JON OLIPHANT // Senior PASTOR
Jon was born and raised in Greenville, SC. He attended Erskine College where he graduated in 2012 with degrees in Bible & Religion and Spanish. After graduation, he moved to Gastonia, NC where he served First ARP Gastonia first as the youth director and then as the pastoral intern. Jon graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in May 2019 with an M.Div and a Masters of Arts in Christian Counseling.
Jon was first called as the associate pastor of First ARP beginning July 2019. In October of 2023, the church called him to be the next senior pastor. He and his wife Aimee have been married since 2013. They have two sons, Bo and Ezekiel, and a daughter Ruthie.
Jon was first called as the associate pastor of First ARP beginning July 2019. In October of 2023, the church called him to be the next senior pastor. He and his wife Aimee have been married since 2013. They have two sons, Bo and Ezekiel, and a daughter Ruthie.
Ministry and Support Staff
Connie Kiser
Director of Christian Education
Connie oversees Sunday School, nursery, Vacation Bible School, and other ministries for children and families.
Elijah Hoyer
Youth Director
Elijah works with our students in grades 6-12 and is responsible for teaching, discipleship, events, trips, and recruiting volunteers.
Patrick Robinson
Music Director
Patrick oversees our music ministry, selects music for the 11am service, and plays the organ.
Orlando Jones
Music Ministries Coordinator
Orlando oversees the music at our 9am service. He selects the music, works with volunteer musicians and singers, and leads during the service.
Mollie Grooms
Administrative Coordinator
Mollie handles the finances for the church, manages the front office, and makes sure everything runs smoothly in the life of the church.
Lauren Ross
Administrative Assistant
Lauren handles most administrative tasks including the bulletin, newsletter, mail outs, and other office responsibilities.
Tiffany Dagenhart
Preschool Director
Tiffany directs our preschool which meets Monday-Friday. She joined our staff in 2024.
Ryan Tinker
Adult Choir Director
Ryan directs our adult choir for the 11am service. Additionally, he helps musically through playing the trombone.
Raye Templeton
Director of Children's Choir
Raye leads our children's choir. Our children practice on Wednesdays and sing occasional on Sundays.
Mike Duncan
Church Custodian
Mike works weekly to maintain and clean the church.
Ginger Smith
Kitchen Coordinator
Ginger prepares meals on Wednesday nights and for other events in the life of the church.