Elders & Board of Directors

RICK BERNARDO | ELDER, DIRECTOR

Rick spent his early years living in Manila, Hong Kong, and Jakarta before moving to South Bend, Indiana, to study Computer Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. After graduation, his career began in Chicago, Illinois, where he worked as an IT Consultant and Software Engineer, contributing to the development of GPS navigation systems for automobiles—technology that would later evolve into mobile applications.

During his time in Chicago, Rick experienced significant spiritual growth, which ultimately led him to accept a full-time ministry position with the Chicago Church of Christ. It was there he met his wife, Heather, through the church community. Together, they began their journey in ministry.

The Bernardos—including their daughter Gigi and son Jonathan—later relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be closer to family. There, Rick continued serving in various capacities with the Charlotte Church of Christ, including the Campus, Singles, and Family ministries. Simultaneously, he pursued efforts to support communities in Africa by working on the manufacturing and distribution of essential pharmaceuticals.

In 2019, the Bernardo family embraced a dream opportunity to move to the coast and partner with the Greater Wilmington Church family where Rick enjoys serving as an Elder.

MILES FERGUSON | ELDER, DIRECTOR

Miles attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he went to sea and traveled the world (note, has only not been to the continents of Australia or Antarctica). Traveling at sea and meeting people from all over the world did two things for him. First, being at sea opened him to the majesty and gentleness of God at a time when he was reconsidering his attempts to live as an atheistic, scientific, rationalist. It also helped him see that while cultures are different all over the world, people are the same and have the same needs; primarily to be loved and valued. All this helped him to discover God as the majestic sovereign and the one who meets the needs of all people. Less than a year after graduation, he was baptized into Christ (1985).

After a career that included Finance, Actuarial and Product Management, mostly in the Health Insurance industry, during which he attained an MBA from Northeastern University, graduating first in his class, he retired. Looking to find their next chapter in serving God, Miles and his wife Patricia of over 30 years traveled the country looking for the right opportunity. They fell in love with Wilmington and the Greater Wilmington Church, and in 2022, decided to move here.

Once they arrived, they jumped right in to serving and strengthening the church. This quality was recognized and Miles was appointed an Elder in 2024. Later that year, he was made the chairman of the Board of Directors and leads the Finance Committee.

While he enjoys serving, what he really loves is the Word of God. Ingesting large quantities of scripture every year. Teaching whenever anyone gives him an excuse, opportunity or invitation to teach. He especially loves to help people understand who God is, because that is what took him from an atheist to a devout believer.

DAVID JOHNSON | DIRECTOR, BENEVOLANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR

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PAM MCQUIDE | DIRECTOR, AFRICA MISSIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR

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RIENZE PULLENAYEGAM | ELDER EMERITUS

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BILL THOMPSON | ELDER EMERITUS

William A. (Bill) Thompson began his Christian journey as a teen. He attended LaGrange College (LaGrange, GA), received a B.S. from University of Florida, M.D. from University of Miami, and did his Internship and Residency at the University of Florida. While living in Gainesville, FL Bill and his wife, Glenda, were members of the Crossroads Church of Christ. Bill went on to receive an M.B.A. from University of South Florida. Prior to Residency he served two years with the Marine Corp as a Medical Officer and practiced Ob/Gyn with his business partner, Dr. Tom Arnett, in Thomasville, GA for 20 years. They were also partners in the gospel planting the Cornerstone Church in Thomasville. There was a transition to medical administration from practice of medicine by serving as Medical Director of Archbold Hospital in Thomasville and forming physician-owned, malpractice insurance companies to help doctors survive this very significant expense. He continues to work for these companies. Bill and his wife Glenda moved to Durham, NC attending the Triangle church in 1997 and then to Athens to attend the Athens Church of Christ in 2004. They both served these churches in many ways. They moved to Wilmington, NC in 2017 where Bill currently serves as an elder emeritus.

Ministry Service Team

BILL DRIES | DEACON CHAIR, FACILITIES MANAGER

Bill grew up outside Allentown, PA. After graduating from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, he was a high school band director for 14 years. Bill met his lovely wife, Rachelle, after he moved to Whiteville, N.C., while teaching at South Columbus High School. Bill became a part of the family business that opened in 2003, and at present serves as Vice President of Operations. Bill and Rachelle are very active in Greater Wilmington Church as Worship Team leaders and Growth Group leaders. They are blessed with three wonderful children: Elisabeth, Ashleigh, and Eli. Bill and Rachelle are active in the community playing trumpet and singing, respectively, in multiple local organizations.

JEFF RORABAUGH | YOUTH MINISTER, MISSIONARY

Jeff works in a part-time capacity for the Greater Wilmington Church (GWC) and comes with over 30 years of experience in working with youth of all ages. He has been a full-time and volunteer youth minister and has worked with kids in the Greater Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City and Athens areas. He holds a Bachelor of Chemistry from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Operations Management from Georgia State University. Jeff worked with the likes of The Coca-Cola Company, Scientific Atlanta, Atlanta Church of Christ, Frito-Lay, and Power Partners, holding various operations management positions. He has also worked for several churches. He served as the Executive Program Director for Swamp Camp Services, Inc., aka Camp Swamp, from 2012-2023, and is currently the Executive Director of Swamp Camp Mission Alliance, which is GWC's mission focus with the aim of influencing the youth of today for Jesus and bridging the generation gap within and among the church. Jeff and his wife, Jennifer, were married in 1989.

KEVIN THOMPSON | SENIOR PASTOR

Kevin Thompson is Greater Wilmington Church’s lead pastor. He has worked in ministry for more than twenty-five years. Kevin holds a graduate degree in Christian Ministry from Abilene Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Duke University. Kevin’s wife, Elizabeth, is the author of many books for women and teens, including All the Feels for Teens, When God Says, “Wait,” and In Season. Kevin and Elizabeth have four children, ages 20, 18, 17, and 13.

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