OUR STAFF

Rev. Alex D. Henderson

Senior Pastor

As the Senior Pastor, Alex is the primary leader of Chestnut Ridge. Alex not only administrates the church, but tirelessly pastors the congregation and preaches the Word of God. 

Pastor Alex came to Chestnut Ridge in July, 2013.  A native of Laurens, Alex holds a degree in Pastoral Theology from Bob Jones University.  Pastor Alex served in a variety of ministry areas including, Music Minister, Student Minister, Education Minister and Associate Pastor before pastoring his first church beginning in 2005.  Alex is married to the former Melissa Pitts of Laurens.  Melissa is the Director of Choral Activities at Belton-Honea Path High School in Anderson District 2.  

They have two children: Lucas and Sara Beth.

When Alex is not at the church, he spends his time farming, grilling, and hiking. Alex is known to dance in public if the right song is playing.

Dr. Don McCutcheon

East Campus Pastor

As the East Campus Pastor, Don serves and shepherds our EC families and oversees the everyday activities and ministry. 

Dr. McCutcheon has been a part of Chestnut Ridge for quite some time, but has recently come on staff in 2023. He holds degrees from Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute, Gardner-Webb College, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Don has served churches South Carolina, Indiana, and Florida and has served at the State Convention level in North Carolina and Florida. He is the President and Founder of Don McCutcheon Ministries.

Don is married to Debbie. In his free time he enjoys playing guitar, fishing, physical fitness, watching Clemson football, and traveling with his precious wife!

Rev. Brett Davis

Student Minister

As the Student Minister, Brett oversees and teaches our Middle School, High School, and College Ministries. Brett develops annual curriculum and programing to help move students forward in their relationship with Christ.

Brett began serving Chestnut Ridge in January, 2021. Brett grew up in Laurens County and has served in ministry across the county. Brett holds a degree in Biblical Studies and Apologetics. Brett has served churches as a Student Minister, Worship Leader, and Pastor.

Brett is married to Lisa Davis and they have 4 daughters: Becca, Peyton, Lyla, and Emily. Brett is a lifelong Gamecock fan and spends his time off doing whatever the ladies of the house tell him.

Mrs. Michelle Penland

Children's Minister

As the Children's Minister, Michelle oversees and teaches our Nursery, Preschool, Elementary, and FLYTE 6 ministries. Michelle plans and executes the many children's events each year.

Michelle joined the Chestnut Ridge team in the fall of 2012. Michelle is a Native of Laurens and has served the county on many levels. Michelle received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Lander University and a  Masters Degree in Education from Converse College. Before serving as a Children's Minister, she taught 1st grade at Eastside Elementary in Clinton, SC and was a  stay-at-home mom for 9 years. Michelle volunteered in various children's ministry areas prior to serving on staff including Awana, Nursery volunteer, Kids for Christ leader, Children's Church volunteer.

Michelle married her college sweetheart, Jody Penland. They have two sons: Caleb and Luke. Michelle loves the beach and playing Christian music really loudly.

Mr. Jon Michael Brock

Music Minister

As the Music Minister, Jon Michael leads our congregation in worship to God weekly. He oversees each of the areas of music ministry and can be found leading the adult choir and praise team or helping teach our children about music.

Jon Michael is also a 2003 graduate (Magna Cum Laude) of Anderson College where he majored in Music Education , and a 2008 graduate of Capella University, where he received a Masters of Science with a Specialization in Educational Leadership. Jon Michael has worked as Director of Bands at Belton Middle School, the Assistant Director of Bands at Belton-Honea Path High School, Director of Bands at Honea Path Middle School, and as Director of Bands at Belton-Honea Path High School. He is in his 3rd decade of serving churches as a Minister of Music.

Jon Michael loves to read and is rumored to have carried a briefcase to elementary school instead of a book bag.

Rev. Mario Cotoc

Hispanic Minister

As the Hispanic Minister, Mario is responsible for leading our Hispanic Congregation. He does this through preaching, discipling, and evangelizing.

Mario joined our team in January, 2021. Prior to this position, Mario was involved in the Hispanic Ministry in Laurens for a decade.

Mario has a passion for the lost and can regularly be found walking the streets of Laurens, looking for someone to share with. Mario is a native Guatemalan.

Currently, he is studying at PTC. Mario and his wife Marie have two daughters: Lillie and Abigail (Abbie). Marie is an ESOL teacher at Ford Elementary and assists Mario in the ministry with her musical talents among other things.

Mario appears calm and kind but should not be overlooked on a soccer field.

Mrs. Sarah Willis

Ministry Assistant

As the Ministry Assistant, Sarah facilitates the regular operation of the Church office. Sarah is responsible for communication and other administrative tasks within the church. 

Sarah has been working at Chestnut Ridge since March 2015. Sarah grew up in Laurens and Chestnut Ridge. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Religion from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. She also holds a Masters of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary. Sarah has served as a Hospital Chaplain at Greenville Memorial Hospital, Chaplain at Apache Campground in Myrtle Beach, and Executive Director of Myrtle Beach Campground Ministries.

In 2013 Sarah and her son Douglas returned to Laurens. She remains active in our GriefShare and DivorceCare ministries. Sarah married Michael Willis in March, 2020. Sarah has an obsession with sweet tea and is rarely seen without some.

Ms. Susan Putnam

Pastoral Assistant

As the Pastoral Assistant, Susan maintains scheduling within the office and assists the ministry staff in the execution of their work.

Susan has been a member of Chestnut Ridge since 1982. She has served the church in many areas including as the Music Minister from 1982-1998. Susan earned a Degree in Secondary Education and is certified in Montessori Education. She worked as a teacher at Laurens Middle School for 32 years.

Susan has 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Susan remains active in our music ministry serving on the praise team, choir, handbell choir, and teaching the preschool choir. When Susan isn't at church, she enjoys baking and singing in public places. Susan is affectionately known as the dictator of the choir.

Ms. Joyce Madden

Financial Assistant

As the Financial Assistant, Joyce is responsible for keeping record of contributions and the financial record. 

Joyce Madden came to Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church in June, 2014. Joyce holds a degree in Business Management from Limestone Univerisity. She retired from Laurens Electric Cooperative after 32 years as Director of Accounting. She lives in Hickory Tavern and has two sons: Joey Madden (Michelle) of Ware Shoals, SC and Jay Madden (Caroline) of Conway, SC. She has three grandchildren: Owen Madden, Hollyn Madden, Chealey Madden and a step-grandchild, Samuel Fallaw.

Ms. Joyce is the model of a southern lady and loves milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and all chocolate.

Mrs. Melissa Thomason

Church Hostess

As the Church Hostess, Melissa is responsible for planning and facilitating church-wide and ministry specific meals.

Melissa began working at Chestnut Ridge in 2017. She is retired from SCDOT where she worked for 29 years. Melissa serves with a great heart to help everyone at Chestnut Ridge. She enjoys traveling with several groups in the church to provide meals for them during mission trips and retreats. Melissa is married to Tom Thomason. They have been married for over two decades and together for three. They have two children, Ben and Bailey.

Melissa spends her spare time scrapbooking, napping and cooking. During the pandemic, she was able to fulfill her dream of publishing her own cookbook.