Meet the Staff

Reverend Dr. James Bernhardt-Pastor James began his work as pastor of Northminster in July 1999. He moved to Hickory following pastorates in Clinton, Illinois and Claremont, Minnesota. A native of Lenoir, NC James is a graduate of UNC-Wilmington and Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. He is married with two children: Sam and Mary. His wife, Anita, is a minister of the United Church of Christ. James would tell you that preaching and leading worship are the things he enjoys most in his work. He also enjoys teaching and especially the group dynamics of a class. The things he likes best about Northminster are the love members have for one another and the emphasis on mission outreach.		Rev. Ryan Brakemeyer Associate Pastor for Christian Education and Youth Ministry Ryan recently joined Northminster after serving two Presbyterian churches in the northern suburbs of Chicago. After graduating from Newton-Conover High School, Ryan attended UNC-Charlotte and Garrett Theological Seminary (Northwestern University). Ryan is married to Teresa and they have two children: Alex and Lee.
Nathan Crabtree Music Directors-The Crabtrees Nathan graduated Magna Cum Laude from Appalachian State University with a degree in Music Education in 1993. In August 2000 he completed the Master of Music Education degree with emphasis in choral conducting. Shari graduated from ASU in 1993 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. The Crabtrees have three children: Clare, Tess, and Samantha. The Crabtrees church music experience spans from significant involvement as children and youth to leadership roles in other local and regional churches. While Nathan works primarily with the Adult choir and planning of music ministry, the couple shares the responsibility for Children's choirs. Shari also serves as an accompanist and music secretary. In addition to serving NPC, Nathan teaches music at Catawba Elementary School and Shari teaches music at Webb A. Murray Elementary where she received the honor of "Teacher of the Year" in 2011. Nathan and Shari are Level II Orff certified and have a particular interest in global music and world drumming. Secretary - Patty Williams Financial Secretary- Aimee Davis		Shari Edmisten Crabtree Organist-Ruth Sperring Ruth has helped lead worship from the organ since 1982. Her training comes from a lifetime of piano and organ lessons culminating in organ and vocal study at Campbell College. She studied organ with Susan Horton. While at Campbell she was also a member of the Touring Choir and Chamber Choir. In addition to playing the organ at Northminster, Ruth sings in the choir and plays in the Handbell choir which she started. She has been a resident of Hickory since 1976, has two adult children, 5 grandchildren, and 3 cats. Pianist-Joan Readling Joan graduated from Meredith College with a degree in piano performance. She has taught piano lessons for many years and is a member of the Hickory Music Club, Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, The Friends of Music Advisory Board, and The NC Federation of Music Clubs. Joan has 2 children, 5 grandsons, and a dog named Mack. N.C.D.C. Co-Director Cheri Locke Cheri is a graduate of Lenoir Rhyne College and a certified teacher in North Carolina. Currently, Cheri is earning her Master’s Degree at Lenoir-Rhyne in Birth-Kindergarten Education. Cheri is a former Mother’s Morning Out director and Director of Christian Education. Cheri is married and the mother of one daughter. N.C.D.C. Co-Director Debbie Duncan

Feel free to come by and meet us!