David and Maria Coggin Founders

In 2011, David and Maria Coggin were inspired to encourage their community. They saw people suffering from crushing emotional and spiritual discouragement. Supported by friends and family, they formed Barnabas Vision, a non-profit ministry with the goal to love like Jesus and encourage like Barnabas by building relationships and meeting the needs of their community.

But everyone’s needs are unique. They sought to address issues falling through the cracks. A distinctive version took shape to establish financial, emotional, and spiritual support programs and services, individually tailored to each person who walks through our door. 

David Coggin Executive Director and Community Minister

David Coggin is from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He graduated from Lipscomb University in 1991 with a B.A. in Business Organization and Communication. David received his Masters in Ministry in 2009 from DLU. For over 12 years he served as an evangelist in Scotland and England. Upon returning to the United States, he served as the Outreach Minister for North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro from 2009-2011. David became the Executive Director of the Barnabas Vision as well as Community Minister in 2011. He is also a graduate of Leadership Rutherford and a member of the Murfreesboro Noon Rotary. David serves on the Board of Barnabas Vision, and Rutherford County Support Foundation. He has previously served on Journey Home, and the European Christian Workshop. David is married to Maria, who is from Chester-le-street, England. They have two sons, Carl and Benjamin. David and his family worship at North Boulevard Church of Christ where he serves as a deacon. Both he and Maria regularly teach Bible classes.

Elisabeth Gay Executive Assistant

Elisabeth Gay is a Montessori educator and consultant, who has taught elementary, preschool, and middle school throughout three decades in multiple states across the southeast. She is a former legal assistant and writes educational articles and curriculum for schools, churches, and local news outlets. She is married to Arthur J. Gay III, with three teen and adult aged children. She is originally from Charleston, SC and received her BA from Wofford College as a German and French double major, and her dual Montessori education certification from the NCCMTE (North Carolina Center for Montessori Certification). She has travelled and lived in multiple countries, including study abroad stints in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, and mission work in Ukraine and Honduras. Her hobbies include reading, writing fiction and nonfiction, cooking, gardening, quilting, and travel.

Taylor Grubbs Ministry Assistant 

Taylor Grubbs received her B.A. in Psychology from Lipscomb University. She is currently working on her Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University Online. Her goal is to become a Christian counselor and work with couples and families. Taylor has lived most of her life in Christiana, Tennessee and goes to The Experience Community Church. Taylor is passionate about traveling and experiencing different cultures. She wants to visit as many new places as possible.

Ansley Ledbetter Community Engagement and Administration Intern 

Pat Rowland Support Staff 

Pat Rowland retired from Shelby County Schools after 36 years and relocated in Murfreesboro to enjoy children and grandchildren.  She has always been an advocate for children and the underserved so working with a nonprofit such as the Barnabas Vision and, prior to that at Greenhouse Ministries, was a natural fit.  She has been married to Sammy for 54 years. Her family consists of a daughter Cristy, (Zach, Matthew, Emma) and her son Marty,( Erin and Ella Rose). She attends Belle Aire Baptist Church.

Melissa Skidmore Case Worker

Julie Young Social Work Director / LIFE Client Program Director 

Julie is an MSSW and has been a social worker for over 30 years. She had worked in many children’s advocacy roles including special needs adoptions. In recent years she has worked as an advocate for the homeless and those struggling in poverty. She in on the board of Neema House, a family ministry program and orphanage in Geita, Tanzania. Her favorite vacation spot is Neema House – holding the babies. She and her husband David have been in ministry for 37 years, 25 of which at the North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro. Julie is passionate about prayer and praying with others. David and Julie have 4 adult children: Rachel and Dalton Braziel and Jonathan and Makenzie Young.

