Chrissy Tatum Williamson, Senior Pastor
Chrissy is a native North Carolinian, growing up between Charlotte, Davidson, and Wilmington. She is a graduate of Furman University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in French & Sociology. Chrissy also holds master degrees from Union Theological Seminary (Master of Arts in Theology & Ethics) and Wake Forest University School of Divinity (Master of Divinity). Chrissy jokes that everything she needs to know about ministry, she learned while waiting tables at Outback Steakhouse for 3 years. Nevertheless, she has served in a variety of ministry roles all over the East Coast, including as Youth Minister, Minister with Young Adults, Worship Director, Minister of Adult Formation, and Associate Minister. When asked what her favorite part is about Greystone, she answers, “Greystone’s super power is relationship. Our members care deeply about one another and about all of our neighbors, mirroring the Gospel ministry of Jesus, a key to a thriving church.”
Chrissy is married to Justin, a Texan and 3rd generation Longhorn, and they have a daughter, Mia. Together, they love to be outdoors, ride bikes, read books, garden, or play in the dirt. Their home is divided on Game Day, as Chrissy says she is “Wolfpack by birth, Longhorn by marriage, and Wake Forest on her own.” You can find Chrissy listening to a variety of music artists, including but not limited to, the Chicks, Hootie and the Blowfish, Lady Gaga, and Justin Timberlake. She truly is a pastor of many talents and interests.
April Alston, Associate Minister, Children and Preschool
April is a native of North Carolina and has called Wake County home for most of her life. She is a graduate of East Carolina University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Life and McAfee School of Theology where she earned her Master of Divinity. April has been in ministry with children, youth, and their families for over 20 years. She has also previously served as a house parent for Baptist Children’s Homes of NC, a preschool teacher and a camp director. April shares that Greystone “is a family. A place where just like at any family gathering there are differences and similarities but everyone can share a meal together.”
April is married to David, a Raleigh native, and they have a son, Walker, and a daughter, TanaGrace, who keeps them, laughing and humble. Two other very important members of their family include their cockapoos, Bella and Liam. Their family enjoys camping, traveling, spending time at the beach, mountains, and their neighborhood pool. Though she grew up in the Triangle where sports abound, April’s only sport allegiance is to the Carolina Hurricanes, thanks to David and the 2006 Stanley Cup. When asked what book is currently on her nightstand, April says “they are all covered in dust because I fall asleep before I can crack them open.” April is deeply grateful for experiences that taught her to appreciate life more and helped her understand other people’s point of view or place in life better.
Anna Beth Cross, Associate Minister for Students and Digital Discipleship
Anna Beth is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and moved to North Carolina in 2021. She is a graduate from Baylor University where she received both her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, with a concentration in Nonprofit Development, and her Master of Divinity from Baylor’s Truett Seminary. Anna Beth has served in various youth ministry roles in churches in Alabama and Texas, and through Passport, Inc., an ecumenical summer camp. These ministry experiences have instilled in her a passion for creating intentional and formative spaces for both youth and digital ministry areas. Anna Beth also serves as the Director of Communications for the CBF Youth Ministry Network and is a 2024-2025 CBF Fellow.
Anna Beth is married to David, and the two are loving being a part of the Raleigh community. They also love their Bernedoodle puppy, Daisy. Anna Beth is a Baylor sports fan through and through, throwing a Sic’Em anytime she can. If she’s not listening to Taylor Swift or Johnnyswim, she’s either at a concert or traveling to a new or familiar place. When asked what she loves about Greystone, she said, “I love the intentionality of its community. The kindness and compassion everyone shows to all people authentically reflects that of Christ.”
Christian McIvor, Minister of Worship, Music, and the Arts
Originally from eastern Connecticut, Christian has lived in North Carolina since 2006. An active worship leader, trumpeter, singer/songwriter, and educator, he is passionate about continually growing as an agent of compassion, justice, and reconciliation in the Way of Christ and helping others toward the same. Christian currently serves as the Chair of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of NC’s Music Ministry Advisory Team and he serves on the Christians Caring for Creation (C3) Board of Directors; steering committees for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Environmental Stewardship Network, Alliance of Baptists Creation Justice Community, and Interfaith Creation Care of the Triangle; and he was a 2021 BJC Fellow. He is a past member of Baptist Women in Ministry of North Carolina’s leadership board.
Christian is a CarolBrass Trumpet Artist and the Adjunct Professor of Trumpet at Campbell University. Also a singer-songwriter and Breedlove Guitars Artist, he is grateful to have had opportunities to write songs for and lead worship at Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Alliance of Baptists gatherings and events across the country. He appreciates any and every opportunity to transform hearts and minds through music. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the State University of New York at Potsdam, Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a Master of Divinity degree from the Wake Forest University School of Divinity.
Christian is married to Chrissy and they have two daughters, Juliette and River, and one son, Thayer. He enjoys running, biking, hiking, and just generally being outside with his family, and he is a diehard Boston sports fan. To Christian, Greystone is “welcoming, loving, caring, supportive of all people, and always looking for creative and impactful ways to share the love of Christ out in the world.”
Steve Rose, Property Manager
properties@greystonechurch.org
Steve is originally from Ohio, but has lived in North Carolina for most of his life. He received a BA in English Education from UNC-Chapel Hill. Following a brief career in public education, he spent a number of years working in supply chain and contract management in various industries. Steve has served Greystone in this role since 2015, while also working as a musician in a variety of capacities and sharing his gifts with Greystone through many ministry opportunities. Steve and his wife Angela have been members of Greystone since 2003, and both have served on numerous teams and supported diverse ministries, including music, missions and youth. To them, Greystone has always been a welcoming place. They have five children and seven grandchildren.
You may find Steve cheering for the Tar Heels, and sometimes for the Wolfpack, as he is a faithful Carolina sports fan. He loves classical and jazz music, while also having an affinity for rock, country, R&B, and bluegrass. His love for music is also reflected in his frequent performances with touring Broadway shows, local theatre performances, and area jazz bands. When asked what he is deeply grateful for, Steve answers, “I’m grateful for my wife, who is my best friend and who supports me and keeps me straight, and for our children and grandchildren, of course. And I am grateful for the people of Greystone, for all the support and love they have given to me.”
Parker Lacewell, Ministry and Communications Assistant
Parker is a graduate of UNC Asheville where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. While pursuing her degree, she amassed professional communications and marketing experiences, including work in college athletics, campus life, political campaigns and private consulting. Parker is a member of Color Comm, a national organization for women of color; and she is a Girl Scout volunteer.
Born in Chicago, Parker has lived in Princeton, New Orleans, New York City, and Marin County, but she calls North Carolina her home. Her extensive travels throughout the United States, Europe, and South America contribute to her adventurous, adaptable, and enthusiastic advocacy of communities.
When asked what she loves about Greystone, Parker shares, “I love the welcoming and loving atmosphere of the mission driven congregation.”
Brianna Farrar – Weekday Preschool Director
weekdaypreschool@greystonechurch.org
Brianna is originally from Newark, New Jersey, but she has called the Triangle home for six years. Brianna has her Bachelor of Sociology and Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Brianna became a preschool teacher and has extensive background in early childhood education.
Brianna is married to Beltus and they have a son named Zachary. You may find Brianna reading a good book such as The Alchemist or listening to her favorite artist J. Cole. And on Game Day you will find her cheering for the underdog! She is deeply grateful for her family, loved ones, and Greystone for giving her a wonderful opportunity!