Our Team
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
Ansley Ledbetter is from Roswell, Georgia and has recently moved to Franklin, Tennessee after getting married in June. She has a love for storytelling and is passionate about telling people’s stories and advocating for others. After hearing about Barnabas Vision and their mission to help others, she knew that this was the place she would love to intern. Ansley is excited to work with Barnabas Vision and to help serve the community. In her free time she enjoys writing fiction, reading, baking, and traveling. She and her husband attend Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood and are looking forward to building their roots in the Middle Tennessee area.
Chrisln Ledbetter
Development Director and Donor Engagement
Chrisln Ledbetter grew up here in Murfreesboro and married her husband, Will, in September 2023. Chrisln has worked in the nonprofit sector since she graduated from Baylor University in 2022, where she studied ministry.Her goal is to show others the love of Jesus and help each person in her community feel cared for – she knew Barnabas Vision would be the perfect place to accomplish this. In her free time, she enjoys baking, Garage Barre classes, reading, and activities with her church, First Baptist Nashville.
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
Melissa has been a stay at home mom for the last 24 years and has recently entered the empty nest phase of life. She has a love for her community and is excited to be a part of the team at The Barnabas Vision. She loves their vision to encourage like Barnabas and to love like Jesus. She and her husband David have been in youth ministry for 28 years, 23 of which at the North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro. David and Melissa have 4 adult children: Daisy and Elijah Montgomery, Anna Belle and Lila Mae. They also have one granddaughter, Mary Mae Montgomery.
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.
Our Board of Directors
David Coggin – President
Teb Batey – Vice President
Wade Parmer – Treasurer
Adam Coggin – Secretary
Jason Burgess
Joanne Coggin
Hillary Hodges
Josh McCreary
Dr. Russell McKissick
Matt Tiller
Anthony Walker
Eric Parks
Join our mission. Volunteer, Donate, Advocate. Get Started Today.
Email: david@thebarnabasvision.org
Call Anytime: (615) 556-5134