Meet Our Team

Travis Agnew began serving as Rocky Creek’s Lead Pastor in 2017. He and his family felt a clear calling to serve this church family and are still amazed at all Jesus has done among us. He is joyfully married to his high school sweetheart, Amanda, and incredibly blessed to father their children, Obadiah, Eli, and Gloria.

Travis graduated from North Greenville University with a degree in Christian Studies and a minor in Music (2003). He also received a M.Div. (2007) and D.Min. (2009) from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His doctoral focus was on family discipleship.

Travis’ role at Rocky Creek is to preach the Word (which always seems to be his favorite passage of Scripture), lead the staff (who always seem to amaze him with their heart for Jesus), and oversee the vision (which is to make disciples who take personal responsibility for Kingdom activity). His heart is to see our church become a multiplying, multi-generational, and multi-ethnic congregation that prioritizes local and global disciple-making.

In addition to pastoring this beloved church, Travis also speaks at various events and creates discipleship resources like books, podcasts, and articles on his website. He often comments that he is still learning so much from the Word that he wants to get it out any way he can.

While he loves what he does, he also loves spending time with his family, training for a triathlon, grilling something on his back porch, reading an interesting book, or making some music with some random instrument.

If you ever need help following Jesus or connecting to this church, his door is open! Do not hesitate to reach out.

Gracie Bowers joined us in 2023 after completing her education at North Greenville University. She currently serves as our Family Ministry Assistant, where she organizes events, coordinates with various ministry areas, and provides administrative support. Gracie also collaborates closely with our media team, enhancing our Family Team content to ensure it is both engaging and helpful.

Gracie holds a degree in Studio Art with concentrations in Graphic Design and Photography and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration from North Greenville University. Her journey with us began during her college years when she started visiting Rocky Creek. She later joined our team as an intern, allowing her to explore her passions and affirm her call to ministry.

While deeply committed to serving alongside our Family Ministry Team, Gracie also works collaboratively with our staff to enhance, engage, and grow our church community.

Outside of her ministry work, Gracie enjoys reading a good book, losing at pickleball, and drinking Dr. Pepper. If you're interested in serving in any of our Family Ministry areas, please reach out. She would love to help you discover a life-changing opportunity!

Marisa Bright has been serving alongside our staff since 2021. Her background experience in administration and business has helped prepare her to serve Travis as his assistant and to help the Personnel Team with day-to-day personnel matters.

Marisa is passionate about serving others behind the scenes and enjoys when she can help others shine. Her desire to help the staff achieve their goals is what makes her happy and fulfilled.

Marisa graduated from Lander University with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing/Management. During her time in college, she met her husband Bron Bright, and they married in 2007. They moved to Greer, SC in 2015 and joined Rocky Creek in 2017. Outside of volunteering and working at the church, Marisa enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, James and Noelle.

If you ever need help with booking a meeting with Travis, the staff, or guidance in knowing where to address a concern, Marisa is more than willing to help in any way she can.

Debra Brown joined the Rocky Creek team in 2024 as our staff receptionist. She is an experienced leader bringing over 35 years of experience as an administrative assistant. As the first friendly face you see on our campus, Debra loves to serve by helping members and guests navigate the building, get answers to questions, and engage in purposeful conversation.

Prior to becoming a staff member, Debra was no stranger to RC. Debra is a member at Rocky Creek and has been part of the church choir since 2001. She is a gifted singer and enjoys leading others to worship as part of the worship team. Debra has also served alongside our family ministry area for several years as a Bible study leader for various ages. Outside of work, Debra loves family get-togethers, gardening, and ministering to others.

If you ever need help at RC but are unsure who to contact, Debra is your go-to! She would love to answer any questions you may have or point you to the right staff member who can help you. Debra can also give you direction for knowing how to book a room for a meeting or to get an event on the church calendar.

