About - Meet the Staff

Pastor Michael Carr, Founder and Senior Pastor of Central Church, is committed to the full expression of Christ through each person who chooses to make Central Church their home. He is known for his simple communication of Biblical truths that apply to everyday life and to serving people walking through life changing moments that we all face. He is an Ordained Minister and Graduate of Lee University, with a major in Psychology and Christian Education. He has a passion to see people come to know Christ and grow in their knowledge of Him. He and Lou Ann, his wife of 30 years, have enjoyed raising two sons, David and Jonathan, who both were born and raised on Hilton Head. Over the past 24 years of serving the Hilton Head community, they have created the opportunity for people to make a life choice to become fully devoted to Christ as Savior and Lord of their life. Contact Michael  

Aaron Thielemier joined the staff at Central Church in 2005 and serves as Administrative Pastor and Children's Director. He was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. At an early age, he discovered music and, by his early teens, he had the opportunity to begin playing the cello with symphonies around Southern Colorado. Upon graduating, he was recruited to attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for music performance and, ultimately, graduated with a degree in Music Performance and Sociology. He is married to Renea and has a son Carter & daughter Finley.  Email Aaron

Ken Cox moved from Atlanta to Hilton Head in 2009 to begin serving in Worship and Family Ministries. He is originally from North Carolina (a devout Tar Heels fan) where he attended UNC-Greensboro, majoring in Music with jazz emphasis on sax and piano. He later transferred to Lee University where he received his BA in music. He became a full time worship pastor after graduating, which allowed him to become an accomplished singer/arranger/producer. Prior to arriving at Central, he gained most of his experience at Victory World Church in Atlanta as the Worship Pastor, then as the Owner/Executive Chef of his own restaurant in Cashiers, NC. His true passion is leading and teaching others genuine worship. He is married to Patriece, who also helps lead worship, and has one daughter named Aubreanna that is "daddy's girl".  Email Ken

Jeff Finley serves as Student Ministries Pastor. He was born in Danville, Kentucky. After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, expecting to climb the corporate ladder, his life took an unexpected turn. After meeting (his wife) Laura, God released a deep down desire to change the world around him. Following the call into ministry, he continued his engineering to help finance his desire to make a difference. After many years of ministry training, mentorship, internship and studying, Jeff is living his dream. He conveys a message of hope and deliverance to students whose lives are being bombarded daily with harmful messages. He and Laura have two children, Lenna and Lauren. His ministry at Central is simple ... to engage students to live their lives to the fullest and empowering them to change the world around them. He has been vital in Student Ministries, Administration, and in Church Planting. Jeff has a "nuts and bolts" hands-on approach to everything he does in life.  Email Jeff

Cheryl Rymal began working at Central Church in 1997 as the Church Secretary. In 2003, she left the position at Central Church to help her husband run their custom home building business. She rejoined the staff at Central Church in 2009 as Administrative Assistant. She was born in New Jersey and raised in Southern California. She has been an Administrative Assistant for over 30 years, working for high profile companies in Southern California prior to moving to South Carolina. She is married to Craig and has one son and four step daughters.  Email Cheryl