ALLEN STOCKS
Pastor Allen Stocks, the Lead Pastor of Tanglewood Church since 2009, is known for his engaging, life-applicable sermons and his genuine love of people. Alongside his wife Christy, who also serves as an Executive Administrative Assistant, he cherishes his family deeply, including his children Josh, Rebekah (married to Jeff), and Kayla (married to Hunter), as well as his grandchildren Hayden, Maddie, and Ava. Pastor Allen has a fervent passion for nurturing people of all ages to grow in their understanding of God’s love, creatively employ their gifts in service, wholeheartedly follow Christ, and lead others to Him.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Allen is a skilled photographer, capturing the essence of nature in its purest form. His remarkable collection showcases the beauty of the North Carolina coast and various national parks and reserves. Additionally, he is known for immortalizing poignant moments during the church’s passion play, “The Victor.”
Before joining the church, Pastor Allen dedicated himself to serving his country in the Air Force, specializing in law enforcement. However, his true fulfillment lies in his family and ministry, where he continues to inspire and guide others on their spiritual journey.
DOUG BAKER
Doug is an outgoing and energetic pastor with 15 years of ministry experience. His time in ministry has included serving as a Bible study leader and developer, youth pastor, interim pastor, and evangelist across eastern North Carolina. Using his knowledge and experience, Doug has become an effective communicator who keeps people engaged and reaches all ages and demographics. One of Doug’s greatest gifts is his ability to present the Word of God in a way that it is both understandable and relatable. Along with this, Doug is also passionate about connecting with and forming genuine relationships with others. His desire is to be able to reach people where they are, love them enough not to leave them there, and help give them the tools they need to grow in Christ.
Doug holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two children, Gracie and Drew.
HOPE OWENS
Hope Owens leads a dynamic team of many volunteers and children weekly. When it comes to Children’s Ministries, Hope’s passion is to bring children into a personal relationship with Jesus and to equip them to become lifelong followers of Him. She believes that kids thrive spiritually when they are given age-specific programs that are both fun and educational. Hope attended East Carolina University and received a BS in Special Education and a MA Ed in Elementary Education. Before coming to Tanglewood over twenty-two years ago, Hope taught in both public and Christian schools and served as a director of a Child Care Learning Center. Hope has also completed missions assignments in Nigeria, West Africa and the inner city of Atlanta, GA.
JACKSON COOPER
jackson@tanglewoodchurch.com
Jackson came to us in 2023 to serve as our Student and Family Pastor, working with youth and parents. He has over 8 years of experience serving in outreach, youth, next-gen, and family ministry across Eastern North Carolina and Virginia. Jackson received his undergraduate degree from Mid-Atlantic Christian University and is working on his graduate degree in Divinity at Liberty University as he serves at Tanglewood. He and his wife Bailey have also welcomed their first child, Everlynn, in 2023.
Jackson believes that the ministry's goal is to share the Gospel with excellence and build strong relationships. He believes that community is the most essential quality of the physical world. He desires to see young people come to Tanglewood through an exciting and Biblical youth group and young family small groups.
STEPHANIE TOWNE
stephanie@tanglewoodchurch.com
Stephanie has a music background from Lee University and twelve years of ministry in Phoenix, Arizona as well as twelve in Eastern North Carolina. Raised in a pastor’s home, she developed a deep love for all the many genres of Christian music. She was a member of the Lee University Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Campus Choir. She is an award-winning songwriter with a passion for genuine worship.
With a degree in Business Marketing from Liberty University, she reaches for excellence in ministry and mentoring across each generation. Her strengths are in the areas of script writing, graphics and design, video production, choral technique, systems and structure, stage design, and people management. Above all, though, her passion is creating an environment in which the local church is drawn into worship as they use their gifts and talents to share the gospel.
She and her husband, Travis, have three daughters, Surlah (33), Alexis (16), and Kenna (10).