Under the authority of Jesus, our Shepherds provide biblical guidance, direction, and spiritual care for the Fourth Avenue family. Shepherds (also called Elders) are selected through an intentional process that includes corporate prayer, Bible study, congregational recommendations, and the collective discernment of the present Shepherding group.
Keith and Stephanie Bain
Keith and Stephanie Bain began attending Fourth Avenue in 2003. They’ve been married since 1992 and have three children, Grace Payton, Jeb, and John. Keith works for Chubb Insurance and Stephanie is an independent sales rep. Keith and Stephanie have been involved with Fourth’s Life Group Ministry, Youth Group Parent Council, Women’s Ministry and Communications Team. Keith was appointed as a Shepherd in 2015.
Chris and Jo Barnhill
Chris and Jo Barnhill have been members of Fourth Avenue since 2001. They were married in 1988 and have two children: Davis and Madison. Davis is an attorney and lives in Nashville. Madison is working towards a graduate degree in History and lives in Franklin. Chris has a MPA Degree in Nonprofit Management, and is the Executive Director of Franktown Open Hearts, a local faith-based agency ministering to impoverished children. Jo has been a real estate agent since 2004. The Barnhills have been involved in the teen ministry (group leaders for 8 years) and in Life Group ministries. Jo co-leads the Women’s ministry, and Chris leads the JOY seniors ministry. Chris was appointed as one of our Shepherds in 2020.
Brant and Jennifer Bell
Brant and Jennifer have been members of Fourth Avenue since 2005. Starting as high school sweethearts, they have been happily married since 1990. They have four adult children and two “perfect” grandchildren. Brant has worked as a Physician Assistant with a career in orthopedics and in 2006 founded a company called 7 Springs Orthopedics. Jennifer writes curriculum for Grace Marriage, and together they direct the Grace Marriage ministry at Fourth. They serve in oversight and support for the youth group at Fourth, and Jennifer is active in the Worship Ministry and Women’s Ministry. Brant was appointed as a shepherd in 2015.
Jeff and Jennifer Crawford
jeff@themcrawfords.com
Jeff and Jennifer Crawford bio: Coming soon!
Mike and Paula Shinnick
Mike and Paula have been members of the Fourth family since 1994. Married in 1978, they have two children, Ellen Flannery (Jeff) and Will Shinnick (Caity), and are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren. Mike retired from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance in 2021 after a career with a National insurance carrier. Paula is a retired school teacher serving in the FSSD. Mike and Paula serve on the prayer team and have been active in the jail ministry. Mike has a passion for discipleship and became a shepherd in 2023.
Tony and Melinda Simmons
Tony and Melinda Simmons have been at Fourth Avenue since 1995. Married in 1987, they have two daughters, Morgan (husband, DJ) Stanfield and Paige (husband, Spencer) Zehring. They are enjoying their two grandchildren, Kasen and Tatum. Tony is a Regional Claims Manager for Farm Bureau Insurance. The Simmons have been involved with the Intercessory Prayer Ministry since its inception in 2001 and Tony has served as one of our Shepherds since 2010.
Terry and Stephanie White
Terry and Stephanie began worshipping at Fourth Avenue in 2003. They met while at Harding University, married in 1990 and have 2 daughters. Molly is married and lives in Raleigh, NC and Carlee is studying at Samford University. Stephanie is an RN with her Masters in Nursing Education and Terry is Director of Accounting with Lumina Foods. Terry was involved with the audio visual ministry for years and they are both part of the Safety Team, Grace Marriage, and small groups. Terry was appointed as a Shepherd in 2020.