Staff



Ryan Linkous
Senior Pastor

Church

Date started at Mountain Gap: August 2001

Birthdate: Oct. 9, 1974

Birth place: Charlotte, North Carolina

What I do: I have the priviledge of serving as pastor to one of the greatest groups of people on the face of the earth - the Mountain Gap Church family. I am responsible for overseeing all of the ministries and functions of the church family. It is my joy to lead many wonderful leaders, teachers and servants in this fellowship. I preach several times a week and counsel, teach and encourage at every opportunity. It is a joy to serve Jesus at Mountain Gap!

Family: I met my beautiful wife, Amy, at Emmanuel College in 1992. She would turn my world upside down and we would marry on August 17, 1996. God has now blessed us with four wonderful children, Carey Sue, born in 1999, Mark and Becky born in 2002 and Elia Grace, born in 2005.

Favorite Sports Team: I love to watch football! The Virginia Tech Hokies are my team! ... GO HOKIES!

Favorite Verse: Isaiah 43:19

My relationship with Christ: I came to Christ as a young boy of 6 years old as I stood by my Dad at an alter in Salem Virginia. Since that day, Christ has captured my heart and given me a reason to live! God placed a definite call on my life in the 10th grade - and I said Yes! That "Yes" has taken me to the most wonderful moments ... and I'm sure the best is yet to come! My desire is to be consumed with the love of God - Galations 2:20!




Toye Garner
Administrative Assistant

Church

Date started at Mountain Gap: February 2002

Birthdate: May 18, 1969

Birth place: Macon, Georgia

What I do: I am the “go-to” person for a lot of the church’s event planning and I am the voice on the other end of the phone when people call the church office. I maintain church records and in general, try to relieve as much of the business side of the ministry as I can by assisting the pastor and board members. I am very blessed to serve the Lord and the MGC in my job.

Family: I have been married to Robbie Garner for 22 years and I am very blessed to have such a hard working level headed man to share this life with. He helps balance me when I need it. Robbie and I have been blessed with two beautiful children; Chelsea who is 15 and Connor who is 2. I see the hand of God on my children every day protecting them and teaching them His ways. Chelsea is experiencing life as she grows and I am amazed at the depth of her perception of the things of the Lord. Connor is …well he is like any soon to be three year old. He keeps me on my toes, literally, if he is not asleep…he is moving! In September of 1999 I lost my dad to cancer….that was a very grieving experience for me, but it was also a time that the Lord poured so much of His peace out on me that it was just like the scripture says “peace that passes all understanding.” I have a wonderful faith filled mother, who has lifted me up on more than one occasion with her love and devotion to her call as mother. I have a younger sister, Tina Schmitt who I love dearly and have been blessed with her in my life. Last, but certainly not least…. I am blessed with many friends that hold special places in my heart that would not be any more special if we had been born into the same family.

Favorite Sports Team and Past Times: I’m not really a sports fan yet…maybe when Connor is old enough to sign-up for t-ball or something. I love doing anything that involves being with my family.

Favorite Verse: John 14:27….it is comforting to know that we have this scripture’s promise in today’s world.

My relationship with Christ: I have always believed in God and His Son Jesus. I just didn’t fully serve Him until I was in my mid twenties. I can truthfully say, that my life is so much better since I took myself out of the “number one” spot and asked Jesus to take it. I love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind. He is my strength, peace and hope! He continues to amaze me daily as He reveals more and more mercy and grace to me. He is so much more than I could ever hope for. I am very thankful that He chose me and I hope my relationship with Him grows deeper and stronger throughout the rest of my life.


Elaine Haney
Secretary/Treasurer

Church

Date started at Mountain Gap: September 19, 1943

Birthdate: September 19, 1943

Birth place: Meansville, Ga

What I do: I am the Secretary-Treasurer for Mountain Gap Church.

Family: My husband, Orvis and I have been married for fourty one years. We have three daughters, two sons-in-law, four grandsons and one grand-daughter. We are expecting our sixth grandchild in May.

Favorite Hobbies: Cooking and sewing.

Favorite Verse: Proverbs 3:5&6

My relationship with Christ: I was raised in church but I decided to follow Jesus at age 15. That was the best decision I have ever made. I enjoy living for Jesus and sharing Him with others.





Church Board Members

Michael Richardson

John Mixon

Sheila Steck

Faye Roberts

Scott Batchelor