Leadership & Staff - Greenwood Forest Baptist Church

Ministerial Staff

Rev. Lauren Hayes

Senior Pastor

Lauren is our Senior Pastor, responsible for preaching and leading the congregation. She previously served as an associate pastor at Greenwood Forest from 2011 to 2016, after which she was called as Senior Pastor. Lauren has degrees from Campbell University and Duke Divinity School. Contact Lauren at lauren.hayes@gfbccary.org.

Rev. Wesley Spears-Newsome

Associate Pastor

Wes is our Associate Pastor responsible for a number of ministries at the church, including youth and children, missions out outreach, and communication. He has worked at Greenwood Forest since 2017. Wes has degrees from Samford University and Duke Divinity School. Contact Wes at wesley.spears-newsome@gfbccary.org.

Church Staff

Rev. Dr. Stephen Stacks

Director of Liturgy and Formation

Stephen is our Director of Liturgy and Formation, responsible for vision and direction for worship, and leadership in the discipleship ministry. He has worked at Greenwood Forest since 2012. Stephen has degrees from Furman University, Boston University, and UNC Chapel Hill. Contact Stephen at stephen.stacks@gfbccary.org.

Helen Bishop

Organist & Interim Choir Director

Helen is our organist at Greenwood Forest, assisting in leading worship each week. She has worked at Greenwood Forest since 1999. Helen has degrees from UNC Chapel Hill and the University of Texas Austin. She’s also a National Board Certified Teacher.

Alex Filby

Director of Administration and Facilities

Alex Filby (she/her) graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2022 with a degree in Political Science. A Carrboro resident, she is deeply involved in community organizing, particularly around housing, environmental, and labor justice. Alex has a passion for creating welcoming, functional spaces. Outside of work, Alex enjoys birdwatching, making music with friends, and doting on her four guinea pigs. Contact Alex at alex.filby@gfbccary.org.