James Zik
Lead Pastor
james@beachroadchurch.com
Pastor James has served churches in Kentucky, Texas, and now North Carolina in various capacities. He holds degrees from Southwestern and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminaries as well as the University of Kentucky. He is married to Ashley and has two sons, Justin and Jordan. When he is not at the church equipping disciple makers and working on sermon preparation, you can find him cheering on the Tennessee Vols (doesn't matter the sport), reading a book on U.S. history, listening to country music, or figuring out where to travel next. Pastor James loves that Beach Road is rooted in the Word and pursues biblical community.
Chris Cocker
Next Steps Pastor
chris@beachroadchurch.com
Pastor Chris grew up in Dallas, NC, and moved to Brunswick County in 2012. He is married to his beautiful wife, Jessica, and they have four children. Prior to joining the Beach Road staff, Chris had more than 15 years with the NC Department of Transportation, but looks forward to serving full-time in the ministry. When Chris is not at church, you’ll find him playing with his children, enjoying family, and passionately rooting on his NC State Wolfpack. Pastor Chris loves Beach Road and the focus on pouring into families and walking alongside them in biblical truth and discipleship.
Chris Mintz
Administrative Pastor
mintz@beachroadchurch.com
Pastor Chris relocated to Southport in 2024 after growing up in Gastonia, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UNC Greensboro in 1992. He has been married to his beautiful wife Fairbee for 32 years, and they have a son Avery and a daughter Abbey. Chris served his country in the United States Navy and has over 24 years of corporate retail experience. Before moving to Southport, Chris served in multiple pastoral positions at his former church for 11 years; such as church administration and student ministry. Pastor Chris enjoys time with his family, surf fishing, backpacking in the mountains, traveling with Fairbee and reading books about U.S. history.
Jimmie Perryman
Pastoral Care and Senior Adults Pastor
jimmie@beachroadchurch.com
Pastor Jimmie served his country in the U.S. Army for twenty-two years and the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security as a defense contractor for ten years. Pastor Jimmie graduated from Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014 with a master's degree in theological studies and a doctorate of ministry in 2024. He has been married to his incredible wife, Sandy, for fifty-seven years. They have three sons, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Jimmie enjoys playing golf or just sitting quietly with a good book. Pastor Jimmie loves the people of Beach Road Church. He especially loves the way they love and care for each other.
Woody Walls
Equipping and Sending Pastor
woody@beachroadchurch.com
Pastor Woody graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from UNC Wilmington in 1993 and holds a Master of Divinity in Preaching and Pastoral Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to his wonderful bride, Criss, and has four children. Woody formerly had a 30+ year career in the hospitality industry, but is excited to be serving in full-time ministry. Woody is an avid Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan and enjoys watching college football and basketball. Pastor Woody's favorite thing about Beach Road is that it is a family where the truth of the Gospel is central, discipleship is a focus, and the world is engaged.
Blake McFarland
Family Pastor
blake@beachroadchurch.com
Blake has served family, youth, and children’s ministries for over a decade. This experience has shown him that culture seeks to pull families in various directions—His impassioned response
has been to align church efforts to strategically impact the home. Blake is married to Nichole and they are raising two boys to love Jesus and live on mission. Blake is graduate of App State, Liberty University, and completed his doctoral work at SEBTS in May 2023. When not at the church, Blake enjoys playing ball with the boys, dating his wife, deep conversation with friends, working out, jiu-jitsu, and grilling out.
has been to align church efforts to strategically impact the home. Blake is married to Nichole and they are raising two boys to love Jesus and live on mission. Blake is graduate of App State, Liberty University, and completed his doctoral work at SEBTS in May 2023. When not at the church, Blake enjoys playing ball with the boys, dating his wife, deep conversation with friends, working out, jiu-jitsu, and grilling out.
Tyler Davis
William Bowers
Janet Sopko
Assistant Family Minister
Student Minister
brKIDS Coordinator
tyler@beachroadchurch.com
william@beachroadchurch.com
janet@beachroadchurch.com
Tyler grew up in Jacksonville, NC, and moved to Brunswick County in 2016. He is married to his amazing wife, Sarah, and together they have two little girls. Before joining the Beach Road staff, Tyler served in the fire service beginning in 2011, where he developed a deep passion for teamwork, service, and leadership—values he now carries into ministry. When he’s not at the church, Tyler enjoys outdoor adventures with his family and a little friendly competition. Tyler is passionate about helping families grow in their faith and walk confidently in God’s Word together.
William grew up in Lexington, NC, and attended Judson College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity. He is looking forward to completing his Master of Theology at SEBTS in the coming months. William is married to his high school sweetheart, Hannah, and they have one son, Samuel. When he’s is not at church, he is can to be found hanging out with his wife and son, being with friends, playing disc golf, and watching football.
Janet was born and raised in northeastern Ohio and moved to North Carolina in 2005. She and her husband, Bill, relocated to the Southport area in 2021. Janet was baptized on Father’s Day of 2022 here at Beach Road Church and has been joyfully serving in the children’s ministry since May of that year. Her passion for helping children grow in their faith has been a lifelong calling. She previously served faithfully in children’s ministry for seven years while living in Ohio. When she’s not at church, Janet enjoys spending time with her husband and visiting with friends—but most likely, you’ll find her at the beach.
Carter Pack
Tech Director
carter@beachroadchurch.com
Carter grew up in the Raleigh, NC, area but spent many summers at Fort Caswell on Oak Island, where he encountered Christ in a deeper way and later met his new wife, Allison. His lifelong connection to Caswell eventually led him to Beach Road, where he now serves in developing the technical and creative aspects of Sunday worship. Carter is passionate about using technology to create spaces where distractions fade and God’s voice is amplified. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry through Judson College at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. When he’s not working production at church, you can find Carter at Fort Caswell or backpacking with his friends in the mountains.
Mary Nichols
London Schmidt
Financial Data Specialist
Graphic Designer
mary@beachroadchurch.com
london@beachroadchurch.com
Mary Nichols is native to the Southport area and has served the church since 2017 as Financial Data Specialist. Along with her husband, Tait, and children, Mary has faithfully attended Beach Road Baptist Church since 2013 and has personally witnessed God's faithfulness in both her life and the church. When she is not working you can find her spending time with her family and supporting her children's interests. Mary loves the people of Beach Road, the interactions she has with our members, and how they show their hearts for Jesus and for each other.
London Schmidt was raised in Eastern NC, graduated from UNC Wilmington, and now lives in Brunswick County with her family. Upon graduation, London expanded her expertise with a company that allowed her to explore her creativity through photography, graphics, and advertising. She loves clever marketing and well-planned events. The Schmidt family loves being on the water and spends a lot of their free time fishing together. They have attended Beach Road since 2017 and are grateful for the warm, God-centered, and family atmosphere the church provides.