Larry Trotter
Full Name:
Larry Dean Trotter
Born where and when:
April 4, 1958 in Peoria, Illinois
Family Status:
Big!! Married with 5 (count ‘em!) kids and 1 bird
How I met my spouse:
On a mission trip to what was then communist Europe in Poland
How I became a Christian:
I was led to Christ through the ministry of my senior high Sunday School teacher, Dick Hartman (a good friend to this day!). I publicly professed Christ during my Junior year of high school at a Billy Graham movie called “A Time to Run”
I’d describe my faith as:
“A gift beyond words – my only hope”
Spiritual Gifts:
Teaching, Leadership
Education:
I studied civil engineering at the university of Illinois. After graduating I worked as a civil engineer in Dallas, Texas for five years before attending seminary at Dallas Theological Seminary.
How I ended up at NW:
Steph and I had been planning to move to Eastern Europe following seminary, but were re-directed to help plant a new church in the states. North Wake had just begun searching for their first pastor and Stuart Bulman (one of our current elders) called me up to interview me for the position.
Album:
Stuff by Indelible Grace, Red Mountain Church and the Wailin’ Jennys
Movies:
Les Miserables
Food:
Chinese, especially the veggies!
Place:
Anywhere in the mountains!
Book of the Bible:
My favorite book to teach is the gospel of John (so far)
Verse:
This changes all the time… Current favorite is 2 Cor. 5.15:
“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
How I spend my days off:
I bike ride with my wife, chauffeur my kids and fix things that are broken around the house
The personal project I’m dying to finish:
Can I reword this “The personal project that I’ll die before I finish”? It’s staining all the unfinished furniture that’s in use around our house!
First job:
Stockboy at a local dairy
Most embarrassing moment:
Uuhhh, I try to forget these!
Most powerful book I’ve read:
Lately that would have to be “The Life You always Wanted” by John Ortberg and “The Valley of Vision”. I am amazed by Cornelius Plantinga’s “Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be”.
My best childhood memory:
My Dad buying me a mini-bike because I couldn’t run or ride a regular bike due to knee problems.
Nobody knows that I…
If I told you then you’d know and that would spoil everything, wouldn’t it?
Best way to make me laugh:
Show me “Princess Bride” really late at night when I’m dead tired!
Best gift I’ve ever received:
Somewhere after an incredible wife and 5 great kids (but ahead of the bird) is a cross ring I wear on my right hand that Steph and I exchanged early in our marriage. It’s a daily reminder to me of the wonder of the love behind the cross even for the likes of me.
If only I could meet:
Barnabus, I’d love to watch his gift of encouragement at work first hand!
One thing I can’t stand:
Car ads on TV
I’d appreciate prayer for:
A shepherd’s heart – one that leads from compassion and an overriding concern for the welfare of the “sheep” and the fame of the Name of Jesus. (Numbers 27.16, 17)
What I’d like to say to the people of NW:
I have been thinking about the cross a lot lately. Hebrews 3.1 calls us to focus our thoughts on Jesus and His great faithfulness to the Father. Verse 13 of that same chapter calls us to daily encourage one another in this great obsession with Christ and the cross. I am increasingly aware of our need for the cross and the hope of the resurrection to be central to our days – all of them, not just confined to Sunday mornings. Every day let’s turn our thoughts to the cross and the beloved Savior who died there and then rose again on our behalf! Let’s think and pray and read and speak and worship at the cross daily! There we’ll find the life we always wanted and there the name of Jesus will be honored in and through us. Let’s turn our hearts to the cross and the risen Savior!
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
Rob Craig
Full Name:
James Robert Craig
Born where and when:
July 19, 1960, Gastonia, NC
Family Status:
Married to Kelly, we have four kids; Hannah, Benjamin, Emma and Natalie
How I met my spouse:
We met on a blind date at a mutual friend’s house
How I became a Christian:
I had gone to church all my life but I never had accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord. When Kelly and I met she began to challenge me about whether or not I had personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I knew that I didn’t and through the prayers of my mom and Kelly’s consistent witness to me, I realized that I was lost and Jesus was the only way. I accepted Christ at a church service in November of 1986.
