Michael joined the staff at Freedom in early 2015 as the worship leader and associate pastor. He now does most of the preaching and teaching at Freedom and provides leadership and vision for the elder team and church. Michael grew up in Newton and Spartanburg, SC, but he’s also lived in Raleigh and the Chicago area. He has an M.Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Ph.D from Wheaton. He and his wife Jana have two children and enjoy hiking, traveling, and following University of South Carolina athletics.

Andrew joined the staff at Freedom in 2018, though he’s been known to our church through softball and men’s retreats for a number of years prior. Andrew provides leadership for a number of ministry areas, including small groups, local missions, and our membership process, along with other pastoral responsibilities. He has an M.Div from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Andrew grew up in Maiden, and he and his wife Kayse have four children. They enjoy fishing, playing outside, going to parks, watching movies, and going out to eat.

Rob came to Freedom in 2015, served on the elder team from 2017–2020, and joined the team again in 2025. Though he grew up in Lincolnton, he has also lived in Kansas and Pennsylvania. Rob works in IT for a large national retailer, and he and his wife LeAna have four daughters. Rob enjoys hunting and fishing, building things, travel, and sharing candid video of airport runners with the world.

Jon is a Lincolnton native, grew up in Durham, and returned home in the late 80’s. A graduate of Belmont Abbey College, Jon now specializes profitability analysis and special projects for a company in Charlotte. He married Lee Ann in 2004 and together they spend all their spare time with their dogs, Islay, Aggie, and Lottie. This is Jon’s second stint on the elder team.

Rick is from Portsmouth, VA. He became a Christian in 1969, graduated from Bluefield College in ’83, and married Julie in ’86. They have two adult sons, four grandsons, and one granddaughter. Rick recently retired from Lincoln County Schools. In his spare time, he works as a substitute bus driver for Lincoln Charter School and Christian Tours. He also likes to play pickleball. Rick has been at Freedom since it started in 2006.

Originally from Morgantown, WV, Ryan joined the Freedom staff in 2025. He’s married to Karly, and together they have two kids, three dogs, and a cat named Ziggy. Ryan has a B.A. in business from Belmont Abbey, worked for Walgreens for fifteen years, and has experience in management and operations.

He also holds a graduate certificate in Ministry Leadership from the Institute of Theology and Mission and is currently taking classes at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has a passion for music and missions. He also loves cheeseburgers and watching yard sale videos on YouTube.

Andrew joined the staff at Freedom in 2018, though he’s been known to our church through softball and men’s retreats for a number of years prior to that. Andrew provides leadership in several ministry areas, including small groups, local missions, our membership process, and other pastoral responsibilities. He has an M.Div from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Andrew grew up in Maiden, and he and his wife Kayse have four children. They enjoy fishing, playing outside, going to parks, watching movies, and going out to eat.

Though Steve isn’t formally a part of the Freedom staff, he works hand in hand with our elders to help individuals grow in emotional and spiritual health. A Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor – Supervisor (LCMHC-S) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Steve founded Grace Roads Counseling Center in 2012 to journey with others on the road toward healing, hope, and grace. He maintains an office at Freedom, and he also sees clients in Denver and at his home in Charlotte. He and his wife Krista have two children. Steve is an avid Green Bay Packers fan and shareholder.