Church Leadership

rit@elizabethchurch.org

Rit has served EBC since February 2005.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Citadel, a Master of Divinity degree from Campbell University, a Master of Theology degree from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.   Prior to entering the ministry, Rit served as an officer in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1992-1996.  He is married to Shannon Varriale, who teaches at Crest Middle School.  Rit's passion is communicating God's Word.

• Favorite Bible Verse - Psalm 121
• Favorite Hobbies - Motorcycling (viva Ducati); walking in the woods; hunting

brooks@elizabethchurch.org 

Brooks is a seasoned worship pastor with 27 years of experience, passionate about helping people encounter God through authentic worship. A gifted vocalist and guitarist, he blends his musical talents with a heart for ministry, guiding congregations into deeper connections with God.
Brooks holds a Bachelor of Music Education, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Worship Studies, combining theological depth with practical insight. He has served in various church settings, cultivating worship teams and creating environments where God's presence is felt.
He is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of worship leaders, encouraging them to lead with integrity and excellence. Brooks enjoys leading worship with his wife, Christie, and loves spending time with his family.

• Favorite Bible Verse - Micah 8:6 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
• Hobbies - Fishing; classic cars

derek@elizabethchurch.org

Derek has been at EBC since July 2022.   He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University in Finance, and a Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.   Derek has been in student ministry since 2005 and served as an Army Reserve Chaplain for 8 years.  He is married to Kelly Allen Kiser, and they have two boys. Jackson and Eli.  Kelly grew up at EBC and is a Shelby native. Derek is passionate about students owning their faith and helping them become the leaders God wants them to be.   Students are not the future church they are the church now, and need to serve now.

• Favorite Bible Verse  -  2 Corinthians 5:21  "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God."
• Favorite Hobbies  -  "Anything with a view.  I love the lake and big wide-open views of farmland.  Kelly and I enjoy eating outside with a water view when on vacation."

Justin has been on staff at EBC since August of 2024. Justin is a native of Cleveland County and earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree from the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy at Gardner-Webb University. Prior to coming to EBC, Justin has served as a full time Guest Lecturer and Adjunct Instructor at GWU teaching Intro to Old Testament, Intro to New Testament and New Testament Theology. Justin is married to Stephanie, and they have two sons, Luke and James. Justin is passionate about teaching the Bible and seeing people grow in their understanding of the Gospel and God’s Word.

• Favorite Bible Verse – Mark 10:45 “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.”
• Favorite Hobbies – Turkey hunting; camping; seeing historic places and walking battle fields.

Benjamin Davies has been part of Elizabeth Baptist Church’s children’s ministry since 2020, serving alongside his wife, Vicki. In 2026, he stepped into the role of Interim Children’s Minister. A devoted husband and father of five, Ben strives to let his faith in Christ shape every area of his life, from leading his family to serving the church.
After playing football at Western Carolina University, Ben graduated in 2009 and went on to build a blacksmithing business that he and Vicki have operated for more than a decade. While he enjoys the craft and creativity of his work, his greatest joy is spending time with his family and investing in the next generation of believers.

• Favorite Bible Verse: Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

hal@elizabethchurch.org

Hal joined the Elizabeth Baptist Church family in 2011 and began serving as Interim Senior Adult Pastor in June 2026. A native of Iowa, he earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary.
After 39 years of pastoral ministry in New York and North Carolina, Hal continues to enjoy serving the Lord alongside his wife, Darlene, whom he married in 1972. Together, they have participated in numerous mission trips, raised two adopted children, Melody and Timothy, and are proud grandparents to Sam and Brixen. Hal is passionate about helping senior adults stay connected, encourage one another, and continue serving Christ in every season of life.

• Favorite Bible Verse - Philippians 3:8 "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For His sake, I have discarded everything else."
• Hobbies -  Walking together and riding a tandem bicycle together with Darlene

Kim has served EBC since July 2011.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Liberty University.  She is married to Jeff McEntyre and they have one son, Justin.

• Favorite Bible Verse - Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
• Favorite Hobbies - Reading; long walks; great movies.

Missy has been at EBC since July of 2024.  She is married to Tripp and they have a combined family of 2 children and 1 foster child. Missy and Tripp are the ministry leaders at River Hill Refuge in Shelby, which is part of Baptist Children's Homes of NC.

• Favorite Bible Verse - Psalm 91:1-2 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
• Favorite Hobbies - Scrapbooking; cooking; spending time with family.

Lilly Atchley is serving at EBC as the Summer Receptionist. She enjoys creating a welcoming environment and helping others feel comfortable and cared for. She is excited to serve the church community throughout the summer while continuing to grow in her faith.

• Favorite Bible Verse – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
• Favorite Hobbies – Hanging out with people; reading books; watching movies; anything art-related