. Theresa has her B.S. from East Carolina University and has worked in various capacities with children, including with the Martin/Pitt Partnership for Children and the Garber Preschool. She also serves Garber as a Stephen Minister. One of Theresa’s favorite scriptures is Hebrews 4:12. Theresa can be reach at: TWeatherly@garberchurch.org

  • Sue Webb - congregational care and senior adult 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 her hobbies include puzzles, planning family vacations, and going to 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

  • Patti Smith - facilities coordinator

    Patti joined the Garber Staff in 2008. Patti and her husband, Geoffrey, have two adult children, four grandchildren. Patti has a BA in Environmental Biology. She previously worked as a electron microscopist and a teacher. Patti enjoys boating and camping. Patti serves as the trip coordinator for our Russia mission trips.  Her favorite bible passage is James 2:17-18. Patti can be reached at: psmith@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:

    mroys@garberchurch.org

  • 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 (Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. . .)  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.  Pete can be reached by calling the church office at 252-637-4022.  

  • Joe Gaylor - site team

    Joe joined the Garber Site Team in early 2021.  He always has a smile on his face and his a joy around our campus!  Joe can be reached by calling the church office at 252-637-4022. 

  • Carrie Jones - site team

    Carrie joined the Garber Site Team in the summer of 2022.  She has worked in the Craven County Public School system prior to coming to joining our staff.  Carrie is a cleaning machine and helps to keep our campus bright & shiny.  Carrie can be reached by calling the church office: 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.