David Coggin President 

David Coggin is from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He graduated from Lipscomb University in 1991 with a B.A. in Business Organization and Communication. David received his Masters in Ministry in 2009 from DLU. For over 12 years he served as an evangelist in Scotland and England. Upon returning to the United States, he served as the Outreach Minister for North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro from 2009-2011. David became the Executive Director of the Barnabas Vision as well as Community Minister in 2011. He is also a graduate of Leadership Rutherford and a member of the Murfreesboro Noon Rotary. David serves on the Board of Barnabas Vision, Journey Home, and the European Christian Workshop. David is married to Maria, who is from Chester-le-street, England. They have two sons, Carl and Benjamin. David and his family worship at North Boulevard Church of Christ where he serves as a deacon. Both he and Maria regularly teach Bible classes.

Teb Batey Vice President

Teb serves as Rutherford County Trustee.  Prior to his election in 2006, he worked with his family business, Batey’s Office Supply and Photo Equipment. He has served as minister of the Milton Church of Christ for nearly 30 years. Teb, and his wife Kari, live on their family farm with their 3 children, Houston, Kate, and Taylor.

Wade Parmer Treasurer

Wade’s passion is people and creating environments where people can be their best. Wade brings over 2 decades of corporate and professional experience to the Barnabas Vision team. He is currently the Senior Director of Global Sales Operations for ServiceSource, and he previously held several leadership roles with Dell Technologies over a 17 year stretch. Wade also leads a career consulting practice focused on helping pre-career young people find careers with purpose. Wade and Carie have been married for 21 years. Their children are Jack (17) and Ella Grace (15). Both are students at Oakland High School. Jack is a runner and Ella Grace is a dancer, both are amazing. Wade and his family are active members of North Boulevard Church of Christ. His family loves travel, sports and movies. Wade is also an avid cyclist.

Adam Coggin Secretary

Adam Coggin graduated from Middle Tennessee Christian School in 1995 and from Lipscomb University in 1998. Adam is currently the Vice President of Advancement at MTCS.  He previously worked as Director of AdamsPlace Residential Living, which is an NHC affiliated property, and as Director of Development, Campus Minister, Trap Coach, Tennis Coach, Golf Coach, and an Assistant Jr. High Basketball Coach at Middle Tennessee Christian School. He was elected for his first term on the county commission in 2006 and again in 2010. While on the county commission, he served on the Steering, Legislative and Governmental Committee as Chairman, the Property Management Committee, the Ethics Committee, the Insurance Committee, and also served two years as the County Commission Chaplain. Adam has been involved in numerous campaigns on the local, state, and federal levels. Serving in many different capacities from knocking on doors, making phone calls, and serving as campaign treasurer. He has been a member of the local Rutherford County GOP for many years and most recently served as the party’s Treasurer until being appointed to the Republican Party State Executive Committee. Adam actively serves, or has served, on multiple community organization boards and committees including Murfreesboro Noon Rotary Club, Nashville Healthcare Council, Leadership Healthcare Council, Leadership Rutherford, Leadership Rutherford Executive Board, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Blue Raider Athletic Association Board, National Rifle Association, Barnabas Vision, Read to Succeed Executive Board, Project Help Advisory Council, and Rutherford County Family YMCA Board. He is married to Holly Coggin, and they have a son, Slater, and a daughter, McCall.

Jason Burgess 

Jason serves as CEO of Digimod.io, a company providing technology solutions to businesses and nonprofit organizations across the United States. He has over 25 years of experience in business management and process automation. Jason has been married to his wife Jennifer for thirty years. They have two children, Reed (23) and Jack (11). When not working, Jason and his family are involved in golf, tennis, pickleball and hiking. They live in Phoenix, AZ and attend Christ Church – Gilbert.

Joanne Coggin

Joanne Coggin born and raised in Murfresboro, TN. A graduate of central high school in 1969. She received a BS from David Lipscomb University in 1973. Married to Gerald Coggin and have 3 sons , David, Jr., Robert and Adam.  Joanne is a member of North Boulevard Church of Christ. She has previously served on read to succeed board and currently serves on board of Barnabas Vision and the Rutherford Community Foundation.

