Minister of Christian Education

Pastor Michael Karns and his family came to Beacon in August of 1995.  He serves Beacon as Minister of Christian Education.  In additon to overseeing our entire educational program, he ministers from the Beacon Pulpit, provides Biblical counseling for those in need and oversees our monthly Men Sharpening Men Ministry.  Mike's family includes his wife, Carly, one married son, Gabriel (Kara) and one daughter, Abigal, who currently attends Appalachian State University.

Minister of Families

Although he and his wife, Jane, have been members of Beacon since 1978, Pastor LaTour joined the staff in July of 2006.  His primary responsibility is with teens and their families; however, he also works with the Silver Saints Ministry, the church web site and Home Place.  Bob and Jane have three married children Bobby (Kelly), Jonathan (Alisha) and Christy Verroi (Jeremy) as well as eleven grandchildren.

Minister of Music

In the Fall of 1984, Greg and his wife, Sue Ann, began driving from Greenville, South Carolina for Greg to lead our congregational singing and direct our choir.  They have faithfully made the treck to Beacon as their family grew to four children, Maria, Nathan, Melissa and Matthew.  How thankful we are to have a music ministry that emphasizes biblical, edifying texts and high-quality music presented by gifted members of our church!

Minister of Pastoral Care 

Gerald Counts has held a unique position at Beacon, dedicated to the support of our sick and shut in.  For many years, he has directed our church-wide outreach to visitors.  Gerald and his wife, Mae, are charter members of Beacon, consistently ministering to our church family since 1973.  They have a married son, Randy (Tammy), and three grandchildren.