Meet Our Elders
At Desiring God Community Church, our elders serve with humility, prayer, and a shared commitment to shepherding the church family. Get to know the men who lead, guide, and care for our community in Christ.
I'John Gatewood
I'John is the grateful husband to Bria and father of 3 energetic children. He was born and raised in Charlotte North Carolina where his faith was shaped by his loving mother and many experiences with home churches. He is an alumnus of Clemson University and has spent time living and studying economics in China. I'John enjoys traveling with his wife, reading, teaching economics, and finding "DIY" projects to tackle in his free time. Service to the local church has shown him the faithfulness that God is revealing to all nations..
Wil Hester
Wil is a follower of Jesus Christ, the husband of Katie, and the father of two boys. He is a son to two wonderful parents and thankful for four grandparents who loved Jesus and stayed the course through the trials of life. He is an alumnus of NC State and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Charlotte. He enjoys biking with his boys, hiking with family and friends, and reading and listening to great books. He and Katie have been supremely blessed to see glimpses of God moving through His people on four different continents. He is grateful to serve Christ’s body locally at Desiring God where we dependently work towards all peoples knowing and delighting in Jesus.
Coty Pinckney
After 20 years analyzing the economics of food and rural development in poor countries, God called Coty into full-time ministry. He then taught in a seminary in Cameroon, and subsequently planted DGCC, where he is delighted to continue to serve as a pastor. Coty has trained pastors and church planters in multiple countries, including India, Indonesia, and Bolivia. Once a serious runner, he now bicycles thousands of miles a year, recently riding the Blue Ridge Parkway in its entirety. Coty and Beth have been married for 44 years and much enjoy their six children and nine grandchildren.
Jacob Smith
Jacob is the happy husband of Amy and fortunate father of two beautiful girls and one son, who has gone on to be with the Lord. Jacob earned his Masters of Divinity from Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis, MN. He is humbled and delighted to serve as a pastor at DGCC. Jacob and Amy love music of all varieties, trying new foods, leisurely walks, being in nature, road trips, and good works of fiction.