Joel Harting, Teaching Elder
Joel has been married to Cara since 2002 and they have 4 children. God has blessed he and Cara with a desire to see families grow in Christ as part of a local church as they reflect healthy relationships to a world desperately searching for that very thing.
Joel and Cara were part of the original group that planted Christ Community Baptist Church nearly 20 years ago. Joel was ordained as an elder at Christ Community in 2005 and served in the roles of associate pastor and youth minister.
In 2007, Joel and Cara led their children to East Asia where they served in family ministry until 2020. Due to circumstances beyond their control, their family was forced to return to the States in the spring of 2020. After serving as intentional interim at Christ Community beginning in October of 2020, Joel is now serving as Teaching Elder.
Joel and Cara believe strongly that God gifts us with talents and passions in a variety of fields for a very specific purpose. Whatever you are passionate about, whatever brings joy to your soul, is a gift from God He intends to use to further His glory among the nations.
David Johnson, Elder
I was born in NW Florida and graduated from U of F with a BS in Chemical Engineering. Out of college, I went to work for International Paper. We were transferred several times before landing in Memphis. I married Pam Sykes in 1979 and we have two sons, Colin and Benjamin, and five grandchildren.
I retired from International Paper in 2009. CCBC called and ordained me to the Gospel Ministry in July 2011. I immediately began work on an MDiv from MABTS, which I completed in May 2014. I continued my studies at MABTS and completed a PhD in Theology with major emphasis in Biblical Counseling in May of 2017.
Currently I support the administrative and counseling functions of CCBC. I also co-teach the older elementary SS class, lead a community group, and serve as the Troop Master for CCBC’s Trail Life USA program.
My joy is serving people, young and old. I love to share Christ with people and participate in their spiritual growth.
Don West, Elder
Born and raised in Memphis, TN, Don West has always been a lover of music. He grew up in the church, but his life was changed as he made the decision to follow Jesus and claim Him as his Lord and Savior in the late 70’s Since then, his love for music has transformed into a love for worship. He has used his talents of guitar playing, songwriting, and singing as a way to connect with God as well as lead congregations to the throne of grace alongside him. His humble yet passionate view of worship is contagious and encouraging.
He was one of the founding members of Christ Community Church as their worship pastor and elder. He also oversees the area of communication and works with the community group leaders. Don is married to Jana, who can always be found singing beside him as well as serving in many other areas of the ministry in and outside of CCC. They are proud parents of two beautiful daughters and now grandparents to 3 little girls and one little boy who they truly consider to be blessings from the Lord.
Greg Spears, Teaching Elder Emeritus
Greg served as the Pastor, Teaching-Elder at CCC from 2012-2020. He continues to be connected with Christ Community providing counsel to the leadership and continuing to pastor the members.
Greg was converted to Christ in 1982 in the Republic of the Philippines at age twenty-six while serving in the U.S.M.C. Before coming to CCBC, Greg was a Marine, VA Chaplain, Husband, Father, Pastor, Church Planter, Missions Strategist, Professor, and a Widower all in that order. He has five children and three grand-children and is excited to see what God is going to do next in this wonderful thing called life!
Nita Carr, Preschool & Childen
Nita Carr has been a member of Christ Community since the early days and has served as the preschool & children’s director since 2010. Known affectionately as ‘Miss Nita’ she loves and is loved by the children and parents alike. She keeps the area beautifully organized, happy and safe. She coordinates the volunteers and weekly teachers in the ministry to the children of CCC.
Her greatest joy in serving in this position is being there to greet the children when they arrive and making sure they know how loved they are by her and mostly by Jesus. Miss Nita is truly committed to the Lord and to the ministries of Christ Community Baptist Church.
Nita is also an integral part of the women’s ministry as a Bible teacher and organizer of the Women’s Retreat.