The elders and deacons are the two offices God has given to the church to display his care for them (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1). The elders remind the church family of Christ's tender care for them as a shepherd, as they equip the church to do the work of the ministry. The deacons work under the elders and remind the church family of Christ's great sacrifice for them as a servant, even as they carry out specific tasks for the good of the church.

Elders

Brad Baugham

Growing up in the home of an Army chaplain meant one thing – moving. Brad has visited or lived in every state in America (except for Alaska and North Dakota, which he is no hurry to get to) and nine foreign countries. In 1997 he completed a B.A. in Bible with a minor in music. Four years later he completed his M.Div. and married Becky Baker, one of the best-looking girls ever. They have three children, Katherine, Carson and Haddon.

Whenever he is not reading, Brad can be found watching or participating in nearly every kind of sport. His desire is to see all peoples rejoice in everything God is for them through Jesus Christ by the Spirit.

Mike Gray

Mike was born in Salt Lake City and lived most of his pre-college days about an hour north near Ogden, Utah. He studied Biology in college, going on to earn a Masters and Ph.D. in Microbiology. Since finishing his Ph.D. in 1978, Mike has taught a variety of biological science courses. He is passionate about teaching and learning and directs a summer program in teaching excellence for college teachers.

Mike met his wife, Carol, during his freshman year; they married in 1971 and now have five married children and seven grandchildren. Mike and Carol feel privileged to play a supporting role for one of their daughters and her husband who are missionaries in Cambodia.

Mike enjoys reading, music, camping, cooking and college sports. Mike's desire for himself and the body at Emmanuel is that "we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Philippians 4:13).

Rhett Gieck

Rhett was born and raised in eastern Colorado and since most of his family lived close by, family was and remains very important to Rhett.

Rhett and his wife, Janine have two children, Callie and Hudson. Rhett studied accounting in college and continues to work in the accounting field for a manufacturing company in Greenville. Rhett enjoys watching pro football, college basketball and spending time with his family.

Rhett came to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as a teenager; since then he has been growing up into Christ (Ephesians 4) and desires to continue to be made more like Christ. He considers it a joy to learn, develop and use the gifts and talents he has been given for God's glory.

Deacons

Jeff White

Jeff grew up in rural Woodruff, SC where he lived until early adulthood. Being confronted with the awesome wonder of God in the beauty of nature made a significant impact on Jeff's thirst for a greater knowledge of his Creator. 

After completing a B.A. in Humanities, Jeff married Noelle Robinson. They have two girls, Olivia and Ella. Jeff works as an account executive for a marketing company in Greenville. In his spare time, he enjoys any challenge, from woodworking to backpacking. During the summers you can often find him and his family relaxing on one of the many beautiful lakes in the southeast.

One of Jeff's greatest desires for himself and Emmanuel is to see, experience and communicate the supreme excellence of God in all that he has created.