Greg Barkman
SENIOR PASTOR
Pastor Gregory N. Barkman first came to Alamance County with his wife, Marti, in 1973 at the invitation of 19 new believers who wanted to start a new church. Pastor Barkman and Beacon have grown together for over 40 years. Not only does Pastor Barkman fill the lion’s share of our pulpit ministry, he is responsible for The Beacon Broadcast (See Radio Ministry under the heading of Ministry for days, times and stations). The Barkmans have four daughters: Jordana Duncan (Gabe), Cherith Newton (Eric), Bethany Allgrove (Warren), and Jessica Yelverton (Joel). They also have four granddaughters and four grandsons.
Mike Karns
MINISTER OF EDUCATION
Pastor Michael Karns and his family came to Beacon in August of 1995. In addition to overseeing our entire educational program and our monthly Beacon Beam, 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 married daughter, Abigail Hemmings (Dan). The Karns have two granddaughters and one grandson.
N. Hunter Strength
MINISTER OF YOUTH
Pastor N. Hunter Strength and his family came to Beacon in January of 2022. Primarily ministering to our high schoolers, Hunter also works with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Elon University, as well as holding college and career Bible studies and managing the church website. Hunter’s family includes his wife, Ragan, their daughter, Ella, and their son, Silas.
Robert F. LaTour
MINISTER OF PASTORAL CARE
Although he and his wife, Jane, have been members of Beacon since 1978, Pastor LaTour joined the staff in July of 2006. His primary responsibilities are with pastoral care; however, he also works with the Silver Saints Ministry, gives pastoral oversight to English as a Second Language and teaches Senior Bible at Alamance Christian School. Bob and Jane have three married children Bobby (Kelly), Jonathan (Alisha) and Christy Verroi (Jeremy) as well as eighteen grandchildren.
Greg L. Phillips
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 trek to Beacon as their family grew to four children who are now young adults– Maria Wooldridge (Ryan), Nathan, Melissa Belville (Danny) and Matthew. The Phillips also have one granddaughter. 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!