| CONNECTIONS LEADERS
At Connections we believe that
everyone in our community has a voice, a story and something to
offer. We think of ourselves as a body- where every part counts.
All that to say that our leaders aren't any more important than
anyone else in our community. They've just been giving the task of
serving others by leading. Meet some of them below.
FRED TURNER - LEAD PASTOR
In the summer of 2007 the leadership
board of Connections felt that the church could use more full-time,
dedicated leadership. After a nation-wide search that yielded 300
applicants, we asked Fred to join the Connections team. His primary
role is to provide direction that moves our community of
approximately 300 towards becoming the
church that God is calling us to be. Fred does the majority of the
teaching at our adult weekend gatherings.
Fred and his wife Jennifer have been
married for 12 years. They have a six year old daughter (Addyson)
and a four year old son (Colston). They live in Cary.
To get a better feel for who Fred is
and what's happening in his life, stop by his
PERSONAL
BLOG.
CHELSEA VESTAL
- DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Chelsea is a servant leader who
loves supporting and encouraging others and matching people's
natural interests with opportunities to connect and give back.
She is intentional about learning something new each day and
gains fulfillment in spending time with people and hearing about
their life experiences. Chelsea finds great joy in teaching and
energizing children about God's love and helping them develop
personal, daily relationships and conversations with God. In
addition to her interest in children's ministry, Chelsea enjoys
reading books, cooking for friends, and sushi anytime!
In college, she studied Psychology
and Philosophy/Religion at Queens University of Charlotte. She
has treated children with special needs with Applied Behavior
Analysis therapy and worked with behaviorally troubled youth in
a wilderness treatment center.
Chelsea would love to meet you and hear about your story!
AL WHITEHOUSE -
STUDENT PASTOR
Al made it a point to put something
atypical to the typical biography because he felt awkward
writing it. And that would be an appropriate summary to Al's
character and personality...atypical. He is a passionate,
quirky, and energetic soul who focuses these traits to lead
Connection's ESM (Emerge Student Ministries) toward God's unique
and atypical plan. His love for Middle and High School
students and their journey is mirrored by his relationship and
journey with the Holy Spirit.
Joining, directing, and surviving
with Al are his wife Mary and his son Ryan. Mary is currently a
Doctoral Student at NC State while Ryan is a freshman at Apex
High School. They enjoy living in Apex where they can run the
American Tobacco Trail, eat a slice of pizza at Anna's, and
spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.
So, when you see Al, ask him about
flying Christmas trees or exploding camp stoves and you'll get a
chance to know our lovable, quirky, atypical student pastor and
his great love for God, family, and the students at Connections.
AMANDA CRUMP
- ADULT
MINISTRIES PASTOR
Amanda is a passionate leader who
loves to see people get connected. She loves building new
relationships & helping people discover how their story fits
into the greater story of God's love for us. During her down
time, you'll find her exploring downtown Raleigh, enjoying a
live band and some local food.
Amanda previously served in
AmeriCorps and has a deep desire to offer grace to those who are
often overlooked in our community. She is currently studying
Counseling & Urban Ministry at Campbell University Divinity
School. Introduce yourself to Amanda on Sunday morning & she'll
help you get plugged into the Connections community!
LANCE BLEDSOE -
WORSHIP DIRECTOR
Lance Bledsoe leads the Connections'
worship band to help us experience God through music during our
Sunday worship gatherings. Lance has been married to his wife Lisa
for 21 years. Together they have 3 boys- Canaan, Isaac, & Seth.
Lance was a stay-at-home dad and homeschooled his boys when Lisa was
serving as a United Methodist pastor- which makes him one of the
bravest guys you'll ever meet. Lance lives in Garner.
LEADERSHIP BOARD
Together with the lead pastor this
group provides oversight and support to the overall ministry of
Connections Church. Here's a listing of the areas/ministries they
currently work with.
- Shane Bazer-
Finances, Administration, Children's Ministry, Student Ministry
- Gayle Campbell -
Finances, Missions
- Dave Hardman -
Worship Ministry
- Orlando Ortiz - Men's
Ministry & Worship Ministry
- Scott Sutton -
Young Adult Ministry
| 
