Steve Carpenter – Pastor
Steve Carpenter
Steve has been the pastor of GBC since the summer of 2009. He, and his wife, Kim, have two children, Matt and Courtney. Steve graduated from the University of Memphis and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His life verse is Galatians 2:20 which says, “I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. This life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Phil McKibben – Associate Pastor – Worship and Small Groups
Phil McKibben
Phil has been serving at Gateway since the Summer of 2007. Phil graduated from the University of Memphis. He and his wife Melinda have been married since 1983. Their son, Kurt, was born in 1989. Phil revels in mediocrity – he loves following the Ole Miss Rebels and Chicago Cubs. When he’s not singing he’s playing golf & officiating football (sometimes he sings then, too.) “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:14
Jeff Gautney – Associate Pastor – Missions
Jason Rodgers – Campus Pastor – Munford Campus
Jason Rodgers
Jason received his Bachelor’s degree from Union University in Jackson, TN. He and his wife have their hands full with three boys: Joshua, Caleb, and Jacob. He was called into the ministry at eighteen. Jason likes playing guitar, hunting, and wrestling with his boys. Proverbs 3:5-6 says: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Drew Waits – Associate Campus Pastor – Munford Campus
Drew Waits
Drew was born and raised right here in South Tipton county. He has continued his education at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and plans to finish his degree through Boyce College. He and his wife Beth have been married since 2001 and are raising three children; Caleb, Sydney, and Preston. They all have a deep desire to show the love of Christ to their home town community. “and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” 2 Corinthians 5:15
Pat McLain – Children’s Ministry Director
Pat McLain
Little Rock born; to west Tennessee via south (way south) Louisiana. Taught the Bible from the best teacher ever — my mom!!! Married to an ever-loving, infinitely patient man — Tom (please do not call him “Mr. Pat”). Have three children: Laura and Ian (twin teenagers) and Kyle (hanging with Jesus while he waits for us). She taught at University of Memphis, Southwestern (then it was Rhodes), and Methodist School of Nursing. Pat has been part of Children’s Ministry since 1999. Love, love, love teaching kids the Bible.
Konnor Kessler – Student Ministry Director
Konnor was born and raised in Bolivar, TN. He got his Bachelor’s degree at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN before surrendering to the ministry in 2014. Currently, Konnor is studying at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He has a passion to share the gospel of Christ with others. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Kelley Taylor – Media Director
Kelley Taylor
Lifelong residents of the mid-south, Kelley and husband Scott have been members of Gateway since their baptism on Labor Day weekend 2001. They have two children, Drew and Abby. In addition to all things media, Kelley serves as the Kids Club director. When not using technology, she enjoys painting, writing, and reading. “He must increase, I must decrease.” John 3:30
