Our Shepherds
Under the authority of Jesus, our Shepherds provide biblical guidance, direction, and spiritual care for the Fourth Avenue family. Shepherds (also called Elders) are selected through an intentional process that includes corporate prayer, Bible study, congregational recommendations, and the collective discernment of the present Shepherding group.
Keith and Stephanie Bain
Keith and Stephanie Bain began attending Fourth Avenue in 2003. They’ve been married since 1992 and have three children, Grace Payton, a student at Auburn, Jeb, a student at Tennessee and John, a student at Independence High School. Keith works for Chubb Insurance and Stephanie is an independent sales rep. Keith and Stephanie have been involved with Fourth’s Life Group Ministry, Youth Group Parent Council, Women’s Ministry and Communications Team. Keith was appointed as a Shepherd in 2015.
Brant and Jennifer Bell
Brant and Jennifer have been members of Fourth Avenue since 2005. They have been happily married since 1990 and have four children, including three sons and one daughter. Brant is an owner and provider at Seven Springs Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Jennifer manages the books for Brant’s company, but enjoys spending most of her time as mother of their four children. They serve together on the Youth Council and Jennifer is active in the Praise Ministry and Women’s Ministry. Brant was appointed as a Shepherd in 2015.
Dave and Barb Cassilly
Dave and Barb Cassilly have been members at Fourth Avenue since 2007. Dave and Barb were married in 1987 and have three daughters who all graduated from Lipscomb University. Dave is a Plant Manager for Dura Automotive in Lawrenceburg, TN, and Barb is a stay-at-home mom and groundskeeper. Dave is on the Multimedia Team, with focus on running the Sound board, and has led small groups. Dave and Barb lead a First Impressions Sunday morning greeting team. Dave was appointed as a Shepherd in 2013.
Ron and Willie Charpentier
Ron and Willie Charpentier have been attending Fourth Avenue since 2005. Ron and Willie married in 1989 and have three children: Ben, a student at Bellarmine University; and Mallory and Mackenzie, both students at Lipscomb University. Ron works in Healthcare administration, while Willie works as an event planner for Lipscomb University. The Charpentiers have been involved in leading a small group, teaching adult and college age classes, working with the youth group, the men’s and women’s ministry, and with outreach ministry to our neighboring communities. Ron has been a Shepherd since 2009.
Allen and Cindy Gentry
5Allen and Cindy Gentry are long-time members at Fourth Avenue – Allen since 1985 and Cindy since her birth. They were married in 1983 and have three children — Jase, Mary Morgan, and Hope, who all grew up at Fourth Avenue. The Gentrys have been involved in Children’s Ministry, Prayer Ministry, Franktown Open Hearts, and Jail Ministry. Allen has been a Shepherd since 2007.
Trace and Holly Hebert
Trace and Holly Hebert have been members at Fourth Avenue since 2010. They were married in 1988 and have two sons (one in high school and one in college). Trace is the Interim Associate Dean of the College of Education and Director of the Doctor of Education program at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. Holly works for Ingram Content Group as a librarian. Both Trace and Holly are on the parent council for the youth group. Trace was appointed as a Shepherd in 2015.
Mark and Jill Howard
Mark and Jill Howard have been members of Fourth Avenue Church of Christ since 2006. They have been married since 1990 and have 2 daughters: Olivia and Lilly Belle. Olivia attends UT and Lilly Belle attends Page High. Mark also has two adult daughters: Currier, who’s married and lives in Franklin, and Chelsea, who lives in Florida. Mark has worked as an Estate Planning Specialist at Merrill Lynch since 1995, and Jill works as an event coordinator and volunteers in the community. Mark is ministry leader for Fourth Avenue’s Connection Groups ministry, and he has served as the Men’s Ministry leader. Jill is active in the Women’s Jail Ministry. Mark was appointed as a Shepherd in 2015.
Tony and Melinda Simmons
Tony and Melinda Simmons have been at Fourth Avenue since 1995. Married in 1987, they have two daughters, Morgan and Paige, and they are enjoying their first grandchild, born in 2011. Tony is a Regional Claims Manager for Farm Bureau Insurance.. The Simmons have been involved with the Intercessory Prayer Ministry since its inception in 2001 and Tony has served as a Shepherd since 2010.
Mark and Sherri Street
Mark and Sherri have been attending Fourth Avenue since 2008. They were married in 1973 and have three married children: John, Rachael, and Rebecca. Sherri is a Laser Tech at Gold Skin Care, and Mark is a partner with his son in the tuxedo business. Mark and Sherri have been involved in the Life Group Ministry, First Impressions greeting team, AWANA Children’s Ministry, Prayer Ministry, and the Mission Committee. Mark was appointed as a Shepherd in 2013.
Joe and Terri Whitehouse
Joe and Terri Whitehouse were married in 1984 and have been members at Fourth Avenue since 1990. They have two daughters. Their oldest daughter, Ashley, is married to Lee Creviston and they live in Houston, Texas. Their youngest daughter, Alicia, is a graduate student at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Joe is Vice-President of Finance & Treasury at Rogers Group, Inc., and Terri is a homemaker. The Whitehouses have been involved in Teen, Children’s, Prayer, Finance, and Life Group Ministries, as well as taught classes and served on the praise team. Joe has been a Shepherd since 2010.
Phil and Nancy Williams
Phil and Nancy Williams have been at Fourth Avenue since 1995. They were married in 1962 and have two daughters, Angela and Edie, and one son, Eric, as well as eight grandchildren. Phil is a retired DuPont engineer and has been involved in the financial processes of Fourth Avenue. The Williams have taught marriage classes and are currently leading a life group. Nancy has been active in the Women’s Ministry and co-teaches a home-based ladies Bible class. Phil has been a Shepherd since 1997.
Bill and Donna Wright
Bill and Donna Wright relocated from Michigan and have been at Fourth Avenue since 2005. They have been married since 1986 and have three married adult children, Ashley (Nathan Parrish) Joshua (Alyssa) and Zachary (Chaney) and have 2 sweet grandsons, Cohen and Jones. Donna currently enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering in the community and serves as one of the leaders in the Women’s Ministry at Fourth. Bill works at HCA and serves on the Graceworks Board and currently serves with the Benevolence and Widows ministries at Fourth. They both are active in life groups and are co-facilitators for Grace Marriage. Bill has been a shepherd since 2009.