Staff

Simon Stokes is originally from Dothan, AL, and after going to college at Emory University, he served as an intern for two years with RUF at Auburn University, where he met his wife, Katie. Through his experience at Auburn, he discerned a call to ministry, deciding to move to St. Louis, where he pursued master’s degrees in divinity and counseling at Covenant Seminary. In the spring of 2013, Simon completed those degrees, and he and Katie moved to Chapel Hill so…

Bob Burns came to faith in Jesus as a seventh grader, and from that time through college, his life was deeply impacted by mentors who shaped his understanding of faith, ministry, and the church. After graduate school Bob married Janet, who is his best friend and partner. Over the years he has been involved in a wide variety of ministries ranging from youth and singles, worship and arts, and various pastoral roles. He loves designing initiatives on how the gospel…

Mark Whipple was born and raised in Sudbury, MA and therefore is a lifelong Boston sports fanatic. He first arrived in Durham to attend Duke University, then served as Youth Ministry Director at CGS for two years, during which time he met and married his wife, Jen. After attending Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (and after consuming many cheesesteaks), the Whipples landed in Asheville, NC—first doing youth ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church, and ultimately planting Westside Church. Mark and Jen…