I grew up in the little town of Elkin, NC, about 2 hours north of Rock Hill. I received a BA in Human Services and in Sociology from Elon University in 2002. In October of 2003 I married Tyler Gordon and we relocated to Rock Hill. Shortly thereafter we visited North Rock Hill Church and we have been here ever since. I began working at the church as the office administrator in January of 2006.

In my free time I enjoy yoga, gardening, home improvement projects with my husband, hanging with my NRHC Youth girls and spending time with my dogs, cats and aquariums.

Check out my Facebook page!

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I moved to Rock Hill at the age of 10; so I guess you could say I’m a hometown girl. I received a BA in education from Furman University and promptly moved to the beach, the dream of most twenty-year olds. I taught school for several years and then took a position as the administrator of my church in Pawleys Island. In 2003 I moved back to Rock Hill to open a small business with my family. I started working for NRHC in November of 2010 as the bookkeeper.

In my free time you can usually find me cooking in the kitchen, walking the dog, scrapbooking at my craft table, knitting in a comfy chair, or hanging out with my family.

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Family
Engaged to Samantha Hughes

Education
Colleton County High School (2005) ~ Walterboro, SC
Winthrop University (2005-present) ~ Rock Hill, SC
• Bachelor's in Music Education

Random Facts
I am really into Marching Band (all facets). I am a very picky eater, so eating out is always an adventure (sorry samantha). I do not like any item that is in a salad, or food with weird textures. ALSO, I am very weary of meat items with bones..... I grew up on a farm (yes, please no laughter). I can play most any band instrument. My favorite beverage will always be sweet tea. I have only one weakness in life and that is to Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. I learned how to drive a tractor at age 9 and started driving cars at age 12.

People who have inspired me
JESUS! need I say more??
Samantha Hughes (my future bride), she is my best friend and my other/better half.
My mom, she is amazing!
My grandparents, who helped lead me to Christ
My cousins who are like siblings to me! (who show me what love is really about!)
Frances Chan (he's cool but Im not obsessed like some ....chris)
Ed Young Jr
Sherry Pruner, (who always works much harder than I ever do, haha)

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Family
Happily married to Michael Pruner
We have an amazing son, Austen

Education
Attended UNCW as a business major
Pursued a degree in Culinary Arts

Random Facts about Me
I love to shop - finding deals is amazing! Cooking is my therapy. If I could live anywhere it would be Silver Sands, Jamaica (beautiful!). I enjoy tennis, but I am terrible at it (I was on the Hit & Giggle team!). Originally from Wilmington, NC, I am a beach girl - love it! I am a closet head banger (80's and 90's rock is awesome!!) What I enjoy most is hanging out with my family and friends. Favorite meal- My mom's pork roast with creamed corn, butterbeans, and collard greens – I am a true Southern Gal! I worked as a pastry chef at the Austin, Texas four-star resort, The Lakeway Inn. Seven years ago, my family moved to Rock Hill. At that time, I was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom. For six years, I also served as the hospitality coordinator for the PTO at Northside Elementary School of the Arts. Three years ago, God led me in a different direction – to become the preschool director at NRHC. Now my job is to teach children about God’s Love!

People Who Have Inspired Me
My grandmother, Doris Aycock (she was so content in this life and she loved Jesus!); my chorus teacher, Mr. Bron (taught me I could do anything I set my mind to); Linda Crute (an amazing Christian woman); Pastor in Texas, Tom Carol; Holly Ruppe (my best friend and fellow domestic goddess), Terri Gustin (my spiritual advisor); and my husband, Mike Pruner (he is my rock!).

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Family
Married my wife Natalie in December 2007
Recently bought our first home here in Rock Hill

Education
Charleston Southern University—Bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry (2004)
Working on a Master of Divinity in Youth Ministry from South Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (hope to finish this in 2015)

Random Facts about Me
Part of the calling that I feel God has placed on my life is to train people to be equipped in youth ministry. I would like to be a professor of youth ministry at a university. I love the idea of training church leaders who will in turn train leaders in their churches to encourage youth to grow closer to God. I often dream about being in school or teaching, which only fuels my desire.
I grew up in York, about 30 minutes from Rock Hill. One of my roommates in college introduced me to North Rock Hill Church. Shortly after graduating from CSU, I began working for the church as the primary youth pastor.
In our spare time, Natalie and I enjoy our collection of fish, reptiles, and amphibians. I also have fun playing bass guitar.
My wife is crazy about Clemson football. She has been successful at making a fan out of me (not hard when you consider how great Clemson is). We love board games (especially Ticket to Ride). We both love having people over to our house.

