Leadership Bios

Travis grew up in central North Carolina.  He attended Belmont University in Nashville, TN, studying Audio Engineering and Christian Ministries.  There he met his wife, Charity, a violin performance major.  Together they have two boys, Clark and Luke.  Travis is currently enrolled in seminary at Grace School of Theology.  In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family outside, taking classes at GSOT, blade smithing, and fly fishing. 
travisbriles@christfellowship.com

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 family’s 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 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. 

Kip Jaeger trusted Jesus as a young child growing up in North Dakota and met his wife, Kathleen, while attending college in Minnesota. In 1991, both of them moved to Tennessee to begin a life here and have raised 4 Tennesseans. He enjoys family, friends, music and the outdoors.

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 has retired from the practice of law as his 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 his late wife, Patty, made their home in Franklin beginning in 1976. They were blessed with three children who, with their families which include eleven grandchildren, also live in Franklin. In his spare time, he enjoys the study of the Word, the opportunity to attend sporting and other events in which his grandchildren are involved, and the chance to come alongside people to encourage them in their walk with Jesus.

Jennifer has been the Children’s Ministry Coordinator since 2006. She was raised in Brentwood, and after college returned home to teach elementary school. Working with the children at Christ Fellowship has been an absolute joy and allowed her the blessing to impact the children from infant to youth group. Jennifer lives in Franklin with her husband, Shane.

Charity Briles received her Masters in Violin Performance with an emphasis in Suzuki Pedagogy from SIUE, and her Bachelors in Violin Performance from Belmont University. She was the Orchestra Director and Professor of Violin at Greenville College until moving back to Nashville in 2014. While gigging she maintained her own studio in Nashville until 2018 when she leveled up to her dream job- Motherhood. Charity is passionate about discipling children and raising up the next generation of the church. When she is not homeschooling her two boys or leading a gaggle of kids in a song about hippopotamuses, Charity can be found reading Tolkien or instructing her boys in the ways of the force.

Chris Errico…..

Justin is our Music Ministry Leader. Justin and Nikki Lanning have been active at Christ Fellowship for over 20 years. Together they have joyfully served in a variety of ministries. With a long and rich family background in music, Justin leads the music team with various music styles, and engages the congregation with energy and enthusiasm as we worship the LORD in song.

Kim Smith is the Church Administrator. She and her husband Neil have loved Christ Fellowship since its origin. Prior to that, she was raised in church and came to salvation at an early age. Kim enjoys “country “life, sharing produce and flowers from her gardens with treasured family and friends. Kim and Neil have eight grandchildren and are retired from teaching in public schools in Nashville. They stay very active in volunteer ministry with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at their neighborhood high school.

Jeff was born and raised in Marshall, Texas and moved to Tennessee to pursue music. He and his wife, April, have one son. Jeff believed in Jesus for eternal life at a young age and considers himself simply a sinner saved by grace. He has a heart to help others come to believe in Jesus as well.

Lisa has lived her whole life in the Nashville area. She grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ at a very young age. She has been a part of Christ Fellowship since its beginning days. She and her husband, Eric, met while attending Taylor University. They have been married 26 years and have three children. Lisa enjoys working with children, spending time with family and friends, gardening, reading, and exercising.

Debbie has lived in Tennessee all her life. In 1999 she moved from Memphis to Nashville to continue her career with Ford Motor Credit. In July of 1981 she made a decision to trust Christ. Debbie enjoys cooking, baking, and going to the beach.

Leah was raised in New York and spent the last 20 years moving all around the country until the Lord (unbeknownst to me at the time), brought her and her now husband, Lee, to Tennessee.  It was here that she gave her life to the Lord and finally understood what it was to be in the light, held by His mighty hand because of His son, Jesus Christ. God brought Leah to Christ Fellowship in her new walk with Him and is thankful and blessed for the privilege to serve Him in this body. She loves food, music, and time with family and friends. 

Jeff accepted Christ at summer camp many years ago. He married his high school sweetheart, Bridget, and they have two kids. He has been in the Scouting program for 14 years.