Leadership

Pastors & Elders

Chase Gardner

Lead Pastor/Directional Elder

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Chase has been in ministry since his high-school days, leading worship and teaching where the Lord allowed. After graduating from Liberty University with a BS in Biblical Studies and a Masters of the Arts in Religion, he has devoted himself to the great commission. He is passionate about leading people to Jesus and helping them understand and apply the Bible to their lives. He and his wife Jenny have three daughters and live in Holly Springs.

Josh Ludwig

Associate Pastor/Directional Elder

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Josh has been a member at Reach Fellowship since 2024, when he, his wife Cara and 2 children, joined the launch team. Since joining Reach, Josh has been actively involved with the worship team, student ministry, community groups, missions, and local outreach. In August of 2025, Josh went on Staff as an Associate Pastor at Reach. Josh has a passion for serving the community, building community among believers, and bringing the good news of Jesus to the lost. He has previously worked as a Pastor for 15 plus years in California, Israel, and North Carolina. He served as a missionary in China for 4 years. He also received a certificate in Theology and counseling from the London School of Theology. When he has free time, Josh enjoys traveling with his family, and is a die hard Golden State Warriors fan!

Darrin Dexter

Directional Elder

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Darrin has been a member of Reach Fellowship since 2024, when he and his wife, Jennifer, joined the launch team. Since then, Darrin has served as a leader on the Tear Down Team, while Jennifer serves as a Service Coordinator. They have three children—Ethan, Connor, and Sawyer.

Darrin has a heart for serving others in the church, praying with and for people, offering counsel, and studying Scripture together. He currently works as Controller at Ionna, LLC in Durham, NC. The family has lived in North Carolina since 2001 after moving from California. In his free time, Darrin enjoys traveling with family and friends, reading on his front porch, and watching Premier League soccer—especially cheering on his team, Manchester United.

Kenny Hall

Directional Elder

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Ken and his wife, Pam, joined Reach Fellowship in 2024 as part of the launch team. He has over 14 years of ministry experience, having served as a pastor in Kentucky and Virginia and as Director of Christian Education in North Carolina. Ken has also served as Spiritual leader on Walk to Emmaus and Epiphany (prison ministry) weekends. He is currently active in Reach Kids, and leads a Community Group. An East Carolina University alumnus, Ken also pursued graduate studies towards a Masters of Divinity at Lexington Theological Seminary, Ken is passionate about advancing God’s Kingdom and sharing the hope of the Gospel. He loves spending time with his six grandchildren and cheering on his beloved ECU Pirates—Go Pirates!

Corey Mead

Directional Elder

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Corey, his wife Liz, and their three daughters—Millie, Ellie, and Macie—have been part of Reach Fellowship since the very beginning as members of the launch team. Corey actively serves in student ministry, leading middle school and was essential in launching and leading the high school ministry. Liz is on staff at Reach and also serves as a Service Coordinator in Reach Kids on Sundays.

Corey has a strong biblical foundation and a passion for helping students grow in their faith and understanding of God’s Word. He is a software engineer by trade and enjoys traveling with his family, playing with his girls, taking his fur baby Addie on walks, and cheering on his favorite team—NC State. Go Pack!

Staff

Jenny Gardner

Ministry Support

Brittany Staples

Communications Director

Diana Blaine

Worship Director

Sheri Nesbit

Tech Director

Kara Smith

Reach Kids

Liesl Sines

Guest Services