People Who Have Influenced Me
Jesus (is it right to say someone has "influenced me" when they have they have totally turned my world upside down?), Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner, The ReThink Group, Francis Chan (I do not have a man crush on him!), my wife Natalie, my youth pastor Skip, Dr. Keith Sharp from Charleston Southern, my good friends Roger and Steve, everyone who works with our youth (we have a phenomenal team!).

Check out the NRHC Youth Facebook page!

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I started volunteering at NRHC soon after my wife and I began attending. I've been helping with the sermon series graphics since around 2005. Early 2009 is when I began working at NRHC full-time as the media director.

Before NRHC, fresh from an art degree at Elon University in 2003, I began working at SIM (Serving In Mission) as their graphic designer. I was there for five years, and I am a big advocate for Christian mission work.

If you are interested in volunteering your talents at the church, I am always looking for help. We have a limited ability to accept interns, so most of our volunteer work would depend on your resources. So if you have the time, the equipment, and the willingness, contact me about helping with some of our projects!

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@NRHCmedia

Family
Single, I have two brothers and one sister and a great Mom

Education
York technical college - (2007-2009) ~ Rock Hill, SC
• Digital design certificate
Home schooled ~ (2007)

Random Facts
I started volunteering at NRHC in 2008 doing video work, which led to an internship in 2009. 2010 I was brought on staff.

In my spare time I enjoy making short films with my friends and Family. I am a big movie fan, I love football and I enjoy music (toby Mac). But Most of all I love, and want to serve the Lord!

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I've been with North Rock Hill since about 1999. It's been really cool seeing all the different phases the church has gone through over those years. I am a big music fan—I like a lot of different styles but I tend to shy away from the "radio music," the popular stuff. I've been described as a 50 year old in a 30 year old's body. :) I've enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) meeting all the folks who have been a part of NRHC in one way or another. It's a lot of fun!

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Random Facts about Me:
My family and I have been going to North Rock Hill a little over two years. I am originally from…well all over. I was born in Iowa, lived in California for 7 years, moved to Anderson SC (this is when my undying love for Clemson originated) moved to Columbia SC (this is where my undying distaste for USC came from) and finally stopped here in lovely Rock Hill SC. Ever since I can remember I have always been interested in music. Who isn’t? I was in a band with the great Jason Herring for about 5 years. I have two wonderful women in my life, my beautiful wife Meghann, and my precious little daughter Ansley.

Things that Inspire me:
Watching people praise God with all that they have, no inhibitions, no care of their surroundings. Just an all out worship to their Father and Savior.

People who have inspired me:
Tracy Turner. This guy truly showed me what it means to worship. Steve Reeves. The greatest dad, next to Jesus of course, that anyone could ever have. Marti Reeves. The greatest mother anyone could ever have. Matt Rogers. This man has shown me what it really means to trust whole heartedly in the plans that Christ has for you. My wife Meghann. She has taught me so much on how to be more humble, self sacrificing and loving towards other people. My daughter Ansley. There is too much to list.

Go TIGERS!!!!

I am a transplanted yankee from Florida that chased his life goal of becoming an engineer to Clemson University. I ended up spending way more than 4 years there, but I came away from the deal with a couple of engineering degrees, my beautiful bride Merri Anna, and a nagging sense that God wanted me to do something other than engineering!

This journey ultimately led us to Dallas, TX to attend Dallas Theological Seminary. We ended up spending 9 years in the Dallas area where we had our son Alex and daughter Emily. In 2007 God led us back to the Carolinas to North Rock Hill where I serve as the resident organization and details freak. Hang around me enough and you'll learn I have a love for boats, water skiing, my Clemson Tigers, my Lord, and sharing all of these things with my friends & family.

