How do we view leadership?
We know that we live in a day where trust in church leadership has dwindled, let alone trust in other people. We are grieved by the sin that has impacted so many churches and institutions. Thus, we desire wisdom as to know how to lead in God’s church. Thankfully, God has told us where wisdom is found; wisdom comes through having a right perspective of God and living in fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10). Therefore, it is wise for us to listen to God’s Word.
We believe from the Scriptures that God has instituted a pattern of leadership in the church that is shaped by a plurality (a number) of elders/pastors, which is to be a group of men, called by God, examined by the church, qualified in character, and capable in the Spirit’s gifting (see 1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4). These men are to serve the church by leading, providing oversight, and equipping the saints for the work of ministry (see Eph 4:11-16).
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Nick Abraham
LEAD PASTOR/ELDER
Nick is married to his wife Anna; they have one daughter and one son, who is with the Lord. Navarre has been his home for most of his life. Nick is a Ph.D. candidate at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He cofounded and teaches at Emmaus Theological Seminary (previously Ohio Theological Institute). Nick also serves with Next Gen Ministries, an outreach to local schools.
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Joel Corley
ELDER/PASTOR
Joel is married to his wife Megan and they have seven children. They live in Navarre. He serves as the Assistant Director of Steppin Out Missions, which is a ministry that seeks to challenge, mobilize, and equip the church for missions. With Steppin Out, Joel has served with Samaritan’s Purse on a number of relief trips. He was educated at Southwest Baptist University.
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James Pilcher
ELDER/PASTOR
James is married to his wife Lorri and they have seven children. They live in Dover. He earned his M.Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. James is passionate about outreach having taken part in efforts through street evangelism, jail ministry, and the local church. He works full-time in sales.
Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. - 1 Peter 5:2-3