meet Christina gibbs, mount Shepherd's next Executive Director
The Mount Shepherd Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that it has hired Christina Gibbs to be the next executive director, starting in January 2024. Christina is a high-caliber leader in camp ministry.
"We are so excited to have Christina back on board" says board chair Nikki Domally. "We are fortunate to have been able to hire someone with so much camp experience and an authentic love for Mount Shepherd." She is ready to hit the ground running when she begins this January.
You’ll remember Christina previously served Mount Shepherd 2019-2022 as its program director and assistant director. During her time, Christina helped Mount Shepherd foster exponential growth in its summer camp program and year-round retreat programming. She was integral in stewarding Mount Shepherd through the COVID-19 pandemic. She is beloved by staff and camp families alike, and she can't wait to begin her work as a fund developer.
She returns to us, having served as executive director at a ministry in Virginia. Under her leadership, that ministry experienced unprecedented success.
Summer camp ministry is a core part of Christina's faith journey. It was at a Christian camp that Christina decided to follow Jesus. As a young person, she was reluctant to go to camp, especially a Christian camp. But her camp experience changed her life forever. Her counselor Heidi developed a caring relationship with her. "While she did share the Gospel, that's not what made me believe in Jesus." Rather, it was her counselor's actions that moved her. "She loved and cared for me the same way that she was telling me Jesus loves and cares for us." That week of camp set her on a path she's still following today!
For Christina, camp is all about creating a sense of belonging for people, especially children. "I'm thankful that I get to be a part of creating that space," said Christina.
Christina is a two-time graduate of Gardner-Webb University, where she earned her bachelor's degree and a master's of divinity. Her husband JJ is also a ministry professional. They have one daughter.
Christina replaces Josh Britton, who has served as executive director since January 2017. Josh is returning to full time church ministry as a Methodist pastor.
"We are so excited to have Christina back on board" says board chair Nikki Domally. "We are fortunate to have been able to hire someone with so much camp experience and an authentic love for Mount Shepherd." She is ready to hit the ground running when she begins this January.
You’ll remember Christina previously served Mount Shepherd 2019-2022 as its program director and assistant director. During her time, Christina helped Mount Shepherd foster exponential growth in its summer camp program and year-round retreat programming. She was integral in stewarding Mount Shepherd through the COVID-19 pandemic. She is beloved by staff and camp families alike, and she can't wait to begin her work as a fund developer.
She returns to us, having served as executive director at a ministry in Virginia. Under her leadership, that ministry experienced unprecedented success.
Summer camp ministry is a core part of Christina's faith journey. It was at a Christian camp that Christina decided to follow Jesus. As a young person, she was reluctant to go to camp, especially a Christian camp. But her camp experience changed her life forever. Her counselor Heidi developed a caring relationship with her. "While she did share the Gospel, that's not what made me believe in Jesus." Rather, it was her counselor's actions that moved her. "She loved and cared for me the same way that she was telling me Jesus loves and cares for us." That week of camp set her on a path she's still following today!
For Christina, camp is all about creating a sense of belonging for people, especially children. "I'm thankful that I get to be a part of creating that space," said Christina.
Christina is a two-time graduate of Gardner-Webb University, where she earned her bachelor's degree and a master's of divinity. Her husband JJ is also a ministry professional. They have one daughter.
Christina replaces Josh Britton, who has served as executive director since January 2017. Josh is returning to full time church ministry as a Methodist pastor.
Mount Shepherd Retreat Center is a part of the Western North Carolina Conference and Uwharrie District of the United Methodist Church.
© Mount Shepherd. All rights reserved.
Camp Resources | Blog | Digital Marketing by Cube Creative Design
© Mount Shepherd. All rights reserved.
Camp Resources | Blog | Digital Marketing by Cube Creative Design