Ernesto joined as a member at Rocky Creek in 2015 and became the Hispanic Pastor in 2017. Previously, he was ordained in 1979 and found success as the founder and pastor of Canaan Baptist Church in Queens, New York where he served for 33 years. With certification from the Bible Institute in New York and course work through the Seminary External Education Division, Ernesto is an eager student of the Bible.

Joining Ernesto in ministry is his wife, Marcela and their son, Samuel. Ernesto also has 3 older children who live in other states. Ernesto enjoys traveling with his family and is engaged in missions in other countries outside of the US. When traveling or just out eating seafood (which is his favorite food) in the upstate, Ernesto is always looking for opportunities to share the gospel. He desires to both share the gospel and to engage people in conversation to discover and meet the needs of the people he encounters.

When asked about favorite pastimes, Ernesto shares that he enjoys swimming, travel, and camping. On a recent staff retreat, Pastor Ernesto jumped off a dock and could be found swimming in the middle of a lake for an extended period of time. It was evident that he both loved swimming and had built up the endurance to swim for a long distance.

Karmen began attending Rocky Creek in 2018 with her husband Chris and their four daughters.  After serving for a year as the Family Ministry Assistant and working as the Preschool Director for a year, Karmen accepted the opportunity to begin leading the Kid’s Ministry. She has a heart for teaching kids the Word and working alongside 1st-5th graders and their parents to help them see their need for a Savior and to foster discipleship in the home.  

Karmen graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Elementary Education. After teaching public school for several years as a 5th grade and 6th grade teacher, God opened the door for Karmen to step down from teaching to be home with her children. During her years at home, Karmen continued teaching in the church plant her family was part of and felt God’s call to use her gift of teaching children in a greater way in the church.

When she is not at Rocky Creek, Karmen enjoys relaxing with her family, traveling, watching her children on the golf course and soccer fields, and participating in all of their other adventures! If you have any questions about the children’s ministry or milestones for children at Rocky Creek, Karmen is your go-to for answers.

Kevin joined the staff in April 2024. He serves as the Facilities Director which oversees all facility and campus needs. He uses his giftedness in maintenance to help the church reach people and spread the gospel. In Kevin’s role he manages the vendors, the door lock systems, the HVAC system, and also keeps up with the maintenance budget and bills. Kevin prepares our facility for all church gatherings by making sure everything is ready for every campus event.

Kevin graduated from Greer High School and went on to attend welding school at the Brashier Campus in Simpsonville. Following welding school, he went straight into his welding vocation. Six years ago, God called Kevin to serve within a church setting to do the work he loves to do in church maintenance and facility upkeep.

Kevin is married to his beautiful wife, Emily, and they have one daughter, Everleigh. They both grew up in church and started following Christ at an early age. They love going on trips together as a family and exploring the world. Their favorite thing to do together is going on mission trips and serving the Lord.

With a huge passion for all sports, you can often find Kevin engaged in various sports. His favorite sport is baseball, and he is a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves and Carolina Gamecocks.

Reach out to  Kevin if you have any facilities questions, or are looking for ways to assist Kevin in his role at Rocky Creek.

Joy arrived at Rocky Creek in 2015 and now coordinates positive experiences for our guests by guiding them toward groups and membership. She is most passionate about college ministry and mobilizes students to live on missions. Joy can help you take your next step toward joining a Gospel Group, joining as a member, or finding your place of service at Rocky Creek.

A little known fact is that Joy graduated from Furman University with a degree in physical education. After completing internships during her college years, she drove halfway across America to Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Religious Education with an emphasis in Student Ministry.

Following seminary in 1989, Joy served at churches in Louisville, Mississippi and in Miami, Florida. She also served at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN as a children’s curriculum editor and as the editor-in-chief of ParentLife and LIving with Teenagers magazines.

Joy and her husband, Chris have three young adult children. Joy loves organizing things, sorting things, ironing things, and dreaming about living on the coast.

Young Ghun arrived at Rocky Creek in 2018 through the Overcomers program. Six weeks after coming to Greenville from Colorado, Young put his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his life. Since then, he has volunteered in multiple areas of the church, including teaching students, singing on the worship team, and mentoring other Overcomer graduates. Young is excited to now serve as a Pastoral Resident here at RC.

