John Hart: John Hart is one of the founding Elders of LAF (Life Application Fellowship) in Granite Falls, North Carolina and serves as the Communication Pastor.
John currently lives in Granite Falls, North Carolina. His wife of almost 30 years passed away in 2014 after a year long battle with recurrent ovarian cancer. They have two grown children, Philip and Daphne. John grew up in North Carolina but his family moved several times during his school years giving him the opportunity to live and learn in several different states before getting married and settling back down in his home state. God has allowed John to work in several capacities over the years including mechanical, sales & management, eventually becoming the CEO of a million dollar company. He is an inventor, has played Men's Power Volleyball at the national level and raced 600cc Motorcycles at the AMA Professional level. It is through many of these experiences that God has taught John about life, and how to apply the truths of Scripture in a personal and inspirational way.
Much earlier in life, at the young age of 8 years old, John realized that eternal salvation required a choice and decision on his part. It was at that crossroad that John made the decision to give his life to Christ. Since then he has committed himself to the study and teaching of God's Word. Whether he is writing, ministering to racers at the track or teaching in a church or prison, John works hard to convey truth with word pictures that are easy to understand. His passion and calling are to communicate the attributes of God to a hurting and doubting world, by dealing with topics that are meaningful and relevant to today's culture, without compromising the truth of God's Word.
Mike McDaniel: Michael McDaniel is one of the founding Elders of LAF (Life Application Fellowship) in Granite Falls, North Carolina and serves as the Fellowship Pastor.
Michael was born on the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. He was raised in Hickory, North Carolina and attended Tabernacle Christian School through his childhood where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Michael is married to Antrionette (affectionately called Toni) and they have five sons named after King David. He previously served as the Youth Pastor at Maple Grove Church in Welcome, NC, as well as serving 3 years with the high school students at 1st Assembly of God in Hickory, NC.
Mike’s special calling from the Lord is Fellowship and Youth. So when he can put the two together he’s really in his element. He loves to think outside the box and kids listen to him because of it. He has sponsored Non-Denominational Christian Music Concerts to reach unchurched teens and during his time at Maple Grove started an annual Youth Spirit Quest to St Augustine, Florida. Imagine the impact on a teenagers lives as they camped on the beach for a week, during their summer break, learning the facts between Creation & Evolution.
While Michael is very serious about his commitment to teach the truth of God’s Word, he brings that “Outside The Box”, “Being a Christian Should Be Fun” mindset to LAF. His goal is to build relationships while creating an atmosphere where both young & old know they’ll always be welcome.
David is a native of North Carolina, he and his wife, Karen have four children and two grandsons. Although he has traveled extensively he has always lived in Caldwell County, NC, finding no other place he would rather call home.
Blessed to be raised in a Christian home, David was raised in the Presbyterian faith, where he attended until his mid-30's. He accepted Christ as his personal savior as a young boy and he continued to grow and serve at United Presbyterian Church, where he became an ordained Elder as an adult. For the last 15 years David and his wife Karen have been actively involved in a Baptist Church. They have found many ministry opportunities while serving as youth leaders there over the last few years.
David attended NC State University and Lenoir Rhyne College. He’s currently employed as the Human Resource and Safety Director for HomeStar Inc. in Statesville, NC. Throughout his business career David has specialized in managerial and human resource positions. Working primarily in the wood industry he has experience in production, quality control, safety, and operations management.
David and Karen have always had a heart for missions. They’re always on the lookout for opportunities to help those in need. Sharing the Gospel and helping people understand who Jesus Christ is, and how He offered us the gift of eternal salvation, is their passion. In addition to youth ministry they often volunteer at soup kitchens and the Broyhill Care House. At one time David was an avid golfer and can still hold his own with most. Between his family, work, ministry & LAF he’s a busy man but when time allows he still enjoys hitting the golf course.
David is excited about the opportunities at LAF. He looks forward to serving in a fellowship that provides an atmosphere that is welcoming to all that are hungry to learn more about God's word, and how to apply it to everyday life.