Leadership

Steven came to Chestnut Mountain Presbyterian Church with his wife, Whitney, in 2022, initially serving the church as a deacon. Prior to coming to CMPC, Steven served as a ruling elder in their previous congregation in Kentucky. He now serves as Senior Pastor and primary teaching pastor of the church. Steven holds degrees from the University of North Georgia (B.B.A.), Southern Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.), and Indiana University, Southeast (M.B.A.). He is grateful for the privilege of preaching God’s Word, shepherding Christ’s church, and seeing the gospel take root in the life of the congregation. Steven and Whitney have three children: a son, Judson, and two daughters, Emma and Caroline.

Ben and his wife Rebecca came to CMPC in 2005, when Ben was installed and ordained as CMPC’s first assistant pastor. Ben now serves as our associate pastor. In addition to helping lead Sunday morning worship, Ben regularly preaches on Sunday evenings. His other ministries involve areas of administration, Christian education, discipleship and special events. He has participated in mission journeys to Bulgaria, Croatia and Mississippi. Ben is a graduate of the University of South Carolina-Spartanburg, Reformed Theological Seminary-Charlotte, and Emory University and serves on the Georgia Foothills Presbytery Credentials Committee and on the Board of Church Planting International. Ben and Rebecca have two sons and one daughter.

Travis and his wife Reebok moved to CMPC after graduating from Reformed Theological Seminary–Charlotte in 2017, and was ordained a year later. In addition to serving as the pastor to students, Travis regularly helps lead worship on Sunday morning, preaches on Sunday evenings, and serves on the Shepherding Committee of Georgia Foothills Presbytery. As a proud Tennesseean Travis enjoys watching the Vols, playing hockey, and spending time in the woods.

An ordained PCA ruling elder, Mike was installed as CMPC’s first minister to children in 2006. Mike has led several mission journeys to Glen Allen, Mississippi. He is a graduate of Bluefield College, where he was a starting pitcher for their baseball team. Mike’s love of sports has resulted in his establishing the Stand Tall Basketball League for children and our annual basketball camp. Mike and his wife Charlotte have four adult children and one grandchild.

Richard and his wife Susan have been members of CMPC since 1998. Richard graduated with a B.A. in Music with proficiencies in Directing and Trumpet. Richard gives leadership to all levels of our music ministry and assists the pastoral staff with preparing our worship services. Other areas of interest are soccer, golf, swing band, and directing the Gwinnett Community Band. The MacLagans have 4 adult children and as many grandchildren.

Sarah Tilley grew up in Indiana and later in Columbus, Georgia as a pastor’s daughter. Sarah graduated from Covenant College with a degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Missions and a minor in youth ministry. Sarah has previously worked in a therapeutic home for at-risk teenage girls in the mountains of North Carolina. Sarah has also worked in a PCA church in Asheville, North Carolina as a youth ministry assistant focusing on female discipleship.

Nancy Burkhart taught kindergarten at CMPC’s Preschool for seven years before becoming our Preschool Director. Nancy and her husband Aaron have lived in Hall County since 1992 and have been members of CMPC since 2000 and have two adult sons. Nancy has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Toccoa Falls College and a Masters degree from Brenau University. Nancy has been involved in children’s ministry for many years serving in the nursery, Children’s Church, teaching on Wednesday nights and in Vacation Bible School as well as helping on youth retreats. Her favorite part of working at CMPC preschool is supporting families as they raise their children. Building a child’s strong biblical foundation and love for school is Nancy’s primary focus as director of CMPC Preschool & Kindergarten.

Melinda “Mindy” Burch is originally from northeast Kansas, where she grew up as a preacher’s kid in a small town. She attended Toccoa Falls College and has been a Georgia girl ever since. Mindy is married to Matt and has two children.  The Burches live in Hoschton attend Grace Community Church, a PCA church in Buford. Mindy is responsible for various administrative duties and office management.