I’d describe my faith as:
Maturing, learning to take more risks for God
Spiritual gifts:
Evangelism, Administration, Leadership
Education:
AA Brevard Junior College, BA in History at UNC Chapel Hill, MDiv at SEBTS
How I ended up at NW:
When we came to Wake Forest we were looking for a Bible teaching church with contemporary worship and small groups. North Wake was it.
FAVORITE
Music:
Jazz, Contemporary Christian, Praise and Worship, Classic Rock, Classical
Album:
Heavy Weather, Watercolors, Brightsize Life
Artist:
Weather Report, Steven Curtis Chapman, Pat Metheny, and many more
Food:
Chicken Marsalla from Carrabbas
Cartoon Character:
Bugs Bunny or Pink Panther
Place:
Willowbank Resort, Bermuda
Book of the Bible:
The Gospels
Verse:
John 3
How I spend my spare time:
Running and exercising. Hanging out around the house, riding my bike, working out, playing golf
First jobs:
Worked at a fish camp separating trash and slop, worked on the yard at my dad’s hardware store, worked on the back of a trash truck at a construction site.
Most embarrassing moment:
Moved all my furniture and clothes into the wrong dorm room the first day of my freshman year in college. Then I argued with the two guys who lived there that they were in the wrong room!
Most powerful books I’ve read:
Spirit of the Discipline by Dallas Willard, The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg, The Jesus I Never knew and What’s So Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancy
My best childhood memory:
Riding with my parents and siblings to my Aunt Doris’ house on Christmas morning. I always believed that all the houses we passed in our car on that day had moms and dads with happy little boys and girls in them where everyone was opening presents and celebrating wonderful a Christmas.
Prized possessions:
1995 Volvo Station wagon, what a hot ride!
Nobody Knows that I…
Failed Old Testament in college (the only class I ever failed), Like to study American military history (since WWI)
Best way to make me laugh:
tell me a great Dook, State or Clemson joke
Best gift I’ve ever received:
My salvation
If ONLY I could live…
Somewhere there are lots of people who haven’t heard about Christ.
If I could do life over:
I’d Give my life to Christ at a much younger age.
One thing I can’t stand:
Un-churched Christians
I’d appreciate prayer for:
My leadership in leading NW to love the lost like Jesus does
What I’d like to say to the people of NW about….
Be Bold! Be Very Bold!
Jeff Doyle
Full Name:
Jeff Doyle
Born where and when:
Evansville, IN, April 25, 1969
Family Status:
Married with three sons.
How I became a Christian:
I was a very troubled and lost young man who could not make sense of life. I lived in a life ruled by drugs, alcohol, and every other vice under the sun. Finally, I came to the same conclusion that Solomon did that, “ all things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” So as a depressed, lost, and hopeless young man I picked up a Bible for the first time since I was a child and read, “Thou hast given me more joy than they have when their grain and wine abound.” (Psalm 4:7) This was a dagger to my heart and I cried out to God realizing that my life was spinning out of control and desiring it to stop. It was that night that I knelt before my bed to rise a “new creation”. I had no idea what I was doing, but thankfully God did and He radically changed my heart.
I’d describe my faith as:
A burning passion to know God intimately and to make Him known!
Spiritual gifts:
Teaching & Leadership
Education:
B.S. from Asbury College, M.A. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Doctor of Ministry, from Southeastern Baptist Seminary.
How I ended up at NW:
My wife and I visited when we moved to Wake Forest for Seminary. Like most people I was wooed by “the Sign”. Soon after our first visit we found ourselves falling in love with the church and not long after that I became the Student Pastor. After graduation from the Seminary God allowed for us to stay and I assumed the role of Discipleship Pastor.
