LEAD PASTOR

Pastor Leonard was born in Pennsylvania before moving with his family at the age of 15 to Kentucky where he would attend high school and eventually college. Leonard graduated summa cum laude from Kentucky Wesleyan College in May 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in History/Political Science. He earned his Masters of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in May 1988. Pastor Leonard served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church for thirty-four years. He has been the lead pastor at Mount Zion since 2007. He became an elder in the Global Methodist Church in 2023.

Leonard occasionally makes use of ventriloquism, illusion, or a balloon sculpture to communicate the gospel. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and shooting.

You can find Pastor Leonard preaching at one of our three services on Sunday mornings, attending (almost all) church events, leading a Connect Group or somewhere on the church property with his faithful companion Josie.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Isaac was born and raised in South Korea where he received his Masters degree in Choral Conducting and started serving as a Music Pastor when he was 25.  When Isaac came to California to attend a seminary school, he met his wife, Julie An. Isaac and Julie have three children, Heaven, Gabriel and Noel. Upon moving to North Carolina Isaac finished his training and was ordained in Pastoral Ministries.

NEXT GENERATION MINISTER

Jenni grew up in Nebraska and was very active with her church youth group which lead her as an adult to a passion for teaching children and youth about the love of Christ.  In 2007 she moved here from Kansas with her husband Tim and their 3 children, Noah, Izzi and Olivia.

Jenni has been a minister here at Mount Zion since 2013. On Sundays, you can find Jenni leading Children’s Time at our 11:00 AM Blended Service or on Wednesday nights leading Elevate Kids & Youth.

NEXT GENERATION ASSISTANT

A Johnston County local, Chasity grew up right down the street in McGees Crossroads. She was born and raised in North Carolina. She is married to Eric, and has four children, Mackenzie, Abel, Harper Dylan and Maggie Jo. Her and her family have been attending Mount Zion since 2017.  She was a stay-at-home mom before joining the staff at Mount Zion.

As the Next Generations Assistant, you can find Chasity helping with Elevate Kids & Youth on Wednesday Nights, and Sunday school on Sunday’s or occasionally leading Children’s Time at our 11:00 AM service on Sundays.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES

Julie has served as the Music Director at Mount Zion GMC since 2018, bringing warmth, excellence, and a deep love for worship to the life of the church. She holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in music from the Manhattan School of Music and is passionate about using her gifts to glorify God and lead others into His presence.

Julie and her husband, Isaac, who serves as Associate Pastor at Mount Zion, are grateful to minister together as a family alongside their three wonderful children. Her heart is to create worship experiences that are both reverent and joyful; welcoming all into a deeper connection with God. On Sundays, you can find Julie on stage with E519, the choir, or leading our congregation in song.

E519 LEADER

Erin Nenni grew up in Benson, NC. She graduated from East Carolina University in 2005 and later began a professional career in music, both writing and performing. Erin, her husband (Louie), and their three boys have been actively involved at Mount Zion since 2011. She is passionate about music and believes that through authentic worship, where we humble ourselves before God and praise His name, we can move into a closer and deeper relationship with Him.

You’re likely to find Erin helping lead our congregation in worship on Sunday mornings through singing with E519 or practicing on Tuesday nights.

OFFICE MANAGER

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Danna worked in Commercial Underwriting before relocating to Birmingham, Alabama, where she spent 24 years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Her roles included positions in the Provost’s Office, Budget Administration, and the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences. After retiring, she and her husband, Bill, moved to McGee’s Crossroads to be near their three children and four grandchildren in the Raleigh/Charlotte area.

As Office Manager, Danna oversees daily operations, works closely with Pastor Leonard Rex and the Ministry Staff Team, manages the church calendar and Realm database, and produces church communications. She also supports special events, handles weekly deposits, and assists with inquiries—always ready to help or find the answers you need.

Danna and Sheryl, Mount Zion’s Office Assistant, are eager to assist and connect with everyone in the Mount Zion Global Methodist Church community.

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Although not a native of North Carolina, Sheryl calls Johnston County home. She attended Wake Technical Community College, worked for the USDA and a local bank specializing in documentation creation, editing and review. Then she spent the next two decades learning and leading as a home educator. McGee's Crossroads is home to her growing family, including four kids and two grandchildren.

As Office Assistant at Mount Zion, Sheryl assists in the daily activities of office management, creates, edits, and reviews weekly publications, and supports the Ministry Staff as needed.

TREASURER

Jenny grew up in Henderson, NC, and relocated to Johnston County after graduating from NC State. Jenny, along with her husband Paul and their children, Grant and Allie, are all members of Mount Zion and have served in several areas of ministry. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys reading, crafting, going to the beach, and spending time with her pups, Nacho and Peanut.

As Treasurer, Jenny maintains all financial and staff records for Mount Zion, ensuring accuracy and transparency in reporting to the Church Council and Finance Committee. In addition to her role as church treasurer, she also works locally as a financial professional.

CONNECTION MINISTRIES COORDINATOR

Donna grew up in Ramseur, NC. She graduated from Central Wesleyan College located in SC and Asbury Theological Seminary located in KY.  She has worked as a librarian, youth pastor, and Head Start teacher. She mostly was a stay-at-home mom who homeschooled her boys all the way through their schooling. She is married to Leonard Rex, the Lead Pastor.

In her role as Connection Ministries Coordinator, she oversees the connections and spiritual growth of those who attend Mount Zion. She helps guests and regular attenders, experience a genuine sense of belonging, involvement, and spiritual growth. She oversees the adult Sunday Schools, Connect Groups, Welcome Desk, Discovering Mount Zion class, New Members and Connect Group Leader Training class. You will likely find Donna behind the Welcome Desk on Sunday mornings.

CARE MINISTRIES COORDINATOR

Originally from Statesville, NC, Cindy graduated from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, moved to Raleigh after marrying and taught high school and middle school marketing and career development.  She served as a care minister at Mount Zion and later joined the staff as Care Ministries Coordinator. Cindy and her husband, Pete, have 2 grown and married children, 2 grandsons, and 4 cats. 

As Care Ministries Coordinator, Cindy manages the needs for care within the congregation daily, supports the care ministers as they make phone calls, hospital and home visits, send cards, and most importantly pray for members of the congregation and their families and friends. She also plans events that provide support to the congregation, such as “The Longest Night Service.”

OUTWARD MINISTRIES COORDINATOR

Trish grew up in West Virginia. She received her MA in religious studies/theology from Trevecca Nazarene University in Tennessee

She was a high school teacher for several years before she and her husband, Allen, worked for The Salvation Army as pastors/administrators and worked in many different states before moving to North Carolina. They stayed in NC to be close to their daughter and her family, and now enjoy being able to play with grandchildren on a regular basis.

On Sundays, she will be in the Narthex of the church working on Outward Ministry book drives, slideshows, and other outward-focused projects, or in the chapel.

ONLINE MINISTRIES COORDINATOR

A Johnston County local, Katelyn grew up in Clayton, North Carolina before attending North Carolina State University in Raleigh. She has worked in the Public School System and the Agriculture Industry. She currently lives in the McGee’s Crossroads area with her family.

In her role as Online Ministries Coordinator, Katelyn maintains our social media presence, creates outreach materials, and leads our Digital Media Team for Sunday services. You’re likely to find Katelyn at one of our events behind the camera or on Sunday mornings in the Control Room!