About Us

Liberty Community Church at Stokes Ferry, located at 3940 Liberty Road in Gold Hill, North Carolina, has a rich history rooted in the early 19th century.

Originally established in 1835 as Liberty Methodist Church, it was formed by members from St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church who sought to create a Methodist congregation in the community. The initial gatherings took place in a log cabin. The current church building was completed in 1929

Over the years, the church, known as Liberty United Methodist Church, served as a spiritual home for many in the Gold Hill area. However, it officially closed its doors as a member of the United Methodist Church on December 1, 2023.

Soon after, it was reopened as Liberty Community Church, a nondenominational establishment. Currently, Pastor Charlie Ashby presides over the Liberty Community Church congregation. Pastor Charlie is faithfully teaching the Bible with clarity and compassion. His messages are rooted in scripture and speak directly to real-life challenges, encouraging and uplifting the congregation each week.

We warmly welcome you to visit and consider making Liberty Community Church your home

Meet Our Pastor

Pastor Charlie Ashby is a devoted leader, both in faith and in service to his community. A long time resident of Rowan County, Pastor Charlie serves as a Lieutenant with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Department, where he works tirelessly to protect and care for the people he calls neighbors.

Originally invited to serve as a visiting pastor during Liberty Community Church’s transition out of the United Methodist denomination, it quickly became clear that Pastor Charlie’s presence was more than temporary—he was called to stay. His deep love for God and the Bible, along with a heart for sharing the Gospel, makes his preaching both passionate and genuine. Pastor Charlie believes that proclaiming God’s Word is a mission placed on his heart by the Lord himself.

When he’s not serving his community or preaching on Sundays, Pastor Charlie cherishes spending time with his son, Noah. They enjoy hunting, fishing, and just being outdoors together. His favorite holiday is Dove Day—a special time when three generations (Pastor Charlie, his dad, and his son) enjoy the great outdoors alongside their loyal bird dog, Goose.

Pastor Charlie’s vision is to see Liberty Community Church grow as a welcoming place for worship and fellowship. Whether you’re new to church or looking for a church home, he invites you to come and be a part of what God is doing at Liberty.

Meet Our Church Council

Eric Eller

President

Eric serves as the President of the Church Council at Liberty Community Church. In this role, he helps lead council meetings, supports communication and organization among council members, and works alongside church leadership to ensure council responsibilities are carried out thoughtfully and effectively. His dedication, reliability, and servant’s heart are a blessing to our church, and we are grateful for the time and commitment he gives in service to Liberty.

Betty Jo Earnhardt

Vice President

Betty Jo serves as the Vice President of the Church Council at Liberty Community Church. In this role, she supports the work of the council by assisting with leadership responsibilities, contributing thoughtfully to discussions, and helping ensure council matters are handled with care and clarity. Her dedication, steady presence, and willingness to serve are a valued part of our council, and we are grateful for the time and commitment she gives to Liberty.

Trent Lowe

Treasurer

Trent serves as our Council Treasurer and leads the Finance Team with integrity and attention to detail. Working closely with the Church Bookkeeper, Trent helps oversee Liberty’s financial resources and ensures that we remain good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. From tracking offerings and coordinating deposits to guiding financial decisions, Trent plays a vital role in keeping our church financially healthy and transparent. His faithful service supports every ministry at Liberty Community Church.

Secretary

Secretary

The role of Council Secretary is currently being fulfilled collaboratively by members of the Church Council. Together, they ensure that meeting records, documentation, and administrative responsibilities are handled with care and consistency, supporting the orderly and effective work of the council and the broader ministry of Liberty Community Church.

Kevin Ashby

Maintenance Team Lead

Kevin serves as our Maintenance Team Lead, helping care for the facilities and grounds of Liberty Community Church with dedication and pride. Through regular upkeep, repairs, and behind-the-scenes work, he helps ensure our church remains a safe, welcoming, and functional space for worship, fellowship, and ministry. With a strong work ethic and a servant’s heart, Kevin’s efforts often go unseen but are essential to keeping Liberty running smoothly, and we are grateful for the care and commitment he brings to this role.

Heather Lowe

Community Outreach Team Lead

Heather wears many hats as our Community Outreach Team Lead—helping Liberty Community Church build meaningful connections throughout Rowan County (and beyond!). She brings heart, creativity, and organization to everything she does, from organizing events and coordinating with local partners to managing the church calendar and keeping our youth group active. Through it all, Heather works tirelessly to ensure Liberty Community Church remains a connected and welcoming part of the community.

Rebecca Pardue

Administrative Operations Team Lead

Rebecca serves as our Administrative Operations Team Lead, bringing organization, clarity, and thoughtful oversight to the work of Liberty Community. She works closely with the Church Council to support church operations, governance, and communication, including leading the annual review of church bylaws, offering guidance on interpretation and compliance, and helping recommend updates. With care, dedication, and a strong attention to detail, Rebecca also oversees internal & external communications, helping ensure information is shared clearly and consistently so our church family remains informed, connected, and well supported.

Holly Long

Preschool Director

Holly serves as our Preschool Team Leader and truly represents the heart of our early childhood ministry on the Church Council. As Preschool Director, she lovingly guides the preschool, bringing valuable insight into how church policies shape this special program. With great care and a nurturing spirit, Holly works tirelessly to create a warm, supportive environment where our youngest learners can grow and thrive. This role is a vital bridge, connecting the preschool with the broader church family and ensuring every child feels part of our community.