At Southside Church, our leadership team exists to serve, equip, and shepherd the body of Christ with joy, humility, and a deep love for God's Word. These faithful men and women help guide our church with biblical conviction and a heart for ministry. We are grateful for the unique gifts God has given each of them and the roles they fulfill in helping our church glorify God, grow in grace, and go with the gospel.
Ben was born in Pennsylvania, but grew up in Tennessee. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and served as a Tennessee State Park Ranger. He and his family spent some time in Southern California while he studied for his MDiv. at The Master’s Seminary. During that time, he primarily served with youth and children’s ministries.
Ben has been married to Jen for 23 years, and the Lord has blessed them with three beautiful daughters: Ceana, Ally, and Edyn, and an awesome son-in-law, Jakson. Ben has a deep commitment to God’s Word and loves to see it impact the lives of God’s people. His favorite way to spend his free time is with his family, although he also enjoys many outdoor activities.
Ben is our primary teacher and shepherd, faithfully preaching the Word and leading our church to deeper devotion to Christ and His gospel.
Katelyn Woodcock is the Events & Media Director here at Southside Church. Katelyn & Randy have been married since 2016 & have Wylder, Ezekiel, and Emma. Having been at Southside since they were both in nursery themselves, they are passionate about serving at Southside.
Throughout the week, Katelyn works as Southside’s Visual Arts Director. You will often find Katelyn behind the camera both during work hours and off the clock, as she also owns a Wedding & Portrait photography business, Katelyn McKay Photography.
Katelyn leads all creative and media efforts at Southside with a passion for beauty, clarity, and gospel-centered storytelling.
Rebecca has lived in North Carolina since 1992. She is married to the love of her life, Steve, and they have 2 adult children, Kayla and Alex. Kayla and Alex attended Three18 for over 2 years before God moved the whole family to Southside in the summer of 2018. Since coming to Southside, Rebecca has volunteered in many ministries before coming on staff, including co-teaching children’s Sunday school with Kayla, serving with Steve in nursery, helping with Three18 dinners, and wherever else she can be helpful.
Outside of church, Rebecca loves spending time with her family and friends.
Rebecca faithfully supports the daily operations and ministries of Southside, joyfully serving our church family with a heart of humility and care.
Elders serve by shepherding, praying, and guiding
the spiritual direction of Southside Church.
Luke has been a member of the Southside church family since 2009 and has been overseeing and shepherding for the last 3 years. His primary focus as an Elder is in teaching and organizing adult ministries. He is joined in this effort by his wife Tracy and their two children, Johnathan and Lily. Luke and Tracy are veterinarians.
Luke works from home as a diagnostic pathologist and Tracy helps run a non-profit mobile spay-neuter clinic that focuses on providing veterinary care to underserved communities. Their family motto is Redeem the Time (Eph 5:16).
We have been in North Carolina for 15 years and Southside Church since February 2015. Jim surrendered to Christ at the age of 21 and Sally at 14. We’ve been married 27 years and have 6 children…2 married, 3 grandsons and now just the two youngest boys at home. Jim works for General Dynamic Mission Systems in a cyber security role. Sally stepped out of nursing and has stayed home to work with the kids and household. Our family enjoys outdoor activities and serving our church body at Southside.
Jim works with the Deacons and Sally assists in Children’s Ministry. We have recently moved to the Cleveland/Four Oaks area. We are excited to be closer to church, grow in our service to our church family and offer our home to host a home group.
The Griffiths have been living in the Clayton/Garner area for the last 15 years. They have been calling Southside their home since the Summer of 2019. Caleb and Jessica have been married for just over 16 years and have two fun-loving children, Asher (13) and Callie (11), their loving dog (Nana), two chickens (Lydia & Eunice), and one spunky rabbit (Millie). Caleb works as a financial advisor at a wealth management firm in Raleigh and Jessica teaches 5th grade at Wake Christian Academy. Their family enjoys traveling, gardening, and hiking, but MOST of all, they love growing alongside of their Southside family!
Caleb has served as a deacon for the last year and Jessica serves in Three 18 student ministries. They both attend the men/women’s bible study on Saturday morning. They also lead a growth group in Clayton on the first and third Friday of each money. The Griffith family is beyond thankful God lead them Southside. They are rejoicing in the work God is doing within his church and praise Him for the grace to fellowship with other believers. To God be the Glory!
Our deacons assist the elders in practical care and service, supporting the needs of the church with faithfulness and love. They embody the servant-heartedness of Christ and model what it means to humbly meet the needs of the body.
