Leadership & Staff - Greenwood Forest Baptist Church

Ministerial Staff

Rev. Lauren Efird

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.efird@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.

Cameron Aiken

Choir Director

Cameron is responsible for directing our Sanctuary Choir and providing musical leadership in worship. He has degrees from University of South Carolina, Rice University, Hunter College, and Winston Salem State University.

Helen Bishop

Organist

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.

Karen Burden

Office Administrator

Karen is our office administrator. She has worked at Greenwood Forest since 2014. Before coming to the church, she served 32 years as a teacher in Wake County. She has degrees from Meredith College and North Carolina State University. Contact Karen at karen.burden@gfbccary.org.