Rev. Dr. L. Franklin Fant
  Pastor

 Rev. Larry Bates
 Parish Associate

The Rev. Larry Bates is our Parish Associate for Missions. Larry is a native of Columbia, where he graduated from Dreher High School. He holds a bachelors degree from Wofford College, and a Masters of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary. He has served both as church pastor and as hospital chaplain, most recently serving as Interim Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian in Spartanburg. Larry is a trained and certified Stephens Minister.

In his spare time, Larry enjoys running (he has participated in several marathons and numerous road races), gardening, movies, and crossword puzzles. As a part-time member of the church staff, Larry not only helps lead our missions ministry, but also helps with general pastoral duties.

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Mrs. Betty Anderson
Administrative Assistant

Betty was born and raised in Columbia, SC and has been a longtime, faithful employee and member of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church.  She was hired in March of 1977 and has seen many changes and has contributed immensely to the growth and spiritual life of Seven Oaks.

She is married to John Anderson and she has two children and five grandchildren.  Betty enjoys reading and traveling (when she can and if she could!).

There is a famous saying around here; if you want an answer to something about Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, “ask Betty.”

 Ms. Sarah Allen
Secretary

Sarah was born in North Carolina, but moved with her family to South Carolina in 1986.  She considers herself blessed to have been raised in a Christian home, along with two older brothers.  She attended Winthrop University where she received a degree in Technical Theatre (i.e. designing, building, painting, etc.) in 2004. 

 Sarah loves to read suspenseful books, spend time with loved ones and gorge on yummy home-baked goodies!  She is an active member at Gantt St. Baptist Church in Cayce, SC.

Ms. Sharon Staton
Administrator of Finance

Even though she has a full time job in the banking industry, Sharon has graciously volunteered to be our temporary Administrator of Finance.  Sharon is married to Chris and they have two lovely daughters.  She has been a member of the Seven Oaks family since 1990.

Mrs. Becky Shumpert
Director of Preschool and Children's Ministries

Becky has been a Columbia resident for over 24 years, after having been born and raised in Greenville, SC.  She attended Winthrop University followed by a career teaching elementary and middle schoolers in residential programs.

She has been married to her husband Lynn for over 18 years and they have two children and 1 grandchild.  Becky and her family currently attend a local Methodist church. 

Besides children, she loves reading, entertaining family and friends, shag dancing, gardening and volunteer work.  Mrs. Shumpert began working at Seven Oaks in the Fall of 2006 and we are so thankful to have her, nurturing and teaching our precious children in a wholesome, Christian environment. 

Ms. Gabby Kouchacji
Youth Director

Gabby is a senior marketing and management student at the University of South Carolina. Gabby has been involved with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. for many years, and has grown up in great congregations in her hometown of Charlotte, NC. She will be serving this year as the youth advisor for middle and high school students.

Gabby has been to Reynosa, Mexico on mission trips three times, and has since developed a love for serving others. She has been working with youth for three years in outdoors settings and loves leading backpacking and whitewater rafting trips. Blessed with opportunities to travel, she studied in France in the spring semester and worked leading trips for teenagers in Costa Rica this summer. Gabby loves to watch Gamecock football, play her guitar, and laugh.

"Is being a youth director really a job? Because I'm having way too much fun at work!"

Mrs. Alida Rawl
Director of Music

Ms. Rawl is a former high school choral director, private piano, and voice teacher. Her higher education includes a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of South Carolina. She has been our Music director since 1980 and joined the church in 1971. Her recreation activities all revolve around music.

Married to Mr. Billy Rawl, she has four children and two grandchildren.


"The Chancel Choir is a source of great joy and fulfillment," says Alida.

Dr. Lloyd R. Pilkington
Organist and Director of Handbells

Lloyd and his family joined Seven Oaks in December 1998. In May of 2000 he became our Organist and Director of Handbells. His education includes a Bachelor of Sacred Music from Nyack College, an M.Ed. in Community Counseling from Winthrop University, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University. In addition to his work at Seven Oaks, he is currently a full-time Instructor in Psychology at Midlands Technical College. He has worked in private practice as a Counseling Psychologist, and has provided counseling services in both university and hospital settings.

Dr. Pilkington and his wife are also the founders of Words-4-Life, a ministry dedicated to bringing God’s Word to God’s people through weekly email devotionals. You may enjoy the latest issue in the Spiritual Journey>Weekly Devotional area of our website or the home page under Faith and Values. 

Lloyd is married to Tina and they have two children, Mark and Nicole.

"It is a joy and privilege to serve as a worship leader with the dedicated and loving people of Seven Oaks. Together we ring and sing for joy!"

Mrs. Sharon Watkins
Children's Choir Director

Mr. Rod McCarn
Building Superintendent

After 21 years in the military, Rod retired from the Army in 1986 and began working at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church in 1987.  Before his multiple moves in the Army, Rod grew up in Gastonia, NC.  He has been married for over forty years to his lovely bride, Rachel, and they have four kids, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

During his leisure time Rod enjoys woodworking and golf.  Look around the church campus and you will see many fine examples of Rod’s woodworking craftsmanship.  We are truly blessed to have his talent and skills here at Seven Oaks.

Ms. Amy Schwartz
Childcare Coordinator

Amy is a longtime member of Seven Oaks, the daughter of charter members, Pete and Marty Spearman.  She was born and raised in Columbia, SC,  and graduated from Irmo High School.  Married for 13+ years to her husband Larry, they have two fine boys.  She has been involved for over 13 years in childcare at Seven Oaks and has been professionally employed at a child development center in the local area for over 10 years.