Justin Cox
Senior Minister
Rev Justin Cox returns to his home state of North Carolina and joins the community of Emerywood after spending several years serving congregations in New England. He is an ordained minister holding standing in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and American Baptist Churches USA. He received his theological education from Campbell University and Wake Forest University School of Divinity in Winston-Salem, where he earned his Master of Divinity.
Justin is married to Lauren, his spouse and partner in all things. They have two daughters. If you talk with him long enough he’s sure to tell you about a radically inclusive Jesus, the sacredness of Waffle House, baptist iconoclast Will Campbell, and his patron sinner Anthony Bourdain.
Kelley Kennedy
Minister to Children
Emerywoods Children’s Minister since 2005, Kelley has a heart for children. As a Mother of three, Kelley feels that one of the greatest of God’s gifts to us, God’s people, is the gift of a child. She believes the raising of a child is a sacred responsibility, and Kelley subscribes to the “It takes a Village” philosophy. She is proud and grateful to be a part of the Village that is Emerywood Baptist Church.
Kelley holds a BFA in Communications from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and has toured and worked regionally as a professional actress and singer since 1976. She has been married to husband John for over 30 years, and is the sappy Mom of Jake, Katie and Maggie. (Go ahead…ask me about my kids – it’s my favorite topic!)
“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. .” ~Mark 10:14
Sophie Carter
Youth Minister
Sophia is from Cherryville, NC and a recent graduate of High Point University. She acquired a B.S. in Psychology, and pursued the pre-medical track there. Sophia is currently pursuing her Masters of Divinity at Wake Forest University. In the future she would love to combine my deep love for Christ and my passion for psychology in my chosen profession. She is excited to be a Spiritual Leader for our youth. She is always trying to learn more about Christ, the world, others, and herself. Through this learning, Sophia is always striving to adopt the compassionate eyes of Christ. Her other passions include art and spending time with people that she loves.
Jeff Whicker
Director for Music & Accompanist
Jeff Whicker has lived in the Triangle since 1986 when he attended Law School at UNC. He worked as an attorney for ten years before returning to his first love, music. He served as choral director at Riverside High School for seven years, but since 2004 he has worked primarily as a church musician. He also has accompanied the All-County Chorus and served as pianist for many schools in the Durham area.
Jennifer Hinson
Church Administrator
Jennifer is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Economics and English. She started working with the church in 2015 and transitioned to Church Administrator in November 2021. She is married and has two children. Jennifer enjoys reading, shopping, and vacationing with her family.
Muffy Underwood
Choral Scholar-Alto/Soprano
Muffy received her BA in Vocal Performance from Wingate University and can be seen performing in various choirs and theatre productions around the Triad. When not singing, Muffy loves to spend time with her friends, family and all of their pets.
Olivia Martinez
Housekeeper
Olivia has been a part of the EBC family since 2001. In her position as housekeeper, she takes excellent care of all aspects of the physical building that is Emerywood Baptist. She and her husband, Edgar, live in High Point.
Her interests include flower gardening, working out, Zumba, cooking, and cheering on the UNC Tar Heels. She also enjoys family time with her children and grandchildren.
Want to Get In Touch?
Call: 336-885-6016 | Email: [email protected]
Address: 1300 Country Club Dr, High Point, NC 27262