Hillary Hodges

Josh McCreary

Josh is the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of National HealthCare Corporation (NYSE American:  NHC).  He served in the past as the County Attorney for Rutherford County, Tennessee.  Josh practiced law for 20 years at Hudson, Reed, & McCreary, PLLC. Josh has been married to his wife, Staci, since 1996.  They have three children:  Adam, Cate and Lizy.  He has been a part of Barnabas Vision since the very beginning!

Dr. Russell McKissick

Russell graduated magna cum laude from Lipscomb University in Nashville with a Bachelors of Science in Biology.  He joined TOA after completing his fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine and joint replacement in San Antonio, Texas, in 2007.  He also serves as a team physician for MTSU and Rutherford County Schools. Russell currently lives in Murfreesboro with his wife, Stephanie, and his three sons and one daughter.  He enjoys water and snow skiing, spending time with his family and participating in church activities.  He and his family attend North Boulevard Church of Christ. Russell and his family have been involved with the Barnabas Vision since the beginning.  He states that he joined the Barnabas Vision board because of his desire to help those with spiritual and physical needs in Rutherford County.

Cliff Sharp

Cliff and Jane Sharp met while attending Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and were married in 1961. Cliff returned to Harding in 1964 to teach in the Science Department and coach Football and Track. After teaching for 28 years and raising 3 daughters, Cindy, Candace, and Christy, Cliff and Jane moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 1988 and began serving as director of the Crisis Pregnancy Support Center in 1990. After nearly 9 years at the Pregnancy Center, Cliff served as associate minister for Belmont Church and they started Greenhouse Ministries in 1999. Greenhouse Ministries is a faith based helps organization that has two main goals. The first is to help meet not only the physical needs of the underserved but also the educational and spiritual needs. Its second goal is to be a venue for volunteers to use their talents to serve their community. Our desire is to look for needs in the community and strive to fill or refer these needs. Their three daughters, families, seven grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren all live in Rutherford County. Cliff and Jane serve on several boards, counsels, and task forces in the community. They attend Christian Life Church in Murfreesboro Tn. Cliff has received awards and recognitions in Education, Athletics, Social Work, and Community Service.

Matt Tiller

Before accepting his current role as President at Middle Tennessee Christian School, Matt spent 2.5 years as the Interim President, Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at Middle Tennessee Christian School. Prior to coming to MTCS, Matt spent 17 years providing leadership to the Human Resources function at Lipscomb University.  He started at Lipscomb in a Human Resources Generalist role in August of 1996 about one year after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Harding University.  In 1999, Matt had the opportunity to assume leadership of the Human Resources area as the Director. By time of his departure, Matt’s role at Lipscomb had expanded to include oversight of a variety of operational areas as an Associate Vice President. During his time at Lipscomb, Matt received an MBA from Lipscomb University and was recognized as the Student of the Year finishing with a 4.0 GPA. Matt has been married to his wife Paula for twenty-three years.  They have two children, Grant and Gracie.  Grant is a Junior at MTCS and Gracie is in the 8th grade.

Anthony Walker

Anthony has been preaching the gospel for over 20 years.  He has been actively involved in the church as a song leader, youth worker, preacher, and any other role God calls him.  He is a mentee of Dr. Charles Beaman and assisted him at 40th Avenue Church of Christ for 5 years. While at 40th Avenue he served as an associate minister, bible school teacher, song leader, and youth worker.  He is currently the full time minister of the Highway 231 Church of Christ in Murfreesboro, TN where he has labored there for the past 13 years.  During his tenure there, Hwy 231 has grown tremendously in membership and in service.  He is a sought after speaker for gospel meetings, workshops, and lectureships.  He and his wife, Jenny, recently celebrated 11 years of marriage.  They are the proud parents of 2 young children; a song, Remington, and a daughter, Reign.  Brother walker delivers the Word in a simple, powerful, thought provoking manner that causes us to examine our soul salvation.

Eric Parks