Meet Our Team
Joe Shakour
Senior Pastor
Pastor Shakour served as a youth director and later Assistant Pastor of Campus Church at Pensacola Christian College before being called to pastor the people of Tabernacle in February of 2011. He's completed a Certificate in Christian Counseling, Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies/ Biblical Languages, Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Leadership, and a Doctorate of Theology. He also holds presidential membership in the American Association of Christian Counselors, is a certified recovery coach, and serves as a board member of the Wilson County Department of Social Services.
He is a passionate Bible preacher with a commitment to spirit-filled expositional preaching. He can be heard daily on "The Tabernacle Hour" on 97.3 FM WBIC (11a/ 5p.) With his wife and six children, Pastor Shakour strives to lead a church for the glory of God!
Mike Bennett
Assistant Pastor of Music
Mike is a native Michigander, born in Ann Arbor (Go Blue!). Raised in an active Baptist church, he grew up around ministry. His father was involved in church leadership and oversaw a large bus ministry. His mother was the church bookkeeper. Mike met and married his wife Carol in 1978. Carol grew up on a dairy farm in the thumb of Michigan. Her parents too were active in all things church related, so it was a natural step for both to serve in full time ministry. After graduating in 1981 from college with a BS in music education, Mike and Carol moved to South Carolina to continue his education; and then to Kansas City, to begin teaching. Since then, Mike has served mostly in churches with school ministries as department head and music pastor. In 1989 Mike earned an MA in sacred music opening more doors as a college music faculty member, clinician, and guest conductor. The Bennetts began to serve at Tabernacle Baptist in July 2012. Together they have served churches in Michigan, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Mike and Carol have four adult children, and ten grandchildren. When they are not busy with family activities, Mike and Carol can be found working in the yard at home, or just hanging out with friends from the adult connect group which Mike leads. A favorite verse of Mike’s is Psalm 145:4 “One generation shall praise thy works to another and shall declare thy mighty acts.”
Frank Alexander
Assistant Pastor of Youth
Frank grew up in Tennessee and out of high school he joined the United States Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, he felt the Lord calling him to serve Him, and after his enlistment of four years, Frank enrolled into West Coast Baptist College and eared a bachelor's decree in Church Ministries with a minor in Youth Ministry. Upon graduating from college, Frank and his wife Cheryl moved to Albuquerque NM, where he served. as Youth Pastor for seven years. In 2017, the Lord moved Frank and his family to Wilson, to serve as the new Youth Pastor of Tabernacle.
Frank and Cheryl have four children, Camryn, Chloe, Caleb and Carlee.
Kevin Zander
Assistant Pastor of Administration
Pastor Kevin grew up in Westminster, Maryland where he was raised in a religious and moral home, but was not introduced to the Gospel until attending a vacation bible school in his home town. Though he was saved that day, he did not understand the fullness of his relationship with Christ as his parents raised him in the catholic church. As Pastor Kevin started to read the Bible for his own personal growth, the Lord opened his eyes to see his life was not about religion, but about a relationship with Christ. Loving God and then loving others. He married his wife Alana in April 2002, and has two wonderful children Carter and Ava. He is grateful for a family that supports and serves together for the cause of Christ. Pastor Kevin loves to serve in any area of ministry as he has experience in administration, youth leadership, pulpit fill, and special music. Pastor Kevin graduated from Piedmont Baptist College and in January 2020 he joined our team leading the college and career ministry and helps administer different activities and ministries here at Tabernacle.
Randy Jones
Assistant Pastor of Senior Adults and Visitation
Born and raised in Wilson, NC, Randy has always had a heart for ministry and has served in many different areas of ministry all of his adult life. It wasn’t until 2018 that the Lord called him to pastoral ministry. In September of 2021, he was ordained and joined the staff of Tabernacle Baptist Church. He has received certificates in studies in both Theology and Bible Chronology and is working towards a Pastoral Degree. He is currently bi-vocational and is the Pastor of Senior Adults, Visitation, and Care Ministries. He also teaches the Summit Connect Group, which is for those 60 and older.
Randy is married to his high school sweetheart, Cathy and they are the proud parents of two children and two grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family, doing yardwork, photography, and spending time in the mountains of NC. Randy and Cathy have always enjoyed serving the Lord together and feel very blessed to be able to serve the Lord and the fine folks at Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Jeremiah Says
Assistant Pastor of Children
Born and raised in Louisiana, Jeremiah grew up in a Baptist Church where he was greatly involved in music. In May of 2022, Jeremiah graduated with a bachelor's degree in Church Music from West Coast Baptist College. Through an internship opportunity, the Lord led Jeremiah and his wife, Andie, to Tabernacle Baptist Church to serve full-time as Children’s pastor. Jeremiah and Andie were married in Louisiana on June 18, 2022.
In his spare time, Jeremiah enjoys disc golf, exploring urban and rural areas, and the art of cooking without a house fire. Jeremiah and Andie both love to serve in the music and kid’s ministry at TBC, as well as investing in the community through bus ministry.