Leadership
our ELDERS:
The elders at Friendly Avenue serve as the spiritual guardians of our congregation, committed to ensuring we remain one church—united in fellowship, doctrine, and our mission to make Christ-centered disciples. They lead by example, modeling what it means to be lifelong followers of Jesus who:
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Love: They prioritize heartfelt worship and provide a prayerful, spiritual covering for every member of our community.
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Learn: They protect the health of our teaching, ensuring we are all equipped to grow as disciples.
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Live: They shepherd our church family, helping us live out Christ’s mission at home, with the church, and beyond.
Connect with our Elders: Our leadership is here to serve you. The elders meet the first two Monday nights of the month at 6:30 PM, and the first half-hour is always open to our members. To schedule a time to share or seek guidance, please contact the church office or this month’s communication elder.
our staff:
Our staff team is dedicated to the daily work of the ministry at Friendly Avenue. Following the example of Christ, they work together with our elders, deacons, and ministry leaders to carry out our disciple making mission. Working together, they support our members, help organize our ministries, and ensure our church is healthy as they steward our resources and care for the needs of our growing church family.
Dr. Jason Noble
Preaching Minister
Jason Noble is the Preaching Minister at Friendly Avenue. In addition to preaching and teaching, Jason works closely with the elders, staff and other church leaders to help carry out Friendly’s mission to become a transformed people as we worship God, study His word and serve church and our community. Jason is married to Dr. Erica Noble and, together, they have four children. Erica and Jason consider themselves partners in life, family and ministry. They have served churches in Texas and North Carolina since 1999. Jason joined the Friendly Avenue staff in 2006 B.A. Christian Ministry from Abilene Christian University, 1999 Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry, Abilene Christian University, 2001 Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching and Church Leadership, Carolina Graduate School of Divinity, 2016
Bryan Brown
Family Life Minister
Bryan is the Family Life Minister. As the Family Life Minister, Bryan focuses on serving, supporting, and equipping families while working in partnership with our children’s youth and college ministries. He also serves as leader of the small group ministry. In addition to the work mentioned above, Bryan, on occasion, preaches on Sunday mornings and teaches our adult classes. Bryan is married to his lovely wife, Sheri Brown and they have two wonderful sons. Started attending Friendly in 1996 Joined the Friendly staff in 2004 B.A. in Graphic Design, University of South Carolina in 1995 Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Harding School of Theology in 2018
Willie Costa
Spanish Language Minister
Willie is our Hispanic Minister. He coordinates our church’s efforts to reach out into the Spanish- language community in Guilford County. In addition to his outreach efforts, Willie also preaches for the weekly Spanish-language service, and he works to build community among the Hispanic group at Friendly. Willie grew up in Uruguay, South America, and moved to the United States in 1987. Joined the Friendly staff in 2002 B.A. in Bible and Missions, Abilene Christian University Helped start the Hispanic ministry in Forsyth County
Landon Gardner
Youth and Children's Minister
Landon is our Youth and Children’s Minister. He is the lead teacher and coordinator for our youth program for teens, grades 6th-12th grade. He seeks to exemplify the character of the Lord Jesus to our teens and desires to see them grow into full maturity as disciples of Christ. In addition to this role, he occasionally preaches in both the English and Spanish-language services. He is married to his lovely wife and partner in ministry, Hannah Gardner. Landon joined the Friendly staff in 2024 Speaks both English and Spanish B.A. Bible and Family Ministry from Harding University, 2024
Elizabeth Gonzalez
Custodian
Elizabeth is an integral part of our staff and leads custodial services at Friendly, ensuring our building remains clean, warm and inviting. Elizabeth joined the Friendly staff in 2026.
Nicole Spickard
Secretary
She answers the phone, helps with the food pantry, and takes care of numerous administrative tasks. She is the person who can help you find what you are looking for, answer your questions or get what you need printed. Nicole also makes sure our website is up to date, maintains our Facebook pages. Nicole met her husband Jeff at FACC and their kids are a part of the youth group. To say Nicole loves this church family is an understatement.
OUR Deacons and Ministry Leaders:
Our church leadership is built on a foundation of service and a shared commitment to the spiritual health of our community. Behind every ministry is a team of dedicated Deacons and Ministry Leaders who work tirelessly to meet the practical needs of our church family and lead our mission forward with integrity. These men and women are the hands and feet of our church, stewarding their Spiritual gifts to ensure that every person who walks through our doors is cared for and equipped to grow. Click here to meet all our deacons and ministry leaders.