How are we led?
We are in independent, non-denominational, Bible-believing Christian church. The oversight of our church is provided by a group of men called Elders, who are selected based on the character qualifications laid out in two different passages in the Bible (1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9).
The day-to-day affairs of the church are managed by our staff, under the leadership of our two full-time ministers: Bruce White (Preaching Minister) and Rob Carney (Associate Minister). The other staff all serve on a part-time basis.
The Elders, along with the Preaching Minister and Associate Minister, comprise the Garden Way Leadership Team. This group meets twice each month: once for business, and once for prayer on behalf of the church members.
Our Staff
Bruce White, Preaching Minister: Bruce is a native of southern California and came to Garden Way in the fall of 2010. He has been in ministry for 20+ years, with extensive teaching, preaching, and organizational experience. Prior to entering the ministry, he worked in marketing and management for two international corporations. He has been a consultant to pastors and church planters, and has played a role in starting a number of new churches throughout the southwest U.S. He loves to help people more clearly understand the Bible, so they can become more closely connected to God.
Rob Carney, Associate Minister: Rob has lived in Oregon most of his adult life, but spent his formative years in Hawaii. He has been part of the Garden Way staff since 1997 and has the gifts of a true “servant leader”. He oversees our LifeGroups and Adult Bible Fellowships, coordinates our Serve Days, works closely with our Seniors, assists with hospital calling and visitation, and preaches several times each year.
Joe Beal, Youth Minister: A native of the Willamette Valley, Joe came to GWC in 2011 after running successful youth ministry programs at two other churches. He knows that teens face some incredible challenges in today’s world, so he loves helping them get connected to the God who can provide the answers. In addition to working with our youth, Joe also regularly plays in the worship band during our 11:00 am. service.
Norm Fox, Education Minister: Norm has been connected to Garden Way for more than 30 years, and has been part of our staff – in one capacity or another – since 1984. He is the founder of KidMax, our signature weekly ministry to elementary-age children in the community. He also gives broad oversight to our Sunday School program, and participates on the worship team in our 9:30 am. service.
Jenn Whiteaker, Administrative Assistant: Jenn has been at GWC for seven years and joined our staff in 2011. She grew up in central California and came to Eugene to attend Northwest Christian University. Jenn served in the U.S. Army as a Chaplain’s Assistant, and did two tours of duty in the middle east. As our A.A., she runs the church office, helps to host our Welcome Center, and coordinates the schedules of many of our volunteers.
Our Elders
(1st Row, left to right)
Dick Beswick – Director, UCF Campus Ministry & Adjunct Professor at New Hope Christian College
Jim Williams – Data Analyst, PeaceHealth
Dr. Paul Jones – Retired Neurologist & Medical Missionary
(2nd Row, left to right)
Randy Wheeler – Sawyer, Seneca Sawmills
Tim Farnsworth – Computer Technician, Bi-Mart
(Rear)
Norm Fox – Instructor, Logos Academy