Pastors & Staff

Paul is a graduate of Furman University (BA Music - 1988). Paul continued his studies at Columbia Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1993 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2003. Paul is the Executive Director of the Institute of Church Renewal and the principal creator of The Pilgrimage ministry of adult faith-formation.

In recent years, Paul co-authored a book with Ben Johnson on making a personal retreat (Time Away, published by Upper Room: 2010) and has focused on spiritual formation and leadership development in the church. Paul has been the instructor for the Spirituality Retreat at Montreat through the Columbia Theological Seminary Certificate in Spiritual Formation (topic: Liturgy of the Hours). He has been an instructor for the Synod of Lakes and Prairies Synod School, the Presbytery of the Northern Plains, and continues to write and teach in a variety of other settings around the country. Paul's most recent book is The Pilgrim's Compass: Finding & Following The God We Seek, (published by Westminster John Knox Press: 2019).

Paul and his wife, Sarah, live in Cary and have two adult sons — Daniel and Benjamin.

Alan oversees and helps coordinate the educational, fellowship and missional ministries for youth (5th-12th grades) so as to create cohesive opportunities for Christian faith development and nurture. He is an ordained PC(USA) pastor with more than 10 years of experience, including Youth, Campus, and Transitional ministries. Most recently, he served Discovery Church in Clayton, NC as interim pastor. He has been a campus minister for UKirk Nashville, the Presbyterian Campus Ministry serving Vanderbilt University and Belmont University, and associate pastor for youth and families at Harpeth Presbyterian Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. Alan is a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary.

Alan, his wife Gracyn, and their two sons live in Cary.

   Paul #2 (he/him/él) occupies a pastoral residency role shared with the Presbyterian Campus Ministry at UNC Chapel Hill through the summer of 2025.  Originally from California, he met his partner Maggie when both were studying at Westminster College (Salt Lake City, UT).  After spending time as a junior high English teacher and an additional year discovering a passion for immigration issues, Paul matriculated at Columbia Theological Seminary, graduating in May of 2023.
    At various points in his life, Paul has been a Boy Scout, a soccer referee, a Girl Scout, a retiree sunbirding in New Mexico, a camp counselor, an expat, a Hispanic student leader, and actor. He is excited and grateful for the chance to grow and learn with/from Cary Presbyterian in this chapter of life!

Jen oversees and coordinates the educational and care aspects of CPC’s ministries with children (infants through 5th grade) and their families to enhance their Christian faith development. She is originally from New Jersey but has lived in North Carolina for over 25 years. She has a B.S. in Science from Fairfield University in Connecticut. In addition to being on the church staff, she also teaches at the Preschool 3 days a week.

Jennifer is married and has three children.

Barbara maintains the financial records for both Cary Presbyterian Church and its Preschool. Previously, Barbara worked as an audit and tax accountant for a CPA firm in Chevy Chase, MD, and as Controller/VP of Finance for a home builder and real estate developer in Bethesda, MD. Barbara has a B.S. in Accounting from Virginia Tech.

Barbara has been married to her husband, Chip, for more than 30 years, and they have two daughters.

Phil manages the day-to-day communication activities for CPC, including oversight and production of published materials from bulletins to handouts, as well as CPC’s digital media and online presence. Phil also ensures the efficient and effective operation of the church office. Phil graduated from Oral Roberts University and UNC Greensboro.

Ron’s day-to-day responsibilities include maintenance and upkeep of the church and preschool property. He works closely with the Building and Grounds Ministry Team. Ron has also worked as a carpenter/contractor and construction superintendent.

Ron is married and has one son.

Leslie has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education as a preschool teacher, administrator, and parent to two girls.  Leslie has lived in Cary for the past 23 years, and when she is not working, she enjoys being outdoors, walking, gardening, reading, and spending time with friends, her daughters, husband Doug, and dog Hailey. 

Ed oversees the entire music program at Cary Presbyterian Church, ensuring a balanced and extensive music ministry to and with all ages. In addition to directing and accompanying the Chancel Choir, he organizes and coordinates the participation of all the choirs, musical groups, ensembles, as well as vocal and instrumental soloists in the Sunday morning services of worship, seasonal services, and any other special services. Ed also is the Choral Director and Fine Arts Chair at Cary High School and an adjunct music professor at Central Carolina Community College.

Ed earned a B.S. in Music Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Master of Music Education at UNC-Greensboro, and did Doctoral work at Boston University. Ed holds National Board Certification in the area of Early Adolescence through Young Adult Music.

A registered nurse for more than 50 years, Christine is available to discuss health care questions related to diagnosis, medications, community resources, home assessments; to attend doctor’s visits; and to bring comfort and emotional support to patients and families during life’s obstacles and challenges. Previously, Christine worked at WakeMed for fifteen years in the Acute Neuro Unit and has certifications in rehabilitation and brain injury.

Christine has a daughter and son-in-law who live in Black Mountain, two grandchildren in college, and a son who lives in Raleigh.