Meet Our Staff

Shawn Blackwelder comes to Genesis as Senior Pastor in July of 2023.  He grew up in Florida, but settled in North Carolina in 1994 after he met his wife, Cheryl.  A graduate of Webber International University with a degree in Business,  Rev. Blackwelder worked in the business world until he had his call to ministry. He has been a pastor since 1999 and graduated from Duke Divinity School in 2004 with a Master of Divinity degree.  He has a passion…

In July 2023, Seyun became a part of the Genesis family, assuming the role of Associate Pastor. Growing up in South Korea, he felt a calling to serve in ministry, which led him to study at the Methodist Theological University in Seoul, focusing on Wesleyan Theology and Christian Ethics. In 2015, he relocated to North Carolina to further his studies. As a full-time graduate student in Durham, Seyun was passionate about integrating his faith into his daily life beyond his…

Laura and her husband Glen have been members of Genesis since 2009.  Laura graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s in public health. The majority of her career was spent in healthcare administration. Upon retirement from healthcare, she was seeking a part time job and is very happy to be working at Genesis and advancing God’s kingdom.

Michele and her husband, Robert, joined Genesis in 2006. In the fall of 2007 Michele stepped up to help out in Youth Ministries as a volunteer and in 2011 she became the director.  Michele has a MS degree from Radford University in Counseling Psychology. She is the mom of two grown kids. She loves teaching the Bible and mentoring students! Favorite Bible story: Jonah Favorite vacation: Disneyworld (sorry, Robert) Favorite food: I like all kinds of food – just depends…

Kim serves as Director of Congregational Care & Communications.  In 2005, after working 21 years in various engineering and management positions, Kim felt lead to serve our Lord Jesus Christ as a member of the Genesis staff.  Kim & her husband Norm are blessed with two adult daughters, Nicole & Kristen, and one wonderful granddaughter.  Here are some of Kim’s favorites Favorite books of the Bible: the letters of Paul Favorite Pastime: spending time with family Interests: gardening, pottery, art,…

Helga joined Genesis as interim choir director in 2021-22 and became permanent director in 2023.  She is also an elementary music teacher.  Helga is originally from New York where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Education degree at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.  She moved with her family to North Carolina in 1996.  Helga’s 3 daughters are married and have blessed her with 4 grandchildren with #5 arriving in September 2023.  Her son is currently attending UNC Charlotte. …

Christina Johnson joined the Genesis team in 2022. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and has been teaching music and leading youth and adult groups in music ministry for over 20 years. She has a passion for worshipping God through music of all types. She is married to her best friend, Chris, and has three wonderful daughters, one in college, one in middle school, and one in diapers. A native of Georgia, Ch enjoys vacationing at the…

Elizabeth Scharenbroich joined the Genesis team in December, 2022

Ms. Aubrey Barfield holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Child Development from Appalachian State University, and also possesses Infant/Toddler Montessori credentials.  Aubrey has many years of experience working with children in nursery, camp and private day care settings. With four children of her own, she knows the importance of providing childcare for parents coming to Genesis wishing to “fill their cups” and participate in any and all church activities.  Want to find out more about our Child and/or Nursery…

Jeannie DeLeo is the director of Genesis Christian Preschool. Jeannie’s daughter and son previously attended Genesis Christian Preschool. She is a former teacher and assistant director of the school. Jeannie grew up in Chesapeake, VA and has lived in North Carolina the past 17 years. Jeannie and her husband have a daughter in college, a son in high school, and two dogs. Here are some interesting facts about Jeannie: