Serving with faithfulness

Our Leadership

Meet the men who serve the Kannapolis church of Christ as elders, ministers, and deacons.

Guided by Scripture

Servants of the Church

Our elders provide spiritual oversight and shepherd the congregation, while our deacons serve with care and lead in designated areas of ministry. We are grateful for their faithful example and service.

Shepherding the congregation

Elders

Elder since April 2025

Darrell Johnson

Darrell was raised in Jasper, Tennessee, served four years in the United States Air Force, and has lived in Tennessee, Mississippi, Turkey, and Japan. He and Teresa married in 1971 and moved to Salisbury in 1985, where Darrell led Food Lion’s Human Resource department before retiring after 25 years.

They have a son, Mark, two grandchildren, and have been members at Kannapolis since 2019. Darrell and Teresa have served faithfully in every congregation they have attended and continue to work at Carolina Bible Camp each year.

Elder since April 2025

Jon Keller

Jon was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, and raised in Colorado. After graduating from Auburn University, he worked in management in the trucking industry. Jon and Tammy married in 1995 and have lived in Atlanta, Houston, Fort Smith, and Salisbury since 2021.

They have three sons—Alexander, Jackson, and Garrett—and have been members of Kannapolis since 2021. Jon served as a deacon from February 2024 to April 2025 before beginning his service as an elder.

Elder since 2014

Elliotte Lawing

Elliotte was born in Concord, North Carolina. He and Elaine became members of the Lord’s church in Panama while he was serving in the Army. During his service, Elliotte managed a large group of cooks.

They have two sons, Chris and Elliotte, who have both obeyed the gospel call. The Lawings began attending the Kannapolis congregation around 1993 and have also served at Carolina Bible Camp.

Elder since March 2018

Bret Simoneaux

Born in Pensacola, Florida, Bret grew up in many locations as the son of a Marine. He and Cheryl both graduated from Auburn University with engineering degrees. Their daughter, Christie, works in public education, and their son lives in Bend, Oregon.

The family became members of the congregation in 1992. Bret and Cheryl have served through teaching and organizing many activities. Bret served as a deacon before beginning his service as an elder.

Preaching and teaching

Ministry Staff

Minister since September 1989

Kirk Sams

Kirk has preached for the Kannapolis congregation since September 1989. He received a B.A. in Bible from Freed-Hardeman University and an M.A. in Ministry from Southern Christian University.

He and his wife, Pam, have two children, Hillary and Caleb. Kirk has encouraged young people through Carolina Bible Camp and Horizons at Freed-Hardeman University for more than 30 years. He loves God’s Word and God’s people.

Email Kirk Sams

Serving in ministry

Deacons

Deacon since November 2025

Ron Bean

Ron was raised in Rowan County and served in the U.S. Army from 1968–1970, including a year in Vietnam as a sergeant and squad leader with the 101st Airborne Division. He earned an associate degree from RCCC and, with Beth and their son Rob, operates Bean Realty Group LLC in Concord.

Ron and Beth have two sons, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Ron was baptized in 1975 and has served the Lord’s church ever since. They joined the Kannapolis congregation in 2024.

Deacon since July 2020

Darrell Carroll

Darrell has been involved with the congregation for many years. He and Betsy teach Bible classes and remain active in the life of the church. Darrell serves closely with the Education ministry.

Deacon since March 2018

Jeff Deason

Jeff was born in Iredell County and has been a Kannapolis resident for more than 50 years. He has worked at LaFave’s Construction since 1991. Jeff and Kim married in 1991 and have two children and two granddaughters.

Deacon since March 2018

Jeff Hall

Jeff was born in Ashland, Kentucky, attended Ashland Community College, and works at Convergys in Charlotte. He and Annette married in 1982 and have three children, five grandsons, and five granddaughters.

After living in Kentucky and West Virginia, their family moved to Kannapolis in 2009. Jeff has been a member of the Kannapolis church since then.

Deacon since November 2025

Mike Sills

Mike has served as a Deacon since November of 2025. Responsible for Service Assignments. He and his wife have two children and 2 grandchildren.

We are thankful for faithful servants

Join us as we worship, grow, and serve together.

Contact & Join Us