ESBC Staff
Stephen Clyborne, Senior Pastor
I am a homebody, and probably the least adventurous person you can imagine. As you can see from my life story, I have never lived anywhere outside of Greenville County. I began my tenure at Earle Street as associate pastor in January 2002, and became senior pastor in January 2009. A Greenville native, I served as associate pastor in several Greenville churches before coming to Earle Street. After graduating from Furman University, I earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1988 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1996 from Erskine Theological Seminary where I also served as an adjunct professor for seventeen years.
I am married to the former Sylvia Davis, who is retired after having served two churches as a ministry assistant for twenty-seven years (combined). I have two daughters: Rachel (a Curriculum Coordinator for the USC School of Medicine – Greenville) and Rebekah (a teacher at Berea Elementary School), who is married to Cameron Jarrell. I also have two stepsons: Patrick Swift and his wife, Jennifer, who have two daughters and two sons (Hannah, Sarah Grace, Sam and Ben); Micah Swift and his wife, Suzanne, who have three daughters (Emma Kate, Addie and Ella).
Chuck Emory, Associate Pastor and Minister of Adults
I was born and raised in Greenville. After graduating from Clemson University and University of North Carolina School of Law, I settled back in Greenville and practiced law for 16 years. Throughout my legal career, I sensed God’s calling me to be a pastor, and I left the practice of law to pursue ministry in 2011. I joined the staff at Earle Street in August 2015, and my family is so happy to be part of the Earle Street family. My wife, Crystal, and I have two daughters, Molly and Eve (and a canine daughter, Gracie). Our family enjoys hiking, swimming, playing, and just hanging out together. We also love listening to and making music. If you have any questions or would like more information about our church, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Janice Hinnant, Minister of Music
I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina before going to Furman University where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in church music. I then earned a Master’s degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. I served churches in Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Maryland before joining the staff at Earle Street in 1995. In addition to music, I enjoy reading, scrapbooking, running, singing with Greenville Chorale, dogs, and being a mom, (not necessarily in that order.) I am also a reluctant gardener, mainly out of necessity rather than enjoyment. I have one son, Kevin, who teaches English at Wren High School, and a daughter-in-law, Salem, who teaches fourth grade at Sterling Elementary.
Lucy Wilkinson, Minister of Youth and Recreation
My name is Lucy Wilkinson. I grew up in Greenville and went to Clemson University where I was on the Rowing Team. I love being outside, going on adventures and trying to keep up with my husband and three boys. At Earle Street, I am the leader for our young leaders (youth) and our future athletes (recreation). Please let me know how I can help you find your home here!
Denise Plumblee, Minister of Administration
I joined the staff at Earle Street Baptist in January 2010 after working for many years in the financial services industry. My husband, Phil, and I enjoy spending time with our family, running, watching college football and basketball, playing with our grandchildren, and all things Disney. Phil and I have two sons and daughter-in-laws: Drew and his wife, Sarah and Jordan and his wife, Sarah (that’s right – two Sarahs!). Drew and Sarah have three children and Jordan and Sarah are expecting their first child in May of 2020.
Bethany Hovis, Minister of Preschoolers and Children
I was born in Missouri and grew up in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. After graduating from high school, I came to Greenville to attend Furman University. I graduated from Furman with a degree in elementary education and stayed on to complete my master’s degree in early childhood education. Following graduation, I taught both third and first grade here in Greenville County and in Fairfax County Public Schools in northern Virginia. I am thrilled to be back in Greenville and am loving the opportunity to minister to the families here at Earle Street!
Ellen Heyward, Ministry Assistant for Media and Communications
I joined the staff in June of 2013. My responsibilities include the weekly newsletter, printed materials, mailings, and various administrative and marketing tasks. I am a Greenville native and love this city! I love all things summer, Disney, playing guitar, traveling and spending time with my friends, family and four dogs. Please let me know if there is any way I can help you learn more about Earle Street!
Brenda Melson, Ministry Assistant for Finance
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and taught school there for three years. My husband and I moved to the Greenville area 19 years ago and we absolutely love it! I stayed home for ten years to raise my children (Tyler, Haley, and Mitchell) and then went back to teaching in Greenville County for another three years. I had several transitional jobs in Greenville before landing at Earle Street. My three children are now grown and heading into adulthood. Tyler graduated with his International Business degree, Haley is graduating from USC this May with a Public Health/Hospital Administration degree and Mitch is currently coaching and training at a local fitness club. When we aren’t spending time with our children, David and I love to travel, attend concerts and go to Atlanta United soccer games. Also, those you know me well know I love to shop!