Our Ministry Team

Matt Storie - Pastor

– Matt a native of North Carolina, was born in Elkin and grew up in Salisbury. He graduated from Furman University with a B.A. in Business and Spanish. Matt spent several years working in a Computer Network and Internet company. He later graduated from Campbell University Divinity School with Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry degrees. Matt has served in numerous churches as a pastor and associate pastor ministering with students, missions, and sports ministry. He also served with his family as missionaries for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Together for Hope Network working in rural poverty. Matt enjoys spending time with his family, wife Melanie, and two sons, Aidan and Owen, hiking, camping, and running. He enjoys coaching rec ball for his sons, playing golf, and some good ole pickin’ and grinnin’ of the guitar (Matt claims he does more grinnin’ than pickin’).

Carol Martin - Minister of Music

Carol –

Carson Putnam - Minister of Youth & Children

Carson grew up and graduated from high school in Shelby, NC. Following high school, he further pursued his education at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC (go Terriers !) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Spanish.

While in college, Carson was able to work with several campus ministries and a parachurch ministry to high school students – Young Life. In fact, it was through the experience working with campus ministries that God called Carson to seek further education and pursue ministry. In the pursuit of God’s call, Carson attended Duke Divinity School (let’s go Duke!) and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. It was during his time in seminary that Carson discerned a call to full-time vocational ministry, and he considers himself incredibly grateful that God would call him to serve the children, youth, and families of Zion Baptist Church.

Outside of church events, Carson enjoys spending time outside, playing music, and cooking (mostly because he likes eating). (Carson also loves getting to know people over good food and coffee, so the invitation is always open!) He hopes to see you around sometime and get to know you better!