Leadership

South Durham Church is congregational and led by a plurality of elders. The leadership roles in the church include elders, deacons, ministry team leaders, and staff.

Elders

Donnie grew up outside of Greenville, NC and is a graduate of North Carolina State University. As a lifelong learner, he is also a student of intercultural studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Professionally, he leads a team of scientists in RTP. He is passionate about evangelism and international ministry. He and his wife, Amanda, have two kids, Olivia and John.

Donnie Pulliam, Elder

Donnie grew up outside of Greenville, NC and is a graduate of North Carolina State University. As a lifelong learner, he is also a student of intercultural studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Professionally, he leads a team of scientists in RTP. He is passionate about evangelism and international ministry. He and his wife, Amanda, have two kids, Olivia and John.
Aaron grew up in Virginia and North Carolina. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he spent a number of years in the workplace before the Lord led him to study theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and enter full-time ministry. He loves God, people, and sports (both to watch and play), in that order. He's a fan of the Raiders and UNC basketball. He and his wife, Gwendolyn, have five children: Hayden, Isaac, Olivia, Levi, and Evan.

Aaron Mattern, Elder

Aaron grew up in Virginia and North Carolina. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he spent a number of years in the workplace before the Lord led him to study theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and enter full-time ministry. He loves God, people, and sports (both to watch and play), in that order. He’s a fan of the Raiders and UNC basketball. He and his wife, Gwendolyn, have five children: Hayden, Isaac, Olivia, Levi, and Evan.
Andy is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University. Andy obtained his PhD in Theoretical Fluid Dynamics from Newcastle University in England. In addition to making sure things sound good on Sunday mornings, Andy loves to think deeply about God's Word and the Christian worldview. Andy loves spending time with his wife Rachel their children, Chloe, Sarah and Daniel.

Andy Bragg, Elder

Andy is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University. Andy obtained his PhD in Theoretical Fluid Dynamics from Newcastle University in England. In addition to making sure things sound good on Sunday mornings, Andy loves to think deeply about God’s Word and the Christian worldview. Andy loves spending time with his wife Rachel their children, Chloe, Sarah and Daniel.

Staff

Aaron grew up in Virginia and North Carolina. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he spent a number of years in the workplace before the Lord led him to study theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and enter full-time ministry. He loves God, people, and sports (both to watch and play), in that order. He's a fan of the Raiders and UNC basketball. He and his wife, Gwendolyn, have five children: Hayden, Isaac, Olivia, Levi, and Evan.

Aaron Mattern, Executive Pastor

Aaron grew up in Virginia and North Carolina. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, he spent a number of years in the workplace before the Lord led him to study theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and enter full-time ministry. He loves God, people, and sports (both to watch and play), in that order. He’s a fan of the Raiders and UNC basketball. He and his wife, Gwendolyn, have five children: Hayden, Isaac, Olivia, Levi, and Evan.
April grew up outside of Atlanta, earned her B.A. from the University of Georgia, and moved to Durham to attend Duke University, where she earned her M.A. in Political Science. She is an avid reader of all kinds of books, loves good TV and movies, and is passionate about the Bible and memorizing Scripture.

April Young, Office Manager

April grew up outside of Atlanta, earned her B.A. from the University of Georgia, and moved to Durham to attend Duke University, where she earned her M.A. in Political Science. She is an avid reader of all kinds of books, loves good TV and movies, and is passionate about the Bible and memorizing Scripture.

Deacon / Ministry Team Leader

Gene grew up in Ohio and came to NC to attend Duke U. where he was discipled with the Navigators and shortly thereafter accepted Jesus as his only salvation. Gene is passionate about listening and empowering others so that their voices can be heard, and discipling others to hear God’s voice through bible study and prayer. A PhD data scientist, Gene leads innovative teams of scientists and health care professionals that transform big health data into insights that help patients recover faster. At home, Gene and his wife Rachel raise their quiver of 3 boys Isaiah, Lucas and Simon

Gene Urrutia, Audio/Visual

Gene grew up in Ohio and came to NC to attend Duke U. where he was discipled with the Navigators and shortly thereafter accepted Jesus as his only salvation. Gene is passionate about listening and empowering others so that their voices can be heard, and discipling others to hear God’s voice through bible study and prayer. A PhD data scientist, Gene leads innovative teams of scientists and health care professionals that transform big health data into insights that help patients recover faster. At home, Gene and his wife Rachel raise their quiver of 3 boys Isaiah, Lucas and Simon