ELDERS
In 1 Peter 5:2, Scripture calls elders to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight . . . willingly, as God would have you." Christ Covenant is a presbyterian church. The term "presbyterian" originates in the language of the Greek New Testament and describes a church led by elders. Elders are elected from the congregation to shepherd the church. We have two types of elders: the pastor who is a full-time minister and who does most of the preaching and teaching at the church, and the ruling elders who assist him in providing executive leadership and pastoral care for the flock. Together they form the Session.
Neil Stewart
Pastor & Moderator
Neil is married to Catherine and is the father of 6. He is a former pediatric physician and now serves as Senior Pastor. A native of Northern Ireland, he lives in Oak Ridge.
Eric Bolton
Elder & Clerk
Eric is married to Adair and is the father of 4. He is an electrical engineer and develops cellular technology. A native of West Virginia, he lives in Oak Ridge.
Jim Van Eerden
Elder
Jim is married to Rachel and is the father of 11. He is a partner in a private equity firm and a media executive. A native of Wisconsin, he lives in Stokesdale.
MARSHALL CLEMENT
ELDER
Marshall is married to Dorothy and is the father of 3. He specializes in long-term care and insurance advising. He has also served many years in preaching and in church planting. A native of Greensboro, he lives in Oak Ridge.
SONNY WHITE
ELDER
Sonny is married to Jo Ellen and is the father of 2. With a PhD in chemistry and a degree from Harvard Business School, he has worked in a variety of capacities. He is currently a consultant for higher education. A native of South Carolina, he lives in Greensboro.
DEACONS
Our Deacons oversee the logistical aspects of church leadership. In particular, they marshall our physical and financial resources to meet the pressing needs of our congregation, our Christian brothers around us, and our neighbors in the world. With their help, the elders are able to keep prayer and the ministry of the Word as their primary focus among the flock (Acts 6:4).
PauL Holst
Paul is married to Lynn and is the father of 6 grown children and grandfather of 3. He built a career in homebuilding and land development. A native of Virginia, he lives in Greensboro.
George Merriam
George is married to Carlene and is the father of 2 and grandfather of 3. He specializes in providing wood products to the furniture industry. A native of Tennessee, he lives in High Point.
KarL Nielsen
Karl is married to Linda and is the father of 3 and grandfather of 6. He is retired from the printing industry and from missionary service with Wycliffe Bible Translators. A native of Connecticut, he lives in Reidsville.
LoU Weile
Lou is father to one daughter and grandfather to a new granddaughter. He is an electrical engineer by education. A native of Charleston, SC, he now resides in Greensboro.
STAFF
LAY LEADERS
Lay leaders, both male and female, are vitally important to the ministry of our church. They increase the excellence and efficiency of our ministries in the areas of worship, discipleship, evangelism, mercy, hospitality, and stewardship. Members of our church are encouraged to serve where they can serve joyfully and in accordance with their unique God-given gifts. We believe that God gifts His church and equips Her for ministry through the tapestry of Her people's diverse personalities and spiritual gifts. We rejoice in the humble and joyful service of so many lay leaders in our congregation. Below are links to our lay leader structure (how our ministry leaders are organized) as well as tools we provide our congregation so they might assess and consider their personality gifts and spiritual gifts as they lead and serve in ministries that suit their God-given gifts.
Specifically, many people ask where women may serve in our church. We believe male and female were both created in the image of God. As Creation was "not good" when man was alone, the Church likewise requires the active presence of Godly women and will be its richest and fullest with their participation. In short, we encourage women to serve and lead in any area that is not the ordained office of elder or deacon.