Young graduated from Bob Jones University with a degree in Ministry & Leadership in 2023. He is pursuing a master’s in biblical studies at Bob Jones Seminary. Before joining the staff at RC, Young worked for Miracle Hill Ministries at the Spartanburg Rescue Mission. Young is passionate about sharing the freedom and joy available through the Gospel.

Young loves to spend time with his blended family. He is married to Shelly, and together, they have three sons. He also enjoys golf, singing, playing guitar, watching movies, and visiting water parks.

Young cares deeply about the people at RC and is delighted to connect with you. He has many life experiences and interests and finds everyone’s story fascinating.

Daniel Gibson has been serving alongside our staff since 2018. With his experience with local churches and ministries over the past several years, Daniel works alongside our ministries to brand our mission and initiatives.

Daniel graduated from North Greenville University with a degree in Elementary Education. During his time in college, he discovered Rocky Creek and joined our team as an intern to grow in his media skills and ministry experience. That season of life allowed him to develop in his media skills and affirmed his desire to pursue media ministry.

Daniel is passionate about using creativity to simplify thoughts, processes, and tasks. He strives to make all of our content and resources engaging, easy to find, and helpful. Outside of church, Daniel enjoys visiting local coffee shops, playing pickleball, and hanging out with his dog, Leo.

If you ever need help navigating any of our online platforms, managing your event registration, or learning how to stay-up-to-date with things happening at RC, Daniel would love to help you.

Kristi and her husband, Keith, have been members at Rocky Creek since 1996. She and Keith have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. Both Kristi and Keith are family people who love being outside and spending time with their friends and family. Of course, being people who love the outdoors, you can find them by a pool, hiking, or packed up and on their way to their next destination.

The combination of a servant’s heart and compassionate kindness make Kristi a great fit for meeting the needs of people. She has served on domestic and foreign mission teams and with local ministry partnerships including Miracle Hill Ministries and Piedmont Women’s Center. Kristi was also the founder and chairman of Janet Danner Joyful Ornaments, a nonprofit organization serving the needs of women and girls who were battling cancer.

Kristi has served in various roles at Rocky Creek from the facilities team chairperson to helping coordinate volunteers for our preschool ministry. Currently, she serves in our women’s ministry and assists with projects that require the coordination of many moving parts. If you ever attend a church-wide event, it’s likely that Kristi was part of the planning team to coordinate that successful event. If you ever have time to assist with events or decorating at the church, contact Kristi.

Kaitlinn has been serving in various ministry areas at Rocky Creek since 2022. She works alongside the missions area to create resources, support those sent by the church, implement outreach initiatives with the RC interns, and capture stories from the field. In addition, Kaitlinn helps with administrative tasks for our financial team.

Kaitlinn graduated from North Greenville University with a degree in Elementary Education. Shortly after, she obtained her Master's in Christian Ministry. Through work in campus ministries with college students, service in the local church, and short-term mission trips, Kaitlinn developed a heart for the nations. In the fall, Kaitlinn will move overseas with the SBC sending organization.

Kaitlinn is passionate about equipping the church body with resources for personal growth and discipleship. She loves taking big theological concepts and communicating them simply to help people from different nations and generations grow in their faith. Kaitlinn enjoys being outdoors, running, and meeting with friends at local coffee shops.

If you are interested in going overseas, have stories from a short-term trip you have been on with Rocky Creek, or desire to live on mission in your everyday life, contact Kaitlinn!

In 1979, Becky earned her BA from Gardner-Webb College in Music Education and began a teaching career. Becky married her husband Rick in 1979 and were later blessed with two daughters. Becky took a few years out of the classroom to be a full-time mom and to earn her M.Ed. from Furman University. After Rick’s death in 2002, Becky left her teaching career to give full attention to her daughters, Karla and Kelly.

