PASTORS
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SENIOR PASTOR: SMITH SHARPE (Smith@DiscoveryChurchHickory.com)
Pastor Smith Sharpe was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, and grew up in a family that was active in the Methodist Church. He attended Lenoir Rhyne University on a football scholarship and graduated in 1988. While in college he met his future wife Charlotte, and they now have three children: Beatty, Adele, and Lillian.
Prior to starting Discovery Church (formerly Christian Fellowship Church), Smith was an Administrative Director with Frye Regional Medical Center. At age 30 he began a career with C.R. Laine Furniture Company where he became the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Ten years later, Charlotte encouraged him to pursue his calling to Pastoral Ministry, and he entered Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary where he graduated three years later with a Masters in Divinity. Five months later, on September 7th, 2008 Smith preached his first sermon at what was then called Christian Fellowship Church. Under his energetic leadership and passion for God’s Word, Discovery Church has continued to thrive and be a beacon of hope to the community.
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YOUTH PASTOR: TRISTAN SHORE
(Tristan@DiscoveryChurchHickory.com) Pastor Tristan Shore was born and raised in Merritt Island, Florida. He was not raised in church and didn’t come to know Christ as his Lord and Savior until he was 21 years old when God rescued him in miraculous way. Shortly after that, he went on to attend Clearwater Christian College where he played basketball and studied Pastoral Ministry. A year later, he went on a mission trip to Guatemala and met his wife, Bree, who was also a part of the college group that went. They later married, then he graduated in 2014, and they went on to have two children: Evelyn and Ezra. Before coming to Discovery in November 2018, Tristan served on staff as the Student Outreach Coordinator at a church in Charlotte, NC. It was there that his calling to ministry was affirmed and his passion to see students’ lives transformed by the Gospel grew. Tristan is excited to be apart of what God is doing at Discovery Church and to lead the students into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. |
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WORSHIP ARTS PASTOR: GARY CHURCH
(Gary@DIscoveryChurchHickory.com) Gary Church comes to us with over 20 years of experience in the Worship Arts Industry. After serving in other churches, and being part of many major events, Gary is pursuing his passion to serve God in the local church. Gary has been studying music and playing in his local church since the age of 7. He has been a studio musician since the age of 14 and has been a music producer since 18. He is a song writer and performer with a technological background. Gary is also passionate about doing life with his family. They enjoy sports and the great outdoors. Gary will lead us in the audio, video, and lighting (AVL) aspects of the worship service as he continues to prioritize the things that bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ. |
DIRECTORS
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ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR: TANYA TURBEVILLE
(Tanya@DiscoveryChurchHickory.com) Office Manager Tanya Turbeville was born in Tampa, Florida, and was raised in Spartanburg South Carolina, graduating from UNCC with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation and marriage to Gene, Tanya worked in the Automotive and Electronics industries in production planning & purchasing before becoming a stay-at-home mom to sons Drew and Grant. While living in Michigan, Tanya volunteered in the school system and started an after school Christian Character Club for elementary aged children. Having lived in Michigan and Virginia, Tanya and her family moved to Newton, NC in 2013 and have become an integral part of the life of Discovery Church. Her desire is to use her organizational and planning skills to help Discovery Church bring people to Christ and to lead others into deeper fellowship with Jesus. |
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR: SARAH HESSONG
(Sarah@DiscoveryChurchHickory.com) Sarah Hessong was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and was raised in Charlotte, NC from the age of 2. She graduated with a B.S. degree from N.C. State University. Soon after graduation and marriage to David, she moved to Hickory, NC. After many years as a stay-at-home mom to their four children, Anabelle, Juliette, Carter, and Porter, she began working as a Preschool teacher and Swim Team Coach. Her family began visiting Discovery Church in 2008, and joined in 2009. She soon became an active volunteer member of the Children’s Ministry. With a passion for the children’s program, and her previous experience in preschool, as well as, directing VBS programs for many years, she hopes to grow and expand our Children’s Ministry to create a strong relationship between God and the children of our church. |
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DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY: SANDY AUTEN
(Sandy@DiscoveryChurchHickory.com) Administrative Assistant Sandy Auten was born and raised in Catawba County and has been married to Chuck for 23 years. She previously worked in outside sales, prior to her full-time job of wife to Chuck and mother to three sons Ben, Jake and Matt. Sandy and Chuck have been at Discovery since its beginning where they have been involved in a variety of ministries, including both of Discovery’s Capital Campaigns. Sandy has also participated in Bible Study Fellowship for six years and has organized the Backpack Program at Claremont Elementary School. Her hobbies include running and spending time with family, and at Discovery she will use her strong leadership skills for special projects and to provide administrative support for other staff members and ministries. |
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INTEGRATION MINISTRY DIRECTOR: ERIC HUBANKS