FAVORITE
Music:
All types…I love music?
Album:
(right now) Anything Crowder!
Artist:
Caedmon’s Call
Movies:
Star Wars / Braveheart
Food:
Steak and baked potato
Cartoon Character:
(Not up on the toons)
Place:
Mountains…anywhere!
Book of the Bible:
The Gospel of John
Verse:
2 Corinthians 5:17
How I spend my days off:
With my wife and three sons Caleb, Nathan, and Joshua….playing!
First job:
Sold shoes when I was in high school.
Most embarrassing moment:
While on a backpacking trip I slipped and fell on my “backside” while instructing a group of students to watch their footing. (Told you my spiritual gifts were teaching and leadership. It is all about illustration and sacrifice!)
Most powerful book I’ve read:
So many books!!! “Desiring God” by John Piper ,“The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoffer, and “The Religious Affections” by Jonathan Edwards, The Mission of God by Christopher Wright
My best childhood memory:
My family camping trips.
Prized possessions:
My Grandfather’s old fly rod and my dog.
Nobody knows that I…
Like to cook.
Best way to make me laugh:
Tell me a good and funny “true life” story.
Word or phrase I overuse:
“Good deal”.
Best gift I’ve ever received:
My Wife!
IF ONLY… I could meet:
Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, and John Owen
I could live:
In the mountains
If I could do life over, I’d:
(My prayer would be that I would meet Christ earlier)
One thing I can’t stand:
When people answer their cell phone during a movie or dinner!
I’d appreciate prayer for:
My continued passion for spiritual growth and my spiritual leadership of my home.
What I’d like to say to the people of NW about our body of believers:
It is easy to find things wrong with every local church or organization and we would be lying if we said that we have it all together. But, be encouraged I have never been any place where I have experienced true biblical community in a deeper way than here at North Wake. Our desire is to continue to fan the flame of the Acts 2 church as we write “Acts 29”. I love you dearly and pray that we will be continually reminded of the unique work God is doing here in our presence. May our hearts be united and burn with a passion to grow God’s kingdom as we join in the process of becoming mature and ministering worshipers of God.
Daniel Creswell
Full Name:
Daniel Wayne Creswell II
Born where and when:
December 1, 1977 Chattanooga, Tennessee
Family Status:
Married to my middle school sweet-hart Lindsay. My first-born Jacob Daniel and his cohort in crime Isaac Edward
How I met my spouse:
I met Lindsay when I was 12 in a performing troupe of which we were members. At the time she was 6 inches taller than me and could beat me up with her hands tied behind her back. Now she is 3 inches shorter than me and can still beat me up with her hands tied behind her back.
How I became a Christian:
I trusted Christ when I was eight years old at a summer camp in Tennessee.
I’d describe my faith as:
God’s gift, my shield
Spiritual gifts:
Hospitality, Leadership
Education:
Bachelor of Music from Carson-Newman, 2000. Masters of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2005
How I ended up at NW:
After moving to Wake Forest, we found North Wake to be a place of great God exaltation. So we began to attending planning on joining the church and serving until I graduated and then we were heading to the mission field. However, God surprised us with a bundle of joy named Jacob and so we began to pray and be led in the direction of planting ourselves in Wake Forest and serving the church.
FAVORITE
Music:
Anything but country
CD:
Passion 98
Artist:
David Crowder
Movie:
The Matrix
Food:
My wife’s pork chops (or Frank Cowley’s Steak)
Cartoon Character:
Johnny Bravo
Place:
Chicago
Book of the Bible:
Romans or Hebrews
Verse:
Philippians 3:10-11
How I spend my days off:
Working on the house, going to the library or local park with the
family, writing music
The personal project I’m dying to finish:
Painting the interior of our house
First jobs:
Camp Counselor, Golf bag boy
Most embarrassing moment:
The day I announced that Kris and Lisa were a couple.
