Pastors

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Dr. Dennis Bean
Senior Pastor
 
Dr. Dennis E. Bean grew up in Gastonia, NC. He came to faith in Christ as a teenager. While studying to be a chemist in college, he felt God’s call to vocational ministry. Dennis is a graduate of Gaston College (A.A.), Gardner-Webb University (B.A.), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He first served as a minister of youth and outreach at Midway Baptist Church. He has since served as the senior pastor in Catawba, Gastonia, and Crouse, NC. He has served as the senior pastor at Anthony Grove Baptist Church since September 1, 1998. He is married to the former Teresa McDonald since 1983. God has blessed them with two wonderful children; Nathan and Enoch. Pastor Dennis enjoys fishing, gardening, and plinking.
 
 

Rev. Trey Newton
Pastor of Youth and Young Adults
 
Trey Newton came to know Christ through the guidance of Dr. Dennis Bean and his faith team as a young teenager. He has been an active member at Anthony Grove for many years. In 2017, Trey accepted his call from Christ and decided to return to school to study ministry. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in religion in December 2019 from Liberty University and plans to continue his education at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Trey worked for six years with the Charlotte Hornets Entertainment and as a morning newscast director at WCNC-36. During his free time, Trey enjoys playing the drums, and spending time with family. Trey works with our youth and young adults. Youth and young adults are welcome to join us every Wednesday night for worship starting at 7pm.
 
 
 
Rev. Gary Church
Worship Arts Pastor
 
Gary Church grew up in Hickory, NC. One of his passions in life is to serve the Lord and evangelize the gospel through music. In his journey God has allowed him to lead worship at some awesome churches and great venues like Atlanta fest. He has also had the opportunity to teach at worship conferences across the US. Another one of his passions in life is to write worship songs. He has been blessed with a beautiful wife of 26 years, Kathy and they have a son named Dillan. They enjoy serving the Lord together. In their free time they like sports, the outdoors, and spending time with family.
 
Tricia Crocker
Children’s Pastor
&
Bridge of Hope Director
 

Tricia Crocker has been working with the children and youth at Anthony Grove as a full-time staff member since 2008. She is married to a wonderful man of God, John Crocker, and has 3 grown boys Ethan, Landon, and Dakota. Tricia now has 2 daughters-in-laws, Penny and Samantha, and 2 grandsons, Walker and Scottie, that she enjoys loving on. Having the opportunity to teach and reach children for Jesus is so special to her heart and brings a smile to her face. Tricia lives her life reflecting Christ because she understands that children learn by watching others. She takes much joy in being able to help them grow in Christ daily. Reaching as many people as possible for Christ is not only her deep passion but it is clearly a gift that God has given her. Tricia is truly a blessing to our church and to our children. Some of her likes and interests include family time, owls, animal prints, crafting, movies and playing games.

 
 
 
 
 
Rev. Dennis White
Pastor of Spiritual Development
 
Dennis White was born in Lincolnton and saved while attending Pearl Baptist Church. He began realizing the call into bi-vocational ministry in 2006. He worked in Youth Ministry for over 15 years as a Youth Leader and Youth Pastor. Dennis is a graduate of Gaston College (A.A.S), Gardner-Webb University (B.S.) and Liberty University (M.A.R.). He joined Anthony Grove Baptist Church in 2014 and has served as Sunday School director, Sunday School teacher, Lay Minister, and Co-Captain of the Clown Ministry. Dennis accepted the call as Pastor of Spiritual Development at Anthony Grove Baptist Church where he assists in the spiritual growth and development of believers through discipleship, Bible study, resources, and mentoring services for believers. Dennis is married to the former Joanie Hamrick and has five beautiful daughters. He resides in Lincolnton and enjoys reading, fishing, hunting, and just Clowning Around for Christ.
 
 
 
 
Pastor of Communications
 
Michael Purcell was born in Fort Thompson, KY and grew up in North Carolina most of his life. His father was a minister up until he became an Associational Missions Strategist for Brushy Mountain Baptist Association in Wilkesboro, NC. Michael is married to Jaymi Purcell and have been married since April 2022. He has served as Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor of Youth, and now is Pastor of Communications. His role with our church is ensuring any and all communications with our members, visitors, and community functions in way that helps us fulfill our mission to reach people for Christ. Michael loves to read, plink, fish, and play/watch sports.
 

 

 Staff

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James Richards
Technical Director
James Richards currently serves as Production Manager of conferences and events at Lenoir-Rhyne since 2019. In his role, he operates, maintains, and safeguards the technical assets of the facilities, including the use of lighting, sound, communications equipment and the use and maintenance of stage facilities. Previously, Richards was the Technical Director at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. James and wife Kathy have four children, Kaleb, Ashton, Mackenzie, and Aidan and currently live in Statesville N.C.