This page is provided to introduce you to the staff of our church. The write-ups/biographies/resumes and photographs were provided by the people named, themselves. "Co-pastors reach out" was an article by Adrienne Owens that appeared in the Burlington, NC newspaper.

Dr. David Greene
Senior Pastor

Full Name: David Scott Greene

Born where and when: Waynesville , North Carolina , February 27, 1963

Hometown: I consider Shelby , N.C. to be my home.

Family: Married to Lara on August 21, 1993. We have two children, Elizabeth and Carter.

Education: BS Textile Mgmt. NC State University 1985;   M.Div. Candler School of Theology, Emory University, 1994; Matriculated in Doctor of Ministry Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University 2002.

How I became a Christian: I grew up attending a Methodist congregation in Shelby . I was also involved in Young Life and F.C.A. After graduating from NC State I worked for a Swiss company in Charlotte . It was during this period, in my mid 20s, that I got connected with an outdoor ministry that eventually led me into being called.  

What I do around here:  To help this congregation  be and do all  that God wants us to be and do. Also, I hope to help persons take issues of faith seriously while at the same time having a great deal of fun.

Favorites:

Rev. Lara "Willis" Greene
Associate Pastor

Full Name: Lara Williams Greene

But Please Call Me: Willis -- a nickname which I've had since 2nd grade -- it comes from my maiden name, Williams

Born Where & When: Dallas, Texas -- September 25, the year is not important

Education: BA from the University of Texas in 1990; Masters of Divinity from the Chandler School of Theology, Emory University in 1994

How I became a Christian: I received the faith through my youth minister, Bob Fletcher and through the incredible experiences we shared on overseas mission trips

How I ended up at Gibsonville, UMC: Dave and I met and were married while we were in seminary in Atlanta. While I love Dallas and still have friends and family there, I loved the mountains of North Carolina more! Our first appointments were in Shelby, NC and Lincolnton, NC, from there we moved to Winston-Salem and next in line was Gibsonville.

The most important thing I do around here is: Introduce opportunities for children and youth to experience the presence of God in their lives!

Favorites:

Jim Gunn
Director of Music 

Full Name: James Palmer Gunn, but prefer to be called Jim

Born: July 29, 1960 in Reidsville, NC, but consider McLeansville, NC my hometown.

Family: My wife Tina and I were married July 7, 1984. We have four children; Shelli, Nathan, Adam, and Katie.

Education/Music Background: Graduated in 1982 from N. C. State University. While at N. C. State, I was a member the NCSU Brass Band, Fanfare Band and Marching Band, serving as Drum Major from 1979-1980. I also participated in the NCSU Choral Department’s Varsity Men’s Glee Club.

I have been an active member of the Gibsonville United Methodist Church since 1984 and a member of the Chancel Choir since 1987.

Favorites: Music: Contemporary Praise & Worship and Modern Country (Wow! What a combo, right!?!?)

Movie: Gone with the Wind

TV Shows: All the CSI shows, Survivor, and ER (but I rarely get to watch any of them)

Food: Chinese

Vacation: Just about any Beach

Place to Eat: Harpers at Friendly Center

Books/Author: John Grisham novels and the Harry Potter series

Brenda Ramaswamy
Organist/Pianist

Brenda received a Bachelor of Music from the College of Wooster, Ohio and a Masters in Piano from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro (UNCG). Brenda and her husband, Anand "Ram" have two children, Cassie and Conner.