Most powerful book I’ve read:
The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal
My best childhood memory:
Youth Camp my Senior year of High School
Prized possessions:
My Keyboard, or guitar
Nobody knows that I…
Am diabetic
Best way to make me laugh:
Get my sister and brother in the same room
Word or phrase I overuse:
“Let’s rock-n-roll”
Best gift I’ve ever received:
My Journal
IF ONLY… I could meet:
Keith Green
I could live:
Right Now
One thing I can’t stand:
Sound Systems and Computer Malfunctions
Greg Bowers
Full Name:
Gregory Alvin Bowers
Born where and when:
March 13th in Charlotte, NC
Family Status:
Married to Nicolle (Brown) Bowers, August 9, 1997
How I met my spouse:
We both worked in a church youth ministry
How I became a Christian:
I can’t remember not being in church. From an early age I had a knowledge of God and of the Bible. Around age 6 I began to ask my mother questions about baptism and people going forward at the end of the worship service. These questions allowed my mother the opportunity to share with me the good news of Jesus Christ. Soon after that I received Jesus Christ as my Savior, went forward at our church, and was baptized.
I’d describe my faith as:
Better than it was yesterday, not as good as it will be tomorrow.
Spiritual gifts:
Discernment, shepherding,
Education:
GO HEELS! BA from UNC-CH, M.Div from Southeastern
How I ended up at NW:
We were looking for churches in Wake Forest. We had a short list of about 5 churches that we were going to visit and make a decision. North Wake was the only one we ever visited.
FAVORITE
Music:
Acoustic and classic rock
CD:
Live Songs and Stories – David Wilcox
Artist:
David Wilcox
Food:
Steak
Cartoon Character: Lion-O, T. J. Detweiller, (Ashley) Spinelli
Place:
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Book of the Bible:
Romans
Verse:
“that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:19
How I spend my spare time:
Playing with my children, daughter Haven and son Sawyer, playing Guitar Hero, reading
First jobs:
Catering in the luxury booths at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Most embarrassing moment:
My mom and aunt showed up at my Middle School chorus class dressed as clowns with balloons and cake for my 15th birthday.
Most powerful books I’ve read:
“Let the Nations Be Glad” – John Piper, “”The Mark of a Man” – Elisabeth Elliot, “The Christian Life” by Sinclair Ferguson, “The Knowledge of the Holy” by A.W. Tozer
My best childhood memory:
I’m sure it has something to do with playing with my cousins at Huntington Beach State Park near Myrtle Beach, SC – Frisbee golf, alligators, haunted Atalaya walks, sun burn, playing in the rain, snakes, long walks on the beach to the Jetty, hunting sea shells and shark’s teeth, the Camper, nasty-tasting water, Chocolate Soldier Drink, sand spurs, mosquitoes, crabbing, seafood, flying kites, throwing boomerangs
Prized possessions:
Vintage Star Wars collection, US and International Coins
Nobody Knows that I
… Cry at McDonald’s Christmas commercials (and pretty much anything that’s sappy and makes me think about my kids growing up!)
Best way to make me laugh:
Show me a funny video – America’s Funniest Videos!!!! Woo hoo!
Best gift I’ve ever received:
A car, a nice car! Buick Regal
If ONLY I could live:
In New York City, just for a year, or a month or maybe just a week…
I could do life over:
I would be a Crime Scene Investigator or an engineer.
One thing I can’t stand:
Dook
I’d appreciate prayer for:
wisdom in parenting and working with parents
What I’d like to say to the people of NW ….
Let’s raise the bar of expectations for our teens. Not only are they able to meet and exceed our expectations, they WANT TO! Let’s work together to push them further and harder than even they expect. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8
Stephanie Jackson
Full Name:
Stephanie Lynn Jackson
Born where and when:
December 6, Chicago Ill
Family Status:
Married to Russ Jackson. I have a brother, Steve, and a Sister, Tiffany
How I met my spouse:
My husband and I met while working at an outdoor children’s camp
How I became a Christian:
At church camp at 12. Ask me and I will tell you the rest!
