Meet Our Family

Pastor

Timothy Fortune

I grew up in the mountains of NC about an hour from here. My wife Michelle might tell you stories about me leaping over cars in church parking lots, but that was a long time ago... You are much more likely to hear me hiking into the Linville Gorge these days.

I love Jesus big, sing praises loud (ok...off-key) and try desperately to be a morning person (not doing so well on that). My biggest vice is chocolate so if you give me some, don't ruin it with caramel, raspberry or gross fillings. You can't improve on perfection.

pastortimothycbc@gmail.com | Tel: 828-448-0032

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Worship Leader

Darrien "Chili" Thorstad

Chili began leading worship at CBC in May of 2022 and he brings an extensive level of knowledge, experience and expertise to the

Sunday and Wednesday praise and worship.

columbusbaptistc@gmail.com | Tel: 828-894-8588

Michelle Fortune

Like my hubby Timothy, I grew up nearby. He and I were middle school sweethearts till he broke my heart. He figured it out later and now we are inseparable. I love to swim and splash around in rivers and creeks. You are likely to see evidence of our 4 dogs in my car or on my clothes as there are never enough lint brushes to keep up. I have food allergies so it has made me a bit of a Julia Childs wannabe. My favorite getaway is a trip to Disney World where you will see me run to get in line for a Dole Whip! Pineapple rocks!

columbusbaptistc@gmail.com | Tel: 828-448-0032

Deacon Chairman

Jeremy Wood

Jeremy and his wife, Donna, have 7 children and 10 grandchildren. Jeremy is owner/Broker/Realtor at SC/NC Realty in Tryon.

Jeremy and Donna began foster parenting 4 years ago for Polk County DSS.

Jeremy is a Chaplain at the Polk County Jail and is heavily involved with Kairos prison ministry.

His favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11.

columbusbaptistc@gmail.com Tel: 828 894-8588

Deacon

Gary Bay

Gary was led to the Lord by Campus Crusade for Christ while at UNC-A in 1973. He has been blessed to have retired from 2 careers. First from the U.S. Air Force in 1995 and then from Internal Auditing and Information Technology careers while with Buncombe County Government in 2014.

He and Becky have 2 adult children. A daughter in Forest City and a son in Raleigh. They moved to Polk County in July of 2020. Gary is a member of the Praise & Worship Team along with his wife, Becky.

He is currently employed by Henderson County Public Schools as a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant where he states, “This is my retired fun job!”

His favorite Bible passage is Psalm 139.

columbusbaptistc@gmail.com Tel:828 894-8588

Deacon

Earl McDonald

Earl is married to Sarah and is the father of four girls--Kaylee, Ryleigh, Kassidy and Everly.

He is originally from eastern NC and moved to Polk County in 2020. He has been in Horticulture Sales many years and has covered areas from NY to FL, but is glad to settle in small town Columbus.

Earl wears many hats at CBC, a large one being Sound Director. He and Sarah are animal lovers, and his favorite scripture is John 16:33. "These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world".