About Us

To know Christ and make him known

We exist to know Christ and to make him known, to worship God

What will you find at First ARP?

When you come to First ARP you will find a church family that is warm, welcoming, and ready to support you in your journey, no matter where you are in your walk.

It is our goal that each worship service is an experience that creates oneness as a community of faith while glorifying God, and that we provide ample opportunities to fellowship together outside of worship. We are a growing congregation with a strong emphasis in worship and music.

Our Staff

Interim Pastor: Reverend Charles Evans

Reverend Evans is a graduate of Erskine College and Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur,

GA.

About Chuck:

Please call me Chuck!

Chuck Evans is a native of Abbeville, SC, about 90 miles west of Columbia. He has served as pastor at Crowders Creek ARP Church in Gastonia and the Pinecrest Church in Hendersonville. He met his wife, Carolyn, at Erskine College and together they raised two daughters, Holly Moore and Christy Whitehurst. He has also been blessed with three grandchildren, two who are serving at Camp Pendeleton in California. His wife went home to be with the Lord in 2017. In his retirement he has continued to preach and served as regular pulpit supply for Crowders Creek.

Director of Music Ministries: Leslie Overcash

Leslie is a life-long member of First ARP, and was baptized and grew up in this congregation. He holds bachelors degrees in Vocal Performance and Sacred Music with a focus in Choral Conducting, as well as a masters degree in Music Education. Leslie joined the staff at First ARP in July of 2021, and has previously served in Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches.

Organist: Amanda Overcash

Amanda holds a bachelors degree in Sacred Music with a focus in Organ. While she is a member of First ARP, she grew up in the Baptist tradition. She has served in Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Methodist churches. She joined the staff at First ARP in August of 2021.

About Leslie and Amanda:

We met at Lenoir-Rhyne University and were friends for five years before we started dating. We have two sons: Henry and William. Amanda's family owns a hardware store, Shields of Lenoir, and you will often find her there during the week. Leslie is also the Director of Choral, Orchestral, and Theater-Arts at South Iredell High School. We have three "fur-babies", Bailey, Molly, and Pippa, and enjoy traveling and crafting! We say: "Our door is always open" and hope you will drop in and see us!

Philosophy of Church Music:

We believe that music is a divine gift from God, and that the music of the church should be a cohesive element of the worship service that encourages congregational singing as well as supports the other components of the worship. The word is delivered through the music, therefore it should be used as a means of worship to honor and glorify God. It is our hope that our offerings are to the glory and honor of God. Our goal is to inspire a true heart of worship, where all music is accepted as a gift by all who hear it. We hope you will take time to come and join choir or handbells. These are wonderful groups where fellowship abounds!

Secretary: Lori Overcash

Lori has previously served the church in the capacity of Director of Children and Youth, and is happy to be back serving in this capacity. Lori has a heart for people and has previous experience as the after school director for American Renaissance School.

About Lori:

Lori lives in Statesville with her husband Kelly, and grew up at First ARP. She has four Children and three grandchildren. She is always ready for a road trip, and is an avid journal-er and enthusiast of all things positive!

Nursery Attendant: Audrey Baker

Audrey has worked at Celeste Henkel as a teacher, bus driver, and in many day cares duirng her journey in life. I'm so blessed to meet you all and look forward to teaching our children about the father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!

About Audrey:

Audrey grew up on farm land in Cooleemee, NC and moved to Statesville in 1970, and married the love of her life, Dennis Baker. They have two Children, Cherrelle and Preston, and lots of grandchildren we have gained during our step in life. A nanny twice, 3 boys, 1 girl which I named. Our birthdays are one day apart. I also have a god-son and his sister.
I love flowers, landscaping, planting gardens, music, history, reading, and learning about different cultures. I love going to the beach. I love God!

Nursery Assistant: Lizzy Plyler

Lizzy Plyler is our nursery assistant. She attends Crossroads Early College, and will graduate in December with a high School Diploma and an Associates Degree in art

About Lizzy:

Lizzy lives in Statesville with her family. She loves her cats, Socks and Sai. Some of her favorite things are reading, crochet, and cross stitch. After she graduates she would like to continue her college career in order to pursue a career in forensic anthropology.

(Lizzy was a First Church Camper for many years and attended Camp Friendship and Camp Sunrise!)