Jeff Chappell, Pastor
Philip Beckett, Elder
Philip Beckett and his wife Cindy live in Rolesville in Wake County. They have two sons, Curtis and Thomas. Cindy and her husband have been very active at Word of Life since the beginning and continue to serve as faithful servants. Philip works for the state of NC, and his wife at Bank of America. Philip has served on the Video team, and he is presently on the Leadership Team. His wife teaches Sunday School for the 6-10 year olds, and is assistant teacher for the AWANAS. Both he and his wife are always willing to help in any fundraiser to help the church.
Philip’s Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 11:17
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”
James Bell, Elder
James Bell and his wife Kathryn McIntyre Live in Youngsville, NC. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour on an airplane headed to Vietnam in 1968. He received a purple heart from injuries he endured in an attack on our support base. James was baptized in 1974 when he returned home. He retired in 1997 from the Raleigh Fire Department . James and Kathryn are founding members at Word of Life and have served in several different areas during this time. James currently leads the Ushers and the church cleaning team. He has also served on the Leadership Team for many months.
James’ Favorite Bible Verse: John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Eric Vigeant, Elder
Eric Vigeant and his wife Jessica live in Franklin County near Bunn. They have been married for four years and have one son named Liam. Eric and Jessica have been very involved in Word of Life Community Church since its conception and continue to be faithful servants. Eric works for the City of Raleigh and currently serves on the Leadership Team at Word of Life. Jessica currently holds many positions within Word of Life’s children’s ministry. Eric believes that Community Outreach and Children’s Ministry Programs are vital to church success. Eric has a passion for outreach ministries, such as “Celebrating Recovery”, which help those who are struggling with addiction by showing them the loving power of Jesus Christ through recovery.
Eric’s Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Newman Knott, Elder
Newman Knott and his wife Robin have been married for 30 years and have four children. Their oldest son Casey is a junior at Southeastern Louisiana University. Their only daughter Savannah Bridges and her husband, Mason, are attending The College at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Sons Logan and Caleb live and are educated at home. Newman has been in the commercial cabinet business for over 26 years working for RLS Commercial Interiors. He and his family are founding members at Word of Life. While at Word of Life, Newman has played an active role in the church as part of the Leadership team and Praise team, working in Sound & Media, and through his work on construction projects. In the past, he has served as a Middle School Worship Team Leader, Sunday school team member for elementary school children, Small Group host, and member of Canning Hunger Ministry.
Newman’s Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Sammie Pridgen, Inactive Elder
Sammie Pridgen and his wife, Eleanor live in Rolesville. Sammie retired from an engineering company in 2000. They have two daughters, Robin Knott and Dana Frazier. They and their families are members of our church. Sammie and Eleanor are Charter Members of our church. All of them are Christians. Sammie and Eleanor were saved as teenagers. Sammie was ordained as a deacon in 1968. He has served several terms as deacon in the past and on our Leadership Team. He participates in the various music activities at our church, and Eleanor plays the keyboard occasionally. His heart is in the saving of the lost.
Sammie’s Favorite Bible Verse: John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him,I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jerry Johnston, Inactive Elder
Jerry Johnston and his wife, Carol, have lived in Franklin County, near Bunn for the past 23 years, NC residence since 1984. Married for 45 years, they have one son, two daughters and ten grandchildren. They have been with Word of Life Community Church since the beginning, Jerry was one of the original members of the Leadership Team. Jerry retired from Alcatel-ITT as a telephone engineer in 2001, Carol is a nurse, works on an as needed basis for CCME in Cary. Besides church and family, they enjoy traveling in their RV and have had been to every state in the US except Hawaii. Currently they are beginning a Senior’s ministry with Word of Life.
Jerry’s Favorite Bible Verse: Phillipians 3:13
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
W.L. Pearce, Inactive Elder
William Leven Pearce, Jr. and wife Betty will be married 36 yrs on March 27, 2011. They have resided in Youngsville for 27 years. They were blessed with two sons. Scott and Brian, who have given them 8 beautiful grandchildren ranging in age from 15 years to 19 months. William is currently working with WalMart in Zebulon. He loves being outdoors, fishing, hunting and anything to do with farm equipment and is still a big kid at heart. Betty worked in the manufacturing industry for over 30 yrsand supervised the accounting department for 6 yrs before retiring due to health issues. Betty has many interest besides being a wife, mother, and grandmother but just can’t find the extra time in a day to enjoy them anymore. They have been involved in church ministry for over 35 yrs. They love our Lord Jesus Christ and strive to serve Him through the guidance of The Holy Spirit and look forward to serving within Word of Life as the spirit leads.
W.L.’s Favorite Bible Verse: John 11:35
“Jesus wept.”
Travis Poe, Inactive Elder
Travis Poe and his wife Johnna were married in May of 2010 and reside in Louisburg. Johnna has a four year old son named Hunter. Travis has owned a local heating and air conditioning business since 2002 and Johnna works for a veterinarian in Nashville. Travis has been involved with Word of Life Church Community since the beginning and is a charter member. Travis is currently a member of the Leadership team and works with the youth by teaching Wednesday night Bible study and Sunday School. Travis is currently a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in preparation for God’s call to ministry.
Travis’ Favorite Bible Verse: Psalms 20:7
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”
