Leadership

Pastors & Staff

THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION--PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES!

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 an adopted daughter named Olivia. Pastor Derek will wow you with his trick shots and his love for serving our God!

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 Atha

Associate Pastor

His favorite Scripture passage is Galatians 5:1

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

Matt Johnson

Minister of Music and Worship

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 Johnson

Minister of Music and Worship

His favorite Scripture passage is John 18:37

Lara Lee Waters

Communication and Missions

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 Harton. Lara Lee previously worked as the Life Enrichment Director for a retirement community in Cary and as a 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

Jacob Hardin

Student Minister

Jacob's favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:8

Jacob Hardin

Youth Pastor

Jacob joined the Garber staff in May 2020. He graduated from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) in 2020 with a major in Communication Studies, a minor in Religion, and an Entrepreneurship Certificate. Jacob is married to his high school sweetheart, Caroline. They recently had their firstborn son, Micah. Jacob's hobbies include playing sports, working out, and spending time with family and friends. Jacob's favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:8

Emma Tanner

Children's Minister

Her favorite Scripture passage is Psalm 15:1-2

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 Garber's Music Assistant several years ago. She is a graduate of Luther College in Iowa. Michelle and her husband Scott have two adult children and one son-in-law. Her hobbies include singing and acting in community theater. Her favorite Scripture passage is Micah 6:8

Michelle Roys

Bookkeeper

Her favorite Scripture passage is Micah 6:8

Laura Wilkins

Preschool Director

Laura's favorite passage of Scripture is Joshua 1:9

Ruth Powers

Kingswood Director

Ruth's favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 3:20

Ruth Powers

Kingswood Director

Ruth's favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 3:20

Sue Webb

Congregational Care

Sue's favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10

Amanda Kennedy

Music Assistant and Organist

Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10

Amanda Kennedy

Music Assistant and Organist

Her favorite Bible verse is _____

Zach Landon

Facilities Coordinator

His favorite passage of Scripture is_______

Zach LandOn

Facilities Coordinator

His favorite passage of Scripture is...

Pete Mumford

Site Team Member

His favorite Bible verse is...