Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Staff

Our Senior Pastor
Steve Corts

Adult Life Groups and Staff Development
Mike Sparks

Mike became part of the Center Grove family in February 2008. His extensive pastoral background, with experience in many different areas of ministry, greatly influences the church. A perfect day for Mike would be spent first of all in quiet time with the Lord, and then hanging out with his wife, Kathy, doing whatever they may want to do together. He loves to talk about Jesus and his family. Wood working, shooting, working on his property, and helping other pastors are some things that Mike enjoys doing in his free time. Favorite books? That None Should Perish by Silvoso, The Little Red Book of Wisdom by DeMoss, and The Measure of a Man by Getz.

Blended Worship Leader
Tim Carpenter

Since 2004, Tim has been serving as Worship Leader at Center Grove. Originally from Albemarle, NC, he completed his undergraduate degree at Appalachian State University and his masters degree at the University of South Carolina. Equipped with an incredible passion for people and for music, Tim finds joy in seeing others become better musicians and singers. He loves conducting, teaching, and finding a great piece of music that honors God. A perfect day for Tim would start on the golf course early in the morning, include time in prayer and reading scripture, and would end enjoying dinner with his wife, Annette. Tim and Annette have a son, Greg, who attends Western Carolina University, and a daughter, Megan, who is in high school at Salem Baptist Christian School.

Contemporary Worship Leader
Jerry Tyson

Jerry has been part of the Center Grove family since the summer of 2009. God has gifted him musically, and he has extensive experience as a Christian musician and worship leader. Jerry earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas. His wife, Carrera, also serves on the church staff.

Assistant Pastor, Student Ministry
Lance Montalbano

Lance and his wife, Kristin, moved from Louisiana and joined the Center Grove family in the summer of 2009. His educational background includes an undergraduate degree from Blue Mountain College in Mississippi, along with a masters degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Forth Worth, Texas. Lance's vision and passion for student ministry is very clear and his heart for students is unique and genuine.

Preschool & Children's Ministry Director
Carrera Tyson

Carrera is a native of Winston-Salem, but joined the Center Grove staff after serving as a Children's Consultant at Keystone Church in Keller, Texas. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree from Bob Jones University and a Masters Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Carrera's favorite book of the Bible is Isaiah and her favorite author is C.S. Lewis. Her proudest moments are seeing children become Jesus-followers!

Preschool & Children's Ministry Administrator
Madonna Wright

Madonna has been a member at Center Grove for 13 years. She has an incredible passion for kids, as well as for parents, and she desires to share what she has learned so far as a parent herself. A perfect day for Madonna would be spent sharing the gospel with a child. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband, Mark, and their two teenage children, Zach and Kirsten. Current reading: 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman.

Director of MemberCare & Member Placement
Clara Hill

Since the summer of 2000, Clara has been involved in many areas of ministry as part of the Center Grove staff. Her education includes a degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a masters degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Clara has a strong passion for helping people work through problems from a Biblical perspective. Her husband, Josh, serves as an intern here at Center Grove. An ideal day for Clara would involve spending time with Kallie, their daughter, and getting outside to hike or bike. Current reading: Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas and Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare by David Powlison.

Pastoral Ministries Intern - Assimilation & Young Marrieds
Bryan Miller

Bryan started as an intern at Center Grove earlier this year. He earned his undergraduate degree from Liberty University and his masters from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. If you asked Bryan about his favorite place in the world, he would say right beside his wife, Lindsey. His favorite verse currently is Titus 2:11-14. The most powerful book Bryan has ever read is Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards. Favorite drink at Starbucks? Cream chai tea frappuchino!

Pastoral Ministries Intern - Young Singles
Josh Hill

Josh has been serving as an intern at Center Grove since 2007. He earned his undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University and is currently working toward his masters at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. God has gifted Josh with the ability to unite people, and he has a passion for helping others build relationships. He spends a lot of his free time outdoors, hunting and playing golf. Josh and his wife, Clara, recently experienced the birth of their first child, Kallie Maria.

Church Business Administrator
Conway Shough

Conway has been a member at Center Grove since January 1997 and joined the staff in 2006. He admits to being a workaholic, as he enjoys work, talks work… it is in his DNA! Along with number crunching and decision-making, Conway also enjoys teaching and helping people understand issues. A great day for him is having a good life group lesson and discussion, sensing the Spirit’s presence working to change lives. In his free time, Conway loves to spend time with his wife, Pat, and enjoys “fast” adventures like riding snow mobiles, jet skis, and fast boats.