Ministers
real. deep. family.
Everyone who is in Christ is a Minister of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18).
Every member of the Courtyard family is equipped to live into this calling by using the gifts and talents he or she has been given by God to edify to the church and bless the world. This means that members conduct the Lord's Supper, preach, lead singing, read scripture, and organize ministries.
Some are gifted and called to church leadership
Our Leadership Team is equipped by the Spirit, educated in Bible and theology, and has extensive pastoral experience.
Tiffany
Tiffany has been with Courtyard since its inception in 2015. She did her undergraduate work at York University in Nebraska. She met her husband there, and they moved to Fayetteville with the Army in 2000 and have been here ever since. Tiffany earned an M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary with concentrations in Old Testament and Spiritual Formation. She went on to earn a doctorate in Preaching for Community Transformation through Abilene Christian University. Tiffany is also the Program Director for ACU Dallas’s Christian Service and Formation degree where she helps others become ministers through the degree plan and Certificates in Church Leadership. She is an Associate Professor and teaches courses like Wisdom Literature, the Prophets of Israel, Pastoral Ministry, & The Gospel of John. Much of this material is also facilitated in Courtyard's adult Bible classes, which she facilitates. Tiffany has particular passions for holding space with the church traumatized and facilitating spiritual disciplines that help people heal and mature in their faith in a way that loves God with their heart, body, soul, and mind. You can reach her via anytime to set up a time to talk over tea or coffee. She'd love to meet you!
Jim
Jim previously served as an elder and preacher in congregations around the world. Jim and his wife, Judy, have been with Courtyard since its inception in 2015. Jim attended the University of Arkansas and studied Bible through the Ark-La-Tex School of Biblical Studies, and he received his ecclesiastical endorsement prior to being stationed at Incirlik, Turkey in 1983, where he volunteered as the local preacher for three years. The US Air Force transferred him and his family to Hawaii in 1986, where he served in the local congregation as an elder for three years. Jim retired from the Air Force after 22 years and later retired from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. He and Judy enjoy time with their grand and great grandchildren as well as times of refreshing in Florida
Ernest
Ernest and his wife, Veronica, served Courtyard as our Prayer Ministers for several years before joining the Leadership Team. He was trained for ministry in Ghana where he served as a church planter and minister. Ernest and his family immigrated to Fayetteville from Ghana through EPI, the international teaching organization the supplies global educators to Cumberland County schools. Ernest teaches secondary science and is completing his Masters degree. At Courtyard, Ernest shepherds all of us in prayer and worship, but God uses him abundantly well in service to our international members, who comprise 1/3 of the congregation.
Naomi
Naomi Arnold is serving with Courtyard while she prepares for Navy chaplaincy. She is fluent in Spanish and ASL and has worked in many countries with the State Department. She is commissioned with the US Navy and holds an M.Div.. Naomi is trained in grief support and serves Courtyard in many ways, especially in areas of community engagement and pastoral care while she prepares to ship out in 2024.