Dr. Kent Cranford

Pastor 
dr.kent.cranford@gmail.com 

Dr. Cranford is from High Point, NC and has earned a bachelor's of science degree from Western Carolina University. Kent pursued a career in biochemical research while working at Wake Forest University Medical School but was called into Christian ministry. He sought and received further education at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY receiving the MDiv. and DMin, degrees. Before being called to Loray, he ministered in churches in Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and Georgia. Kent's wife is Janet and they have three children. He has been our pastor since 2005.

Christine Starnes

Director of Music and Worship
and Church Secretary
christine.starnes@loraybaptist.org

Christine Starnes serves as Director of Music and Worship, service pianist/worship leader, choir director, and secretary of Loray Baptist Church in West Gastonia. She has also been a professional accompanist for over 20 years. A graduate of Gaston County Schools, she has the privilege of accompanying local choir festivals, and Middle & High School choruses in Music Performance Adjudication and annual concerts. Christine has been a member of the Charlotte Master Chorale since 2004 and became its Chorus Manager in January 2024. In addition to her manager duties, she is also a member of the Charlotte Master Chorale Chamber Singers. She currently serves on the BOD of the Gaston Choral Society, the Gaston Music Education Foundation, and has served on the BOD of the Charlotte Master Chorale as Singer Representative. Instilled from a young age, the Arts have ever been an integral part of Christine’s life and career. Christine and her husband, Jarrod, live in Gastonia, NC, with their two cats, Remy and Ezri, and their dog, Kaia.