CONNECT CHURCH STAFF
MICHAEL CROCKER
Lead Pastor
Michael Crocker, Lead Pastor of Connect Church, is known for boldly proclaiming the good news of God’s grace, his passionate preaching style, and a desire to see people step into their full identity in Christ to experience an abundant life, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Michael came to Wilson 2018 to lead the church through the transition of becoming ‘Connect Church.’ In this new season, Connect Church desires to be a place where all people can connect with Christ and discover the amazing grace that God has to offer. Michael began pastoring at the age of 21 and has been in full-time ministry for over 23 years. Michael and his wife Lisa have been married for 22 years and have two daughters.
BREANNA NEWTON
Next Gen Lead
Breanna Newton joined our staff in June 2025 and is excited to serve God at Connect Church by working with children, youth, and young adults as well as building relationships with families inside and outside of the church community. Breanna bring years of ministry experience, serving as children and youth director, VBS director, in Christian education, Samaritans Purse Site Leader, and Guest Services leader. She has attended Barton, NC State, and Liberty University. Before coming to Connect Church she was a middle school teacher at East Wake Academy. Originally from Jamestown, NY, her and her husband Jared currently reside in Sims, NC with their three children.
CONNECT CHURCH DEACONS
Larry & Kim Black (Chairman)
Guy & Michelle Pittman
Randy & Linda Faircloth
Phil & Polly Farmer
Buster & Beth Dawson
Kelly & Carol Carlton
Danny & Jamie Guess
CONNECT CHURCH MINISTRY LEADERS
Next Gen Minstries – Empowers the next generation to know Christ and impact their culture.
- Next Gen Lead: Breanna Newton
- Connect Kids Nursery Leader: Linda Faircloth
- Connect Kids Pre-School Leader: Kelly Hutchens
- Connect Kids K-5 Leader: Breanna Newton
- Connect Students (Middle & High): Breanna and Jared Newton
Impact Ministries – Produces tangible life-change inside and outside of the church.
- Connect Global: Josh Hutchens
- Connect Local: Cornelia Ashby
- Sunday Connect Groups: Tom Pittman
- Recovery (Grief Share): Eleanor Depew, Larry Black
- Recovery (Addiction): Arthur Ashby
- Recreation/Athletics: Danny Guess
Creative Ministries – Creates irresistible experiences through worship and media.
- 8:30am Music Director: Tammy Moye
- 10:30am Worship Leader: Michael Spivey
- Production Team Leaders: Angela Shimel, Corey Taylor
Connections Ministries – Engages guests to become an active part of the family through safe and welcoming environments.
- First Impressions: Larry & Kim Black, Maggie Taylor
- Safety Team: Mike Harrell
In-Reach Ministries – Ministers to the needs of our current membership.
- Deacons Chairman: Larry Black
- Senior Ministry Director: Michael Sullivan
- Women’s Auxiliary: Jenny Pittman
- Joy Fellowship: Jenny Beddingfield
Central Ministries – The administrative arm of Connect Church.
- Secretary: Ann Webb
- Trustee Chairman: Tom Pittman
- Church Clerk: Teresa Taylor
- Exterior Buildings: Corey Taylor, Jackie Whitley
- Interior Buildings: Tom Pittman, Randy Faircloth
- IT: Tom Pittman