(Eric@DiscoveryChurchHickory.com) Eric Hubanks was born in Mishawaka, Indiana. At age 18 he moved to Hickory, NC with his family. Eric and his wife Karen have two children, Alexis and Andrew. Eric and his family started regularly attending Discovery in 2010. In the past Eric has served Discovery as a production coordinator and found his passion for small groups as the group leader of several small groups focused on Christian apologetics. After a 20-year career in the telecommunications industry Eric felt called to join the full-time staff of Discovery Church. In his current role as Integration Ministry Director Eric enjoys caring for the people of the church getting them plugged-in at Discovery. He also works with our small group leaders and congregational care teams to nurture and care for the people of Discovery Church. Each Sunday you can find him leading our Discovery Series. |
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MISSIONS DIRECTOR: RUTH EBLEN
(Ruth@DiscoveryChurchHickory.com) Ruth Eblen has been attending Discovery Church since 2011. Ruth enjoys attending Discovery with her husband and three teenage children. She has served at Discovery as a Children's Ministry teacher and check-in worker, an event coordinator for the Stronghold Challenge and the Olympic Serve day, and as a S.T.A.R. Coordinator. She is happy to now serve in the area of Missions. Ruth will oversee the Global Missions efforts to both Belize and Haiti and will work with local missions to create relationships for our people to serve in the community. |
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FACILITY DIRECTOR: ERIC PLEMMONS
(ESPlemmons@DiscoveryChurchHickory.com) Eric Plemmons was born, grew up, and raised his family in Burke County. He is a graduate of Gardner-Webb and Western Carolina Universities where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management. Having returned recently from the Apex, NC area, Eric comes to Discovery having worked in management and human resources for over 30 years. Using his prior experience, Eric will oversee the Parking, S.W.A.T., and Usher teams at Discovery. Eric is most proud of his family—his 30+ year marriage to his high school sweetheart, Leslie, and two sons, Zachary and Nicholas, who both welcomed new babies in 2019. Eric and his family look forward to serving and watching God grow His Kingdom at Discovery. |
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BUILDING SERVICES DIRECTOR: STEVE HOYLE
Steve and Anne, his wife of 45 years, live in Newton, NC. They have 2 children, daughter Kimberly and son Jim (wife Lois). He also has one grandson, Cory (wife Shawna), and 2 great-grandchildren, Kensleigh and Katum. After military service in the Navy, Steve spent nearly 50 years in manufacturing, welding, fabricating, and maintenance. Since retirement, Steve now has more time that he uses at Discovery Church coordinating efforts in Security, First Aid and Building Maintenance. You may see Steve on a Sunday morning working with the deputies and volunteers to provide a safe environment for each attendee at Discovery Church. He also overlooks the maintenance and care of the building throughout the week. Seeking and maintaining the safety of the congregation is how Steve is trying to serve God in all he does. |
COORDINATORS
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VOCALIST COORDINATOR: MIKE WOLFE
Mike is a dynamic, innovative person who works to oversee the vocalists and background vocalists for the Discovery Church Worship Service. He provides vocals for church events as needed including Wednesday night services and outreach events. He assists new volunteers in understanding their purpose in worship in the dynamic authentic worship service at Discovery Church. |
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PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: GREG LAROCHELLE
Greg assists in the Production room as Coordinator to manage the weekly efforts for the Sunday worship experience. He collaborates with the team to create a dynamic and structured authentic worship services. He also provides production team support for special events. |
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SPECIAL EVENTS CHILDCARE COORDINATOR: SKYE GORE
Skye is responsible for coordinating and communicating to the workers/volunteers for each event. She oversees the materials for volunteers and keeps the curriculum current for Night Kids Worship and J.A.M. |
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STUDENT & YOUNG ADULT COORDINATOR: RYAN TURNER
Ryan is proactive in coordinating, administering, and expanding an effective and comprehensive ministry for college students and young adults. He does this through building and maintaining a program of ministry which meets the specific needs of college students in the areas of socialization, spiritual direction, learning opportunities, and service opportunities. Ryan also oversees the worship experience for youth and college/career gatherings. |
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CREATIVE & SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: CATHLEEN GAFFNEY
Cat works to keep things fun and current in our communications through social media, bulletins, and emails. She works with software and other tools using her communications and marketing background to organize and communicate activities at Discovery Church. |
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HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR: JOSH LAFONE
Josh helps coordinate the Welcome Desk, Coffee Bar, and events for Discovery Church. Josh oversees the hospitality for the 4:30 PM service and coordinates with Sandy Auten, the Director of Hospitality, for special events and other Hospitality functions. |
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MEDICAL TEAM COORDINATOR: AMBER HICE
The Medical Team is represented in the service and at the church to minister to those who may have a medical need. Amber oversees the coordination efforts of the men and women with professional medical training who serve in this capacity to the attendees at Discovery Church. |
