Our Shepherd Elders

Originally from the Midwest, Don became a Christian through Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) as a college student at Central Michigan University. He and his wife, Andra, met while on staff with Cru in Southern California, where he worked in international communications for the ministry. Don spent most of his career in public relations, and he currently consults for clients in a variety of industries. He and Andra have two grown daughters and a son-in-law. In his spare time he enjoys reading, sports, travel and hanging out at the beach

Johnny came to Christ at age 6 where he grew up in Fayetteville, NC.  He was educated at Columbia Bible College, and the University of North Carolina, where he obtained a Masters degree in Accounting. He has studied for over 40 years under the tutelage of expository Bible teachers.  Johnny and his wife, Gina, met at UNC and have 7 children.  In his spare time he enjoys golf, chess, studying the Bible, and spending time at home with family.

Bob came to faith in Christ in the mid 70’s and church has been a major part of his and his families life since that time.  He served in the deacon ministry at their previous church and has been an elder at Christ Fellowship for about 26 years.  He enjoys family life, studying the Word, working, golf, working on their land and reading.  He was born and raised in Texas and their family has lived in the Middle Tennessee area since December of 1971.  They have been blessed to have 4 daughters, sons-in-law, and 10 grand-kids.

Originally from Florida, Troy placed his faith in Jesus Christ for salvation when he was a teenager. He felt a call to vocational ministry when he was in his early thirties. He then moved from Florida to Dallas TX, where he attended seminary at Dallas Theological Seminary and received his ThM degree. He was ordained in 2014 at Grace Bible church in Dallas and began his career serving as the head of Elementary School Ministry. He then transitioned to the business manager for the church which he held until he and his wife moved to TN in 2019. He is an avid college football fan and enjoys outdoor activities, especially anything on the water. 

Originally from IL, David moved to TN in January of 2000 and came to faith in Christ in March that year.  He enjoys singing/listening to music and  spending time with his family.  He is married to an amazing, Godly woman, Dashan, with whom He has four children.  One of the biggest blessings that He’s found since coming to faith is a community of people that surrounds him; one where they share common faith, can bear each other’s burdens and celebrate triumphs, and can be encouraged as they walk with the Lord. 

Walter came to faith at six years old, in Sunday school class in his Pastor’s office.  He has been a part of Christ Fellowship for most of his adult life.  “It’s family to me”. He grew up in big city Jacksonville Florida, but went to Bryan College in small town Dayton Tennessee where he learned to love the outdoors.  His favorite activities are photography, hiking, and tennis.

A Mountaineer from West Virginia, David is a lawyer by vocation. He has been involved in the teaching ministry of Christ Fellowship since it was formed and, for many years, he has been one of the teaching elders. His spiritual journey began when he came to faith in Christ as a young boy. As he grew in his faith, he began to love the Word of God. In later years his interest in the study of the Word led him to take a number of courses through Dallas Theological Seminary including a three-week class in Israel. He and Patty have made their home in Franklin since 1976. They have been blessed with three children who, with their families including eleven grandchildren, also live in Franklin. In his spare time, he enjoys photography and his grandchildren are easily his favorite subjects.