Becky questioned if God would continue to have a place in ministry for her as a widow, and God answered.  In 2004, Becky joined the RC church staff to lead in women’s ministry and preschool ministry. In July of 2007, with God’s prompting, Becky resigned her Rocky Creek position, returned to the classroom, and earned her pastoral counseling credentials. Waiting a few years to become fully vested to receive full state benefits, Becky finally retired from public school teaching.

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In January of 2020, Becky was invited back to begin a counseling ministry at Rocky Creek. She is presently working on her Ph.D from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. When asked about her vocational journey, Becky responded, “It’s all been God’s plan. He really does care for widows and orphans!” If you ever wonder if God cares about you during difficult seasons of your life, reach out to Becky for counseling. She can share from the BIble and her life experiences to help you discover God’s plans for you.

Becky’s favorite time is family time, and her favorite title is Granna. The Simpsons and Picardis will forever have her heart.

Allen and his family have been a part of Rocky Creek since 2022. Allen has served in various counseling capacities for the last several years, including as a licensed professional counselor in North Carolina, a counselor with parachurch counseling practices, and assisting church-based group counseling ministries.

Allen graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity, a Master’s in Biblical Counseling, and a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling. As he finished his D.Min., he and his family moved from NC to SC where Allen joined the Rocky Creek team as a staff counselor.

Caring deeply about helping people, Allen helps people through the problems of life with the hope that Jesus offers through the gospel, biblical wisdom, the church, and spiritual habits. He serves individuals, couples, and families in his counseling role at Rocky Creek and is a certified facilitator for utilizing the Prepare-Enrich assessment for couples.

When it comes to hobbies and areas of interest, Allen enjoys playing with his kids, reading, frequenting coffee shops (for the vibes, not the coffee), watching movies with his wife, playing and viewing sports, doing yard work, and jogging.

John Austin serves as a pastoral resident and joined the Rocky Creek team in May of 2024. Before joining the staff, John Austin graduated from North Greenville University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies. He is currently enrolled at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he is pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree in Missiology.

John Austin has a deep love for missions. As a pastoral resident, he focuses on supporting mission efforts, The Recommission Network, and other ministry needs while learning and working alongside our pastoral staff. John Austin is passionate about mobilizing the church to go on mission as well as equipping the church to be more informed about what God is doing across the nations.

While John Austin is not working, he enjoys spending time at coffee shops, hanging with friends, reading, traveling, and playing ultimate frisbee.

Jennifer joined Rocky Creek in 2006. In 2021 she joined the Rocky Creek staff as the Financial Assistant. Jennifer graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate with a degree in Business Administration. With a background in business and experience in the banking industry, Jennifer brings a key set of skills to our finance office at Rocky Creek.

Jennifer currently attends Rocky Creek with her husband Lee and their two children, Madison and James. To get a break from bookkeeping and finances, you can find Jennifer in a preschool class on a Sunday morning serving as a volunteer who passionately teaches preschoolers about Jesus. She also serves as a resource to the women’s ministry team. Jennifer has discovered that these volunteer opportunities grow her as a ministry leader.

Jennifer loves spending time with her family. When she has the opportunity and free time on her calendar, she likes to travel, hike, read books, and try new foods.

If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your giving or giving statements, don’t hesitate to reach out Jennifer!

Donald joined the Rocky Creek staff as Worship Pastor in 2001. Donald is a graduate of Limestone University with a degree in Music. He also earned a Masters in Christian Studies from Southeastern Theological Seminary. Donald has served churches in Spartanburg, Simpsonville, and Greenville, South Carolina.

Donald enjoys leading worship and helping others engage in biblical worship during weekly worship gatherings. He enjoys assisting people in digging deeper into understanding Scripture and how Scripture applies to everyday life.

Donald enjoys spending time with his family. He is married to Gwyn, and they have a married daughter and two grandchildren. He also enjoys cooking, golfing, and all things tech.

If you are interested in serving in the Music Ministry or on the Audio/Visual team, reach out to Donald, he would love to help you connect.

