Hickory First Assembly of God

Family

Wife Janey (Annette) - Married August 9, 1980 - High School sweethearts - the love of my life! Best friends - ministry partners and casual hikers, bikers, and vacationers.

Children

• Jill and Jeff - Jill lives in Omaha, NE - loves to travel, favorite spot - Disney World - great oldest child.
• Jessica and Brad - Jessica and Brad live in Hickory, NC with son Brady - loves sports and family.
• Marcus - Single - Children's Pastor - loves hiking and biking and hanging with his younger brother.
• Andrew - age 17 - High School sophomore - plays the drums, bass, keyboard, and guitar - likes basketball, likes to snowboard, loves his siblings.

Background

Born and raised in Omaha, NE - Pastored in Council Bluffs, IA (Associate) and seven years in Shenandoah, IA (Senior) - Ordained Assembly of God (Berean School of the Bible) I love my wife, family, church, and date night!

Position

Senior/Lead Pastor - Preaching, Teaching and casting Vision for the body. Creating a culture conducive for both the church and unchurched to experience a passion for Jesus Christ.

Family

Married to Mark for 29 years - Four beautiful children - Jill, Jessica, Marcus, Andrew - Two Son-in-laws - Jeff and Brad.

Background

Janey comes from a long line history of ministers - her father, grandfather, and great grandmother were all Pastors along with many uncles, cousins, husband and son. Spreading the Gospel is the lineage of which she was born to do!

Vision

My vision for worship here at Hickory First is to see people fall so passionately in love with Jesus. I believe that God is seeking for those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, not just for a beautiful sound for Him to enjoy, but for us to build an atmosphere so He can have communion with us. I'm looking and listening for a NEW sound that will draw believers and unbelievers into His Presence and commune with Him.

My Wife

Tammy (Married for 29 years) - We met at our youth group in Charlotte where we attended church.

My Children

Aaron is 22 years old, interning here at Hickory First. His passion is playing drums and writing music. He is getting quality training in hands-on ministry. Jon is 17 years old, a Junior at South Caldwell High School. He loves to write music and sing. His passion is to be involved in anything to do with music.

Background

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC. Married my lovely wife, Tammy in 1980. Began ministry in the youth group of my church as a worship leader and youth counselor in 1985 until 2002 as Music Pastor, Business Administrator and Choir Director. We came to Hickory First in September, 2002. Ordained with the Assemblies of God.

Position and Responsibilities

Managing day to day business and financial affairs of the church as well as leading and directing the choir. Playing bass and guitar on worship team as needed. Pastor over prayer including altar teams, intercession and prayer focuses of the church. Cross Team #2 coordinator.

On My Time

Going out on our boat. Riding my motorcycle. Relaxing with our dachshund, Sebastian. Spending time with my family. Sitting down to a good Star Trek DVD or book. Playing & recording guitar, bass or keyboard. Going shooting at the gun range.

Favorite Verse

Jeremiah 29:11-14 - "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you says the Lord..."

Favorite Chapter

Psalm 91

Family

Single - son of Mark and Janey Dolphens

Background

• Born in Omaha, NE
• Raised in Nebraska and Iowa
• He is a 5th generation pastor
• Interned in NYC with Metro Ministries in 2003
• Attended Central Bible College 2003-2004
• Currently serving in the youth ministry
• Ordained in the Assemblies of God in 2009

Position

• Outreach Pastor - My goal is to see families come to know Christ and become disciples, who then begin to reach out to others. We are to compel them to come, let us use whatever means necessary. This will be accomplished through personal visitation, bus ministry and Sidewalk Sunday School.
• Children's Pastor - It is easier to build boys and girls than to repair men and women. My heart is to see young people come to know Christ before it's too late. Using puppets, videos, costumes, games and so much more we are reaching a generation of people to become passionate for Christ.

Favorite verse

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I, Send me!'" Isaiah 6:8

My wife

Susan and I met in 1985 while I was serving at First Baptist Church, Hickory as Associate Pastor. I knew the moment I met her that God intended her to be my wife. I have been blessed to have been married for 24 years. She is my love, support and anchor!

My children

Emily is 21 years old has just completed CVCC and will be pursuring a career in Occupational Therapy. Her interests are music and serving others. Caroline is 19 years old and will be graduating high school this year. She is planning on pursuing a career in neo-natal nursing. She has a heart for missions and while in high school played basketball and volleyball winning two national championships. Christian is 17 and came to our family by way of Belarus (which borders Russia and Poland) when he was nine. He plays soccer and basketball and we all are discovering each and every day the joy of having a son and brother.

Background

Born and raised in Catawba County, I graduated from Applachian State University with a Bachelors of Church Music. However after working with the Youth Corp for two summers I sensed a specific call into educational ministry. I received my Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. I since served in Southern Baptist, Evangelical Presbyterian and Assembly of God churches in a variety of roles as well as prior to coming on staff with Hickory First, a corporate chaplaincy program that was developed for a local furniture company with stores throughout the southeast.

Position and Responsibilities

As Connection and Care Pastor my primary focus is on people. I love people and desire to see God-intended creation unfold in the expression and implementation of that giftedness. I am also responsible for the missionaries our church supports locally and throughout the world.

For Fun

Anything that I can do out in the sun! Love the lake, the beach, Pigeon Forge and just about anything where my family is included. In my spare time I am an interior designer. Fall is my favorite season!

Favorite Verse

I Corinthians 2:9 - "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

Family

• Husband - Jerry
• Children - Kimberly and Jason
• Grandchildren - Apsen, Lydia, Nate, and Max

Jerry and I were married in June of 1977. We had a courtship filled with lots of softball games, tennis and motorcycle riding; all of which we carried over in to our marriage. Jerry is retired from Duke Energy and is involved in different areas of ministry in and outside of the church. We still love to go for a ride on the Harley and we also enjoy getting out and playing tennis. My favorite time of the year is summer. I love spending time outdoors.

Background

I was born and raised in the Kings Creek area of Caldwell County. I was very fortunate to have had Christian parents who took our family to a little small country Assembly of God church that was built on a piece of property that was donated by my grandparents. My family moved to the Lenoir area of Caldwell County when I was in the 8th grade. My parents were instrumental in starting an Assembly of God church in a storefront building located in the downtown area. I graduated high school in 1970 and went on to attend Catawba Valley Community College. I am so thankful for my Christian Heritage and my Assembly of God Church background.

Position and Responsibilities

I have been a staff member of Hickory First for 24 years. I have various responsibilities: Personal Assistant to Senior Pastor Mark and Janey Dolphens, Cross Team #4 Leader, Visitor Follow Up, Overseeing our Prime Timers (senior ministry). I consider it an honor to be a part of such an incredible church family and staff.

Elders and Deacons

• Elders
  • Scott Aldridge
  • Landon Barefoot
  • Tom Peterson
  • Gary Sherrill
• Deacons
  • Heath Adams
  • Mark Hurley
  • Teo Mihut