I’d describe my faith as:
incredible, and REAL
Spiritual gifts:
service, administration and encouragement
Education:
Southeastern grad! ~ Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and History
How I ended up at NW:
Russ ~ my now husband 
invited me
FAVORITE
Music:
Christian
Artist:
Casting Crowns ( ALL of it !) , Jars of Clay (Redemption songs)
Movies:
a good clean comedy movie
Food:
pretty much anything chocolate, Tacos
Cartoon Character:
Madame Blueberry
Place:
the beach
Book of the Bible:
Luke , 1 Corinthians
Verses:
Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord.” plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 1 Cor. 15:58 ” Stand Firm, Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that you labor is not in vain.”
How I spend my days off:
with my friends and family
The personal project I’m dying to finish:
sewing the pillow that I started making a year ago
First jobs:
baby-sitting
Most embarrassing moment:
One day at the company that I worked for at the time, they were having a children’s day. My boss came up to me and told me that my job for the day was to be the Keebler Elf. (the cookie guy ) I was a bit puzzled but, said okay and then went to the back to put on the outfit. It was this giant head with a harness attached to it which was really heavy. I put on the out fit and spent the rest of the day dancing around like a elf. All of the children who approached me either laughed and pointed or burst into tears!
Most powerful book I’ve read:
Other than the Bible … How to give away your faith by Paul E. Little
My best childhood memory:
Playing with my sister outside.
Nobody knows that I…
am allergic to cats
Best way to make me laugh:
a good clean comedy movie
Word or phrase I overuse:
yeah…
IF ONLY… I could do life over, I’d:
Realize what an awesome love God had for me sooner
I’d appreciate prayer for:
Pray for us to Share Christ Boldly with the Children of North Wake, our neighbors and to the ends of the earth !
What I’d like to say to the people of NW about Children’s ministry:
is that the Lord has blessed this church with a awesome group of children who are just on fire for the Lord ! Serving as a teacher is such a incredible experience. The children provide such a fresh look on the Lord and their thirst to know Him is incredible- In the book of John Jesus reminds us that we all must become like little children to fully experience his love for us. May the church body continue work together to raise these future members of North Wake.
Jake Mason
Full Name:
Jacob Durand Mason
Born where and when:
Pensacola, Florida 5/14/73
Family Status:
Married with an 11 year old son and 9 year old daughter
How I met my spouse: We met in the Gulf of Mexico while I was throwing a tennis ball with my friend in the ocean
How I became a Christian:
Two of my co-workers over a 2-3 year time span shared the gospel and biblical truths with me. As a result of their encouragement and obedience, combined with the drawing of the Spirit, I placed my faith and trust in Jesus on my living room floor at the age of 22 just before my son was born. Praise be to God!
I’d describe my faith as:
complete trust in all that God is for me in Christ
Spiritual gifts:
Discernment, teaching
Education:
I received a BSBA in Accounting from the University of West Florida and a Masters of Divinity with Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
How I ended up at NW:
We moved to the area to attend seminary and after visiting several churches (we even went through the membership course at another local church) we made North Wake our church home. We had met a couple of the people that were members of the church and new that if the church was made up of people like them, we wanted to be a part of that Body. A year later a position opened up at NW and by God’s grace a full-time ministry position opened up upon graduation.
FAVORITE
Song:
I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me
Movies:
Gladiator, Sound of Music, Star Wars, and Dumb & Dumber
Food:
Boiled shrimp
Cartoon Character:
Droopy
Place:
The beach
Book of the Bible:
Romans
Verse:
Proverbs 3:5-6
How I spend my days off:
I love to spend time with my family on a nature walk, playing sports, or relaxing with a movie.
The personal project I’m dying to finish:
This biography!
Most powerful book I’ve read:
The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges
My best childhood memory:
Playing in the woods with my brothers
Prized possessions:
Wedding ring, Uncle Remus book, and family photos
