Leadership

Pastor, Elders & Staff

Trent Willhite

Senior Pastor

Trent has served at Blue Ridge since 2005.  He grew up on a farm in NW Missouri.  He attended Abilene Christian University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Youth and Family Ministry as well as a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Studies.  He and his wife Mindy have been married since 2006 and have four children: Gracelyn, Elias, Samuel and Maddox. 

Caleb Guernsey

Worship Leader

Caleb has served as the worship leader at Blue Ridge for approximately ten years.  He and his wife Sara live on the family farm near Bethany with their five children.  Caleb is a chiropractor and runs his own clinic.

Tony Nelson

Elder

Tony and his wife Brenda began attending Blue Ridge in 1996.  Throughout the years he has served as Awana teacher, as Sunday school superintendent and currently as elder.  Tony was born and raised on a farm near Mt. Moriah.  He owns United Country Nelson Real Estate and runs a cattle operation in Bethany.  Tony and Brenda enjoy spending time with their two sons and daughters-in-law  and are the proud grandparents of Gracie Mae.  He is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord as an elder of Blue Ridge.

Alan Guernsey

Elder

Alan has been a member of Blue Ridge since 1986.  During this time he has served as a trustee and junior class teacher, led multiple mission teams and currently serves as one of the elders.  He considers serving as an elder his highest calling in life.  Alan has lived his entire life within a few miles of Blue Ridge.  Alan and his wife Vicki currently run a cattle operation on their farm just east of Bethany.

Rodney Sweet

Elder

Rodney and his wife Rhonda have three children and seven grandchildren.  They also have two younger children who came into their family through foster care.  They live on a farm and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.  Serving in his role as elder is exciting, challenging and rewarding.  Rodney is a cardiac rehab nurse by profession. 

Tricia Ford

Administrative Assistant/Audio Visual Director

Tricia grew up attending Blue Ridge Church and has served the body as Administrative Assistant for several years.  Throughout the years she has taken on the role of leading our audio/visual team.  Tricia is responsible for multiple  behind-the-scenes tasks that keep Blue Ridge running smoothly.  She is a very involved aunt in the lives of her numerous nieces and nephews whom she adores.