Ken Harer - Staff Pastor / Director
Ken’s career journey has included local church ministry, missions in Mexico, and work among those with disabilities. In each of these he has been able to provide care, create community and give spiritual direction. Stone in the Shoe was an outreach that enabled he and others to show the love of Christ in practical ways to many in Appalachia. Being a native son to this region gives him extra incentive to see it experience contagious hope and abundant life. Ken enjoys quiet walks in nature and hopes to go on a walking tour in Europe some day.
Diana Harer - Staff / Secretary
Teaching has been at the center of Diana’s life as a homeschooling mom of three children and now continuing with Classical Conversations. While she facilitates learning in subjects such as Latin, Philosophy and Logic, she also teaches in an alternative educational system for those who need extra attention. Diana also spent a summer working with the urban poor in inner city Chicago. Diana loves gardening and reading fiction books. A couple of her favorite authors are Davis Bunn and Christopher Paolini.
Nate Dickinson - Staff
Nate and his wife Anica have returned with their family to southern West Virginia after his graduation from seminary. His heart for the marginalized will find him involved with those participating in a free lunch program and those living in low-income housing. Nate's ministry experiences have taken him to the streets of New York City to work with the homeless, as well as to Jamaica, Kenya, and Zambia. He has also spent a summer in Myanmar teaching the book of Acts. Theology, discussion, and a good cup of Sunergos coffee are on the top of his “like” list.
Josiah Smith - President
Josiah lived in South Africa before returning to the United States to earn his Master’s in Social Work. He practiced as a licensed therapist for 13 years before transitioning to serve those children and families who are enjoying "The Green Ember Series" by author S. D. Smith. His work with the homeless at Pine Haven Shelter and with refugees through World Relief gives him insightful perspective for our Community. Josiah and his wife Jessi have 4 children.
Paul Bailey - Vice President
Athletic training and physical therapy has been Paul’s career path, and he currently works for Performance Physical Therapy. His deep interest in theology and church history has led him to teaching opportunities in settings such as the Christian Resource Center, Leadership Training and local church classes. One of Paul’s personal interests is cycling, and in 2012 he made a trip across the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Linda Phipps - Treasurer
Linda has been working for more than 30 years in tax preparation with H&R Block. A grandmother of seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, she has still found time to minister compassion to those in need. She and her husband Mike worked for two years with Life Changers, a residential ministry for those struggling with substance abuse addiction. Linda also sews dresses that are sent to orphans in the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Robbie Ward- Board Member
After obtaining his degree in Business Administration, Robbie has owned and operated several successful businesses. Recently, he also completed a degree in nursing. Robbie has been closely connected to the GLC ministry through his involvement in our apartment outreach. He is also a small group leader, live stream director, and worker in youth outreach at Faith Community Church. Robbie enjoys riding motorcycles and skiing right along with jazz & classical music.
Logan Brown- Board Member
Logan values having lived his entire life in southern West Virginia. While growing up in Richwood, he experienced the realities of the Appalachian life and gained a clear understanding of its culture. After Logan heard the gospel when he was 17, he committed his life to Jesus and now shares the love of God with other lost adolescents. He does this as the Area Director for Young Life in Raleigh County. Logan loves talking about theology and philosophy, road trips, and all things sports. He and his wife Autumn live in Beckley.
Michelle Shrewsberry- Board Member
Michelle is a graduate of Concord University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. During her studies she worked with the Green Leaf Community to collect information on and provide analysis about our focus group. She has served as a permanency social worker of Children’s Home Society in facilitating foster families as well as a substance use disorder therapist at FMRS. Michelle and her husband Andy are the parents of three adult children.
Dave Gilbert- Board Member
The Green Leaf Community is glad for the ministry experience and the expertise that Dave brings to our board. Dave is a lawyer with degrees from Bob Jones University and Columbia University School of Law. He is a member of the Bluestone Baptist Church where he teaches Sunday school.