Ministers
Tim Alsup – Pulpit Minister
Tim was born in Memphis, but raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is a 2002 graduate of Freed-Hardeman University, with undergraduate degrees in Bible and mathematics. In May, 2005, he completed his masters degree in New Testament Studies at FHU and is presently continuing his education at the Harding Graduate School of Religion.
He worked with the church at Eddyville, Kentucky, from 2001-2005, serving as the congregation’s pulpit minister for the latter two years. He also spent a brief time as an associate minister in Como, Mississippi.
Tim and his wife, Arrine, came to Great Oaks in October, 2005. They have one son, Riley.
Robert Brown – Minister / Elder
Robert was born on a farm in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. He graduated from David Lipscomb University in 1955 with a major in speech, and minors in English and music. He subsequently attended Harding Graduate School of Religion. He married his wife, Peggy, in 1954.
Prior to entering the ministry, he taught in public schools for three years. He has worked for churches in Calhoun (GA), Charleston (SC), Lewisburg, Lawrenceburg, and Memphis. He served for over 32 years at Macon Road Church of Christ, the latter 28 years as their pulpit minister. He came to Great Oaks in 1997 to serve as a songleader and a minister, and became an elder the following year. He has been a song leader since high school and has worked in several campaigns in Bermuda, Ukraine, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.
Aarek Farmer – Youth Minister
Aarek was born in Murray, Kentucky, and graduated from Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Freed-Hardeman University, and will complete a Doctorate of Education from the University of Memphis in December, 2010. He’s worked previously with the Chester County Adult Education Center, and as an Admissions Counselor and Events Coordinator for Freed-Hardeman. Since 2007 he served as the 7th grade Science teacher at Mt. Pisgah Middle School. His background and training qualifies him readily for the job of Youth Minister.
He and his wife, Jennifer, began their work with Great Oaks on March 14, 2010.
Les Bonnett – Involvement Minister
As our Involvement Minister, Les Bonnett primarily focuses on our Homebuilders group (young families).
He was converted while in the Air Force, and then attended Freed-Hardeman University. At Freed, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Bible and two Master’s Degrees: one in Ministry and one in Education. He has served as a pulpit minister with congregations in Boiling Springs and Greenville, South Carolina, and also in Collierville, TN.
Les and his wife Mary have two sons: Pearson and Nicholas.
