Dennis loves being the pastor of the Mount Carmel congregation. In preparation for this chapter of his life he has served as the pastor of several other congregations, served as associate dean at Mars Hill College, served as a chaplain and counselor at Baptist Hospital, and on the personnel staff of the Foreign Mission Board, and as a missionary in the Philippines.

He was reared in Kannapolis, NC, graduated from Mars Hill College; completed a Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) at Southern Seminary, Louisville, KY; earned a Doctor of Ministries degree at Southeastern Seminary in 1988. During his ministry he has encouraged women and minorities to listen for God�s call, and to pursue it. He is a lover of the arts, a terrible golfer and a pretty good cook.

He preaches relevant sermons with enthusiasm, and he loves to visit with the congregation and with the community. You will find him to be an eager listener, and a faithful companion.

We're glad to have Barrett, Kerry, and little Chloe join us at Mount Carmel. Barrett has a lot of energy, excitement, and love for the Lord so he'll be a great addition to our ministry. Barrett has been serving Christ professionally for over 10 years through a wide variety of Christian affiliated organizations. 

He specializes in youth, young adults, and family ministries. God has called Barrett specifically to promote the kingdom of heaven on earth as one body. 

By proclaiming the good news of Jesus and His life through Biblical accounts and spiritual relationships, Barrett brings a message of the tie that binds all people and all communities.

Dr. Davis Bingham, a bass-baritone and native of East Tennessee, has enjoyed a varied career as church musician, singer, conductor, university professor, public school teacher and education executive. He is a two-time regional winner of the Metropolitan Opera Auditions and has performed with symphony orchestras, opera companies and choral societies throughout the South and Southwest. He was featured soloist in the 1950s on the weekly nationwide broadcast of The Baptist Hour. Churches he has served as minister of music before coming to Mount Carmel include First Baptist of Chattanooga; Eastland Baptist in Nashville, TN; First Presbyterian, Monroe, LA; Westminster Presbyterian of Rock Hill, SC, and First Presbyterian of Hilton Head Island, SC. Davis holds the Ph.D. degree from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University; the Master of Sacred Music degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY; and the Bachelor of Music degree from Cadek Conservatory of the University of Chattanooga. Historic Washington College in 2002 conferred on him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contributions to public education.

In addition to conducting The Sanctuary Choir (adults), Davis is responsible for Mount Carmel's overall music ministry.    Catherine Diggs directs the Morgan Handbell Choir.    Davis can be reached by email at music@mount-carmel-baptist.org.

Dr. Leslie Heal Ray has been teaching voice for over 15 years. She has experience teaching all ages and musical styles. Prior to moving to Chapel Hill, she maintained a private studio in addition to her studio at Utah State University, where she taught vocal performance majors.  Her students have advanced in competitions sponsored by the Metropolitan Opera and the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and have continued to pursue graduate degrees.

Leslie is a graduate of Utah University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with emphasis in vocal performance. She earned a Master of Music degree in vocal performance at Rice University in Houston. Indiana University in Bloomington awarded her the Doctorate of Music degree in literature and performance with minors in music history and stage direction.

A coloratura soprano, she was a frequent performer with the Utah Festival Opera Company and soloist with the Utah Symphony Orchestra.

In Logan, UT, Leslie directed the children's choir in the church she and her family attended.  She also led community summer music programs and conducted an orchestra composed of 4th and 5th graders.

Leslie says she is "honored to be the Director of Children's Music at Mount Carmel." When she is not teaching or singing, she and husband David are busy chasing active 7-year-old son Alex and rambunctious toddler Eva.

Al has an impressive music education background.  He received the Bachelor of Music degree from Boston Conservatory and did post graduate studies there.  He studied in New York City with Vera Popova. 

Al taught at Boston Conservatory, Hartford Conservatory, Brooklyn Music School and Studio One A in New York City.  He directed more than 30 theatre projects in New York,  including summer stock and off-Broadway performances.  He then moved to Fayetteville, NC,  in 1988 and opened the Rivenoak Studio. Al and his wife Ellen moved to Durham in 1998 where he opened Woodcroft Piano Studio.

Ellen has served as organist for Mt. Carmel Baptist Church for many years. She is an important part of our our music ministry and worship.