Bryce began serving at Rocky Creek in 2018, and began his current role as Recommission Strategist in May of 2021. Bryce is also the pastor of a Recommission Network Church, Woodside Baptist Church. Bryce has a desire to see healthy churches come to life through members who make disciples.

Bryce earned a B.A. in Christian Studies from North Greenville University, and a M.Div in Christian Ministry from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In his spare time, Bryce loves spending time with his wife, Katie, and son, Levi. Bryce also enjoys good coffee, pickleball, and spending time with friends.

To learn more about ways to help strengthen churches in the Recommission Network, contact Bryce. He would love to connect with you.

Janet joined as a member at Rocky Creek in 2020 and also started serving as the Español Assistant in 2020. Janet’s role on staff is to assist the Pastor Español in reaching new Spanish-speaking families and in meeting the needs of the Spanish-speaking congregation. Even though this is Janet’s first ministry position, she has a ministry heart that has helped her eagerly adapt to the ministry role she is fulfilling.

Janet, and her husband, Javier, have a daughter named Mia and are expecting another daughter in the near future. As a family, they embrace hospitality and open their homes and hearts to families and friends whether someone is looking for Bible study, a meal, or fellowship.

When asked what she loves doing, Janet responds with, “Spending time at the lake.” Another thing Janet loves is her church family. She equates friends and family with her church family because her church family has become friends and family to her, Javier, and Mia.

If you know of a Spanish-speaking family looking for a church home, let Janet know. She can reach out and make a connection and invite them to be part of our Spanish congregation.

Nikki began her serving as the Preschool Coordinator in July 2024.  Nikki, her husband, and two children have been members of Rocky Creek since 2022. Having worked in daycares, schools, and volunteering at church camps, Nikki has always been involved with teaching children. She has a heart for young parents and helping those parents navigate the anxieties of the early years through living completely open-handed with the Lord.

Nikki graduated from USC-Upstate with a degree in Elementary Education.  She taught in public school and private school for many years.

When she has the chance, Nikki loves to spend her time on the water. At the lake paddleboarding on a kayak, or riding on a boat is her favorite way to spend a day. She also enjoys hiking, reading, and trying new restaurants.

Connect with Nikki or if you have questions about our preschool ministry!

David Williams came to Rocky Creek in February, 1992. He has held many different titles, from Youth Pastor, Education Pastor, Missions Pastor, and now for the past few years as Ministries Pastor. This role specifically gives him the opportunity to step into the lives of hurting people to provide support and care. He also gets to help Rocky Creek keep their focus on local ministries through local mission partnerships.

David and Christie have been married since 1985 and have two children and two grandchildren. While they very much enjoy the empty nest, they also get to spend time with their grandchildren (who also attend Rocky Creek with their parents). David enjoys working with his hands, being outdoors, and especially spending time with Christie.

After living overseas in Okinawa for a few years as an Air Force child, David grew up in Chapel Hill, NC. He graduated from Mars Hill College with a degree in Community Recreation. After getting married, they moved to Durham, NC. David attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Masters of Divinity degree.

If there is something David can help you with or if you would like to talk while having a cup of coffee, please reach out to David.

Taylor Wolfe joined the Rocky Creek team in 2022 after serving as a missionary with the International Mission Board for nine years alongside his wife, Jessica, and their four children in sub-Saharan Africa. He serves as Missions Pastor at Rocky Creek, providing vision, training, and opportunities for members to engage people with the gospel from Greenville to the far-reaching ends of the earth. Additionally, Taylor serves as Rocky Creek’s Business Administrator, helping to steward the finances to advance the work locally and globally. He is passionate about both the nations and the numbers.

Taylor graduated from Lander University with a degree in Business Administration. Currently, he is pursuing a M.Div. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In his free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with his family, smashing pickleballs, and learning new skills from YouTube videos.

Whether it is abundantly clear that you should serve on a short-term mission trip or you are still determining your next step, Taylor would love to hear your story and discuss how you can engage in the Great Commission.