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Family:
Married to Joy (and she is her name) 27 Years.
2 Children: PJ (23) and Brandon (17)

Education:
Cedar Shoals HS – Athens, GA
University Of Georgia –Athens, GA
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary - Fort Worth, TX

Who is this guy and What does he do?
I planted a church in New Jersey and we had a blast for nine years! We moved to Charlotte in 1996 to start a church planting network – working with seven new churches that now have over 5,500 in attendance – another great time! I recently helped to found The Cypress Project; which is a coaching process that encourages the development of missional networks aimed at reaching and transforming communities. About 60 church planters have trekked through The Cypress Project in the past two years in four US cities; Calgary, CA; and Honduras. I am grateful to now serve at NRHC while leading The Cypress Project – grateful for the vision NRHC has to invest in other leaders for the good of the Kingdom! Let’s change our city.

Random Facts and People Who Have Inspired Me:
The UGA Bulldawgs are the greatest. College football is the most incredible sport in the history of man – much better than sissy Tar Heel Bball. I was actually a cowboy studying pre-vet medicine at UGA back in the day. My wife is always an inspiration and tolerates my love for football. My kids always teach me something and make me proud. Wayne Cordeiro and Francis Chan are incredible.

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Family:
Married to Yvette Senesi for 27 years.
3 Children: Krista Mikusek (23), Anna (13), and Abby (11)
2 Grandchildren: Owen (4), Brock (1)
One Son-in-Law: David Mikusek

Education:
Hampton High School (1977) – Hampton, TN
Milligan College (1982) – Johnson City, TN
Bachelor of Arts in Bible and History
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1984)
Master of Divinity
Doctor of Ministry (1998)

Random Facts about Me:
I love big cities. I lived in New Orleans (16 ½ years) and Cincinnati (4 years). I was born in New Jersey and raised in East Tennessee. My parents owned an Italian Restaurant in East Tennessee. I played college baseball for four years at Milligan College. I was hit in the head with a 95 mile an hour fast ball my junior year, so please be patient with me. I still have a headache. I enjoy college and pro sports. To minimize unnecessary trash talk my team choices are kept private. Makes you wonder how many of my teams have won anything significant lately, doesn’t it? Coffee is my adventure drink of choice.

People Who Have Inspired Me:
Jesus is more than a model and inspiration. Many fall in that category. Jesus is my Savior and Boss. My dad (Dino Sr.) set a dad bar that frustrates me, I have yet to be as good as Him. Bob Logan, Reggie McNeal, Ed Stetzer, Neal McGlohon, Eric Geiger, Glenn Smith (You probably only know one of these). James Porter, James Orr, Robert Emory, Ron Renner, Ray Jones, Bill Howard, Terry Fields, Ron Herrod, Rick Williams, any church planter I have ever met (unsung heroes you will never hear of again or meet). Many should have been here, space does not permit. God has always placed me in rock star environments around His very best. All the above of my mentioned family first and foremost, Yvette, are deeply loved and admired by me. I am so very blessed.

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Family:
Married to Holly Ruppe for 15 Years.
4 Children: Christian (14), Cameron (13), Caleb (11), and Cadence (2)

Education:
RS Central High School (1988) - Rutherfordton, NC
Gardner-Webb University, (1992) - Boiling Springs, NC
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, (1997) - Fort Worth, TX
Master of Divinity

Random Facts about Me:
I Love the UNC Tarheels, Dr. Pepper is amazing, I love my iPhone, I grew up with Deaf Parents, I won a blue ribbon in Hoola Hoop in elementary school, my drink of preference at starbucks is Cafe Mocha (very tasty!), I love movies (especially suspense), steak and potatoes is my meal of choice.

People Who Have Inspired Me:
Jesus! (Are you really surprised I put Him in here? These next people all pale in comparison!)
My Pawpaw Theodore Ruppe (He was awesome!) and his beautiful bride and my Mawmaw Ethel Ruppe, my kids, Wayne Cordero, Andy Stanley, Mark Driscoll, Francis Chan (I have a man crush on him!), Dino Senesi, Matt Chandler, Dustin Willis (Don't tell him... He will get a big head... opps too late) :), Joel Adkins (My best Friend), Bryan Plyler (my partner in crime), staff at NRHC (they truly are amazing and love Jesus).
Last but not least... My Wife! She is amazing in every way!

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@cruppe

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www.chrisruppe.com