About Us
VISION
Garner Evangelical Free Church is a God Glorifying, Disciple-making, Grace-oriented, United fellowship that seeks to serve others as the body of Christ
MISSION
Knowing and Showing God's Love - John 3:16
MEET OUR STAFF
Lead Pastor
Cleveland "Clevey" Ragsdale
Pastor Clevey is married to Heidi and together they have four children (Josie, Savannah, Trey, and Jameson). Clevey is originally from Southeast Georgia where his parents and 3 sisters with their families still reside and Heidi is a native of Hull, IA. He spent 5 years in Wake Forest, NC acquiring his undergrad and seminary degrees at Southeastern Seminary. Formerly, he served at New Hope Church of Orange City, IA for 9 years in youth ministry. He enjoys sports, DIY projects with his wife, cooking tasty meals, and spending time with people and his family. Clevey and Heidi are excited and grateful to God and GEFC for the opportunity to serve as senior pastor in the Garner area. They trust God will bear fruit for His kingdom through the local church. His go-to verse for daily discipleship is Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths."
Email: pastor@garnerefreechurch.org
Pastor of Youth and Family
Jesse Thompson
Jesse Thompson grew up in a small town in south/central Nebraska. After high school, he spent 5 years in Omaha and Kansas City. Jesse graduated from Calvary University in Kansas City with a degree in Bible and Youth Ministry. He and his wife Carissa moved to Garner in May of 2021. Jesse enjoys building relationships with students and pointing them toward Jesus. His hobbies range from hunting and fishing to disc golf and coffee shops.
Office Manager
Brooke Banse
Brooke Banse is the Office Manager of GEFC. Her family includes her husband Josh and her son Kadyn. Brooke enjoys going to sporting events, spending time with family and friends, and helping out with activities at the church and in the community. Brooke has been part of the GEFC family since 2011. She has served on the Christian Education board in the past, and currently serves on the Women's Ministry board. As Office Manager, she helps with communication and provides office support for the pastors, elders and other ministries. She says "It's a joy to serve the church!"
Elders
Todd Dewaard
Nathan Dykstra
Clevey Ragsdale
Jesse Thompson
Ministry Leads