Meet Jared… but to those who REALLY know him, call him ‘J-Rod’. Jared has been married to his beautiful bride, Amanda, for over 13 years and has the honor of Kylee and Kalani calling him ‘dad.’

Jared grew up as the typical dragged-to-church-kid. One day while playing the congas (yes, you read that correctly) at age 13 his Pastor told him that he wanted him to be the Worship Leader at their church one day. Fast forward through high school, Jared later attended Lee University and received his Business Administration degree. While in college he had the opportunity to travel and sing with Campus Choir and after graduation ended up back at that same church, which ironically, needed help in the worship department. So he taught himself how to play piano and guitar, since he felt a little distant, maybe even awkward, leading worship from behind the drums.

After volunteering and serving in that church for many years, God gave him the opportunity to do ministry full time in 2006. Since then he has been involved in a variety of roles including youth ministry, creative arts, worship, speaking & teaching, graphic design, leading small groups, sound/media, launching new campuses, etc. Apparently he likes to keep busy! However, throughout all of those seasons and changes Jared still found that his passion was for Worship. He feels that there is something special about leading worship corporately with other believers on Sunday.

Jared’s family has been vacationing to Topsail for at least 20 years and spent many, many weekends surfing there. He has always had a heart for the area and is excited to finally be a true ‘local.’ When his family isn’t at the beach you can find them cruising around in their 69 Volkswagen Bus that they restored. (Well, when it’s not too hot due to lack of AC) He and his family truly love this community and are excited to be able to serve here and see lives changed. Jared was thrilled to join the Renovation Team as the Worship Director and he would love to meet you on a Sunday morning, where you will most likely find him carrying around a coffee cup.

Feel free to connect with Jared on Facebook or his family Instagram, and if you see him cruising in the bus, be sure to honk ‘hello!’