A Christ-centered, Bible-based, and Family-oriented church committed to God, each other, and our community.
HomePeopleOur Elders

Our Elders

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. The Apostle Paul, to the elders of the church in Ephesus, in Acts 20:28

In the New Testament, each individual congregation was led by a group of faithful men called elders, or shepherds (pastors), or overseers. Under Christ as head of the church, elders are responsible for leading their congregation spiritually, helping each soul grow in faithfulness to God. Our elders/shepherds/overseers are men who our church family has found to meet God’s description of an elder in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, and who have accepted the task of spiritually leading our church family.

Mickey Barker

  • Elder

Mickey Barker grew up in Paris, TN & graduated from David Lipscomb University in 1991. He & his wife Michele have been married since March of 1996. They have two children, Ryan & Emma. Mickey served as a deacon at Great Oaks for several years where he worked with Focus and LeBonheur Baskets. He began…

Johnny Craft

  • Elder

Johnny began serving as an elder in November 2020. He grew up in Middleton, TN and graduated from Memphis State University in 1991. He and Donnita have been married since January 2, 1988, and they have 3 children, Allie Boggess (married to Jonah), Cate Lopera (married to Alex), and Will. They have attended Great Oaks…

Don Hutson

  • Elder

Don Hutson has served as an elder since November, 2014. Don, his wife Dana, and his daughter Deanna enjoy missions and cheering for University of Tennessee football. Other hobbies include yard work, hiking in the Smokey Mountains, and sitting on the beach. As an elder, his responsibilities include Education, Missions, Web Site and Computers.

Larry Jackson

  • Elder

Larry Jackson has served as an elder since 1998. His family was one of the original families that helped plant the Great Oaks congregation in 1992. He and his wife, Pattye, have 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.   Larry takes a great interest in the Ukraine missions, making mission visits there regularly. His favorite…

Lynn Parrish

  • Elder

Wilson Lynn Parrish grew up in Trenton, TN (West TN – Gibson County) & was baptized into Christ at the age of 12. His wife’s name is Donna & they were married in 1982. They have 2 grown & married sons, Nathan (Ashley) & Hayden (Miriam).   Nathan is employed with Smith & Nephew & Hayden is a…

Mark Pledge

  • Elder

Mark Pledge has served as an elder at Great Oaks since 2005, with his current responsibilities being Benevolence, Advertising, and Missing Sheep.  The Pledges have attended Great Oaks since 1998, where Mark served as a deacon from 2000-2005.  Mark and his wife Roberta, have been married sine June 2,1973 and have worked together in their…

Michael Williams

  • Elder

Michael Williams has served as an elder since November, 2014. He and his wife, Tawanna, have 1 son and 2 daughters. His hobbies include fitness workouts, golfing, and DIY Projects around the house. As an elder, his areas of responsibilities include Involvement, our GO ministry booklet, and Prison Ministry.