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.

Rhea is a graduate of Ohio University and worked as a research chemist before retiring a few years ago. He has been married to Pam for fourty-five years and has two children: Kate, who is married to Ryan Lineberger, and Dan who lives near Cleveland Ohio. He has a grandson named Caleb. Rhea also loves baseball, cycling, landscaping, and eating authentic Italian cuisine.

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.

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.

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.