Meet Our Leadership
Pastors
Senior Pastor
Peter Rochelle
Founding COTR in 1999, Peter’s calling is to encourage and equip God’s people through faithful expository preaching and teaching. Peter also enjoys riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, playing basketball, and reading.
Peter was born and raised in Raleigh, NC and is married to his beautiful wife, Kimberly. Together they have two daughters, Jamie Elizabeth and Kristin Nicole.
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Peter's favorite verses are 2 Corinthians 5:21 which reads, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him," and Romans 1:16 which states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek."
Staff
Administrative Assistant
Kimberly Rochelle
As part-time Administrative Assistant of Church on the Rock at Raleigh (COTR), the Lord has given Kim the unique opportunity to not only serve and meet the administrative needs of the church, but to also work alongside her husband in ministry. Kim is married to Pastor Pete and they have two adult daughters, Jamie and Kristin.
As she serves in her role, she is guided by Colossians 3:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. Respectively, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” and “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Worship Leader
Michael Williams
Michael is a recent graduate of North Carolina State University where he received a Bachelors of Science in General Educational Studies. Michael currently teaches 9th grade NC Math I at Smithfield-Selma Senior High School, and he also holds the title of Head Men’s JV basketball coach. Michael has been a coach for many years at Smithfield-Selma.
Michael serves as the Praise and Worship Leader here at COTR. Michael has been involved with Christian music serving and leading for roughly 12 years.
Elders
Elder
Clyde Alston
Clyde was born in Durham, NC, and has been a member and faithful servant to COTR since its inception. He and his wife, Nadia, have been married for more than twenty years and have two beautiful daughters. You can see his love of the Lord in all interactions with him. He has served as an Elder, Deacon and Men’s Ministry leader. He is a humble servant, with a warm and welcoming spirit.
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Jude 24-25 is one of his favorite passages of scripture: "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in His presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
Elder
Harold Freeman
Harold and his bride of over 45 years, Ruby, have been attending Church on the Rock since its inception. In addition to serving as an Elder, Harold is also a Small Group leader. He’s always willing and eager to share his love of the Lord and sharing of the Word.
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When asked what is your favorite Bible verse, Harold quoted Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Elder
Melvin Nowling
At work, Melvin helps people in need as a licensed mental health and substance abuse professional. Away from work, Melvin enjoys spending time with his wife of over 20 years, LaChandle, and his three remarkable sons. He also greatly enjoys sports – watching sports, bowling, playing basketball and table tennis. He goes on to say he enjoys being around people and laughing. Upon retirement, Melvin hopes to lead a lay counseling ministry at a church.
His favorite Biblical verse is Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Deacons
Deacon
Tyrone Ayers
Tyrone was born and raised on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, hence he developed a love for the ocean and the beauty of all of God’s creation at an early age. He has been blessed to be married to his lovely wife, Teresa, for over 35 years.
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His favorite Bible verse is “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
Deacon
Jerry Dodson
He and his family were introduced to Church on the Rock by a friend who offered to share “a different worship experience.” Jerry also stated, “I believe it’s important to give back to others by serving through deeds and kindness.”
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Jerry’s favorite Bible verses include John 3:16 and Philippians 4:11-13 – “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Deacon
Gaffney Gunter
Gaffney is a restaurant owner/operator. Away from the restaurants he enjoys fishing, biking and playing golf. Gaffney and his family first started attending Church on the Rock when friends they knew from Campus Crusade for Christ Impact Movement invited them to come one Sunday in 2003.
The Bible verse that most resonates with Brother Gaffney is Psalms 37:4 – “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Deaconesses
Deaconess
Nadia Alston
Nadia and her husband (Elder) Clyde, who were high school sweethearts, have been part of Church on the Rock since its inception, and have stayed because of the consistent, sound biblical teaching and joyful fellowship.
Sister Nadia says, “Growing up, I attended church out of obedience to my parents. But in my late 20s, God revealed the sin of self-centeredness, as well as many other sins that accompanied it.” In conclusion, she stated, “I remain eternally grateful to Him for removing my sin and spiritual blindness and welcoming me as His child.”
Deaconess​
Sarah Rochelle
“I love the Lord, and love serving His people at COTR,” shows the heart and spirit of Sarah. Her warm smile, and hearty greeting makes everyone feel welcome and at ease when you meet her. She has been a member of Church on the Rock since its conception, over 20 years ago.
She is the consummate servant leader. In addition to her Deaconess role, she also serves as facilitator for the COTR Women’s Ministry and works in the Youth Ministry. God has blessed her with three sons and five grandchildren. Her guiding scripture is Hebrews 13:5- “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."