We love to create opportunities for our middle and high school students to build community and grow in their faith. Our volunteer leaders do a great job of coming alongside parents and families to help guide students in their walk with God. Here are a few of those opportunities.
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Below is a list of what's going on:
Meet Our Elders
Elders are like shepherds to a flock; loving, caring for and guiding the people of our church family to safety, nourishment, and peace in Jesus. It is both a high and a humble calling.
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This group of men were carefully chosen based on:
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their character (especially based on 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9)
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involvement in our church family
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and the display of leadership ability
They meet together weekly for prayer and discussion. They also each oversee a portion of our church family for spiritual guidance, leadership, advice, and prayer.
Brandon Smallwood
Elder
Brandon, his wife Melanie, and their two sons moved to Wilmington from their home in Kentucky in just as Venture Church was getting started.
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Brandon quickly showed a willingness to serve and wisdom to lead. His daytime job as an E.R. Doctor puts him in daily contact with people in need; teaching him compassion, action, and patience.
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Brandon has served at Venture Church as a small group leader and Host, a member of the finance team, and in various roles on our Sunday morning teams.
Patrick Harrison
Elder
After a career in vocational ministry Patrick moved to Wilmington to serve as a key member of our church family as we were getting things started. He has served as a small group leader, youth ministry volunteer, musician, and very often as our preacher. His wife has served as our kid's director and the two of them continue to shine the light of Jesus through ministry at Venture Church in many ways. ​
Nathan Henderson
Elder
Nathan and his wife Lauren have been around this church family since early in our mobile years. Their kindness and generosity is inspiring. Nathan is a software engineer by trade but his heart is building the kingdom of God in everything he does. As a member of our finance team and the leader of our missions team he helps us stay true to our calling to shine light in dark places. Nathan has also served as a small group leader, children's ministry volunteer.
John White
Elder
John and his wife Lisa found family with Venture Church as the world was opening up after the pandemic and quickly plugged in to make a difference. Their heart for the kingdom of God is evident to all who know them.
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John's passion for helping other believers grow in their faith is contagious. He helps lead our small groups ministry, serves in our men's ministry, and is an encourager to all.
Chris Woolard
Elder
Chris has been our lead pastor since he and his family moved to Wilmington to plant Venture Church. As a church planter and evangelist, he’s been instrumental in helping our church family take root and grow. As an elder, he serves as our primary teacher and the head of our staff team.
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You can learn more about Chris here.