STAFF

Say hello to the leadership team at Greater Life Church. Got questions for the lead team at GLC? Contact us by clicking here.

Andrew Byrd grew up here in the Charlotte area while his father pastored at Garr Memorial Church. After High School, Pastor Andrew went into the Marines and spent 3 months at boot camp in Paris Island, being active for a total of 8 years. After coming home from boot camp he married his wife Kelly and moved to Springfield, Missouri to attend Central Bible College. Andrew and Kelly have spent their lives being in ministry together and have faithfully answered God's call at every corner, while raising their three kids Grace, Garrett, and Abigail. Andrew leads with passion and excitement, yet maintains a graceful presence. We are blessed to have him and his family as leaders of our community!

Kelly Byrd is Pastor Andrew's wife. She has worn many hats in ministry through the years in supporting her husband. She joined the team this year to help in our operations department which is where she has many years of experience in.

Carson Eaves has been helping in Youth Ministry alongside his wife Elaina for the past three years. This year he has officially joined the team to help full time with youth and other ministry associate needs at Greater Life.

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” - Psalm 27:4

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Elaina Eaves graduated South Eastern University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Ministerial Leadership. She is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God. For years she has worked alongside many Youth Leaders here at Greater Life Church and took up the role of Youth Pastor in 2022! She now is the Youth Pastor alongside her husband Carson.

Sarah Bird has a background in ministry and education. She joined the team in 2023 as the Kid's Pastor alongside her husband Brandon Bird. Sarah has a heart for kids and a passion for seeing them grow in their walk with Christ. In her free time she enjoys going to the beach, cooking and talking walks with her husband and dog.

Donna Gordon has been working in ministry with Pastor Andrew since 2007 in various positions including Children’s & Women’s Assistant, Executive Assistant, and currently as Women’s Ministry Director & Events Coordinator. She also heads up Hospitality and is the School of Ministry Director. Donna is married to Tony and has two adult children, Sabryna and Isiah. Donna enjoys reading, drinking Matcha (it’s green tea, you should try it), riding her Segway, telling everyone about her mini dachshund Kya (she has lots of pictures, just ask), and making sure her office stays a balmy 78 degrees in every season.

John Moon has a background in ministry and music. He is our Young Adults Director for our YA ministry at GLC called "The Bridge". He also helps out in our worship ministry as well. He has a fun bubbly personality and a heart for making music for Jesus!

Pastors Victor & Linda Rakowski are ordained ministers with the Assembly of God.

Areas of ministry include Certified Life Coaches, Couples & Individual Counseling, and Intercessory Prayer Ministry.

Greater Life Counseling Ministries include Pure Desire - Those struggling with Pornography: Victorious Overcomers - Individuals addicted to drugs, depression, anxiety, codependency; Divorce Care - Individuals going through a divorce; Grief Share - Individuals experiencing the loss of a loved one.

Pastor Randy leads our Greater Years ministry to seniors with weekly Bible Studies (Wednesdays, 11:00 am), monthly game days, and special events and trips throughout the year.

Mark Twain is quoted as saying, ”I’ve met people who died at the age of 40, but just hung around until they were 70 or 80.” Not so with our GLC seniors! At Greater Years we believe as long as there is breath in our bodies God has a purpose for our lives. And many of our seniors are in a season of life with fewer obligations and greater opportunities to experience GREATER YEARS of life and ministry!

Grace Rankin helped to start The Bridge young adult ministry in 2018. She believes young adult ministry is so impactful and strategic because it comes at the time that individuals are searching for purpose and trying to figure out who they are going to be and what they are going to be about in life, aside from their parents. It is also the time that most people make major life decisions that will impact them for the rest of their lives.