RUSS SHINPOCH
SENIOR PASTOR
Pastor Russ, born in Oklahoma with family roots in the Cherokee nation, met his wife Carol, a native of Missouri, in high school, and both became believers before graduating from the University of Nebraska. Carol, who has an undergrad degree in Speech Therapy and a Master’s degree in Audiology, works in a local elementary school. With an undergrad degree in Business Administration and Finance, a Master’s degree from Midwestern Seminary, and a Doctorate from Bethany Seminary, Pastor Russ has led churches of all sizes, from rural to metro areas, in Missouri, Georgia, and South Carolina, and served in multiple roles in denominational and community organizations. Their vision is to lead churches to be involved in community-driven projects and international missions. Pastor Russ and Carol enjoy outdoor sports and traveling. They have three children and one grandchild.
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MICHAEL BEEKS
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Pastor Michael is a native of Greer, South Carolina and a graduate of Furman University. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Michael has been on staff at Standing Springs since August 1998 when he accepted the call to become the Minster of Students and Young Adults. He now serves as the Associate Pastor & Minister of Education. His primary responsibilities include providing leadership to the Bible study and Discipleship ministries of the church, coordinating the CARE ministry, and working with the Senior Pastor in providing care for the church body.
Michael and his wife Sharon were married in 2000. Together they share a passion to see people come to faith in Christ and grow toward spiritual maturity. They are active in a small group Bible study and both teach discipleship classes at SSBC. Sharon has a Bachelor of Science degree from Lander University and a Masters Degree from Furman University. She is an elementary school ESOL teacher in Greenville County. Michael and Sharon are the proud parents of two beautiful children: Kayleigh & Kaden.
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SCOTT BALL
STUDENT MINISTER
A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Scott began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ at the age of twenty-nine and felt God’s calling to work with students almost immediately. To fulfill his calling, Scott left a career as a machinist and attended Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute in Hendersonville, North Carolina where he is a 2007 graduate. A member of the team at Standing Springs since February 2008, Scott works with students 6th grade through college and has nine years of experience in student ministry.
Scott married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Lara, who is an Autism Therapist for pre-school children. They have two daughters, Brianna and Taylor. Together they share a passion and love for students like no other. Their vision is to partner with parents to teach students to be full time students of Jesus Christ. Scott enjoys fishing, hunting, and anything outdoors.
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KEREN WILLIS
CHILDRENS’ MINISTER/CDC DIRECTOR
Born in Beirut, Lebanon as the daughter of Southern Baptist (IMB) medical missionaries, Keren spent her childhood in Gaza, Jordan and Lebanon before coming to the United States to attend college. In addition to a BS in Psychology and Education from Furman University, a Masters of Religious Education from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Louisville, Keren has a SC Teaching certificate in Early Childhood and Secondary Social Studies. She has served on church staff since 1981 in either youth or children’s ministries. Since 1994, Keren has held dual roles as both the CDC Director and Children/Preschool Minister. Keren loves being around children because they keep life interesting—nothing makes her happier than a child telling her “Miss Keren, I asked Jesus to come into my Heart!” With two married sons and a precious red-headed, two-year-old grandson, Keren enjoys reading, cooking, VBS, and going on mission trips.
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SHANE FORRESTER
RECREATION DIRECTOR
Shane, born and raised in Simpsonville, South Carolina serves as the part-time recreation director and works full-time as a sales engineer in the industrial supply field. He and his wife Michelle have two children, Jacob and Kaylen. He enjoys all sports, especially cycling, basketball, football, and tennis. Having attended Standing Springs since he was a teenager, Shane was saved and baptized in November 1997. His passion is helping young people become closer to Christ through Bible teaching and activities. Shane also enjoys organizing recreational activities for church members and participating in outreach opportunities.
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Support Staff (click their name to send an email)
Marie Sutter
Financial Secretary