Rankin721web

Kenneth Gray
Michael Gray
Erin Russell Green
First Baptist Church Richland
Kenneth Gray serves at First Baptist Church
Richland as minister of students and teaches
high school Bible at Discovery Christian School
in Florence. After graduating from Mississippi
College, Kenneth went on to obtain his
master’s from New Orleans Baptist Theological
Seminary. In his free time, Kenneth enjoys
watching sports, playing guitar, spending time
outside, and above all he enjoys spending
quality time with family and friends.
“It is very common for those who pursue
youth ministry to live very transient lives,
moving quickly from one place in the ministry
to another. Although the challenges of local
church ministry can be daunting, through the
sustenance of the Lord, the support of my wife,
and the love of our congregation, I have been
able to faithfully stay at FBC Richland for almost
eight years. It has been unbelievably rewarding
to have been able to serve in one place for so
long. I cherish being able to see former youth
who I had the privilege to invest in serving their
local church, communities, and families well!
‘Ministry isn’t everything – Jesus is.’ – Ray
Ortlund. This quote, like many others, has
served as a guiding force to remind me to
keep Jesus as my focus and allow ministry to
overflow from my relationship with Jesus.
Philippians 3:8, ‘Indeed, I count everything as
loss because of the surpassing worth of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.’”
Irby Electric
formerly Stribling Equipment
Michael Gray received his bachelor’s
degree in business administration from
Mississippi College. He has recently moved
from his position as credit manager with
Stribling Equipment to director of credit with
Irby Electric. Michael’s hobbies include shooting
sports, hunting, being a soccer dad, cheering
on Mississippi State, and spending time with
his family.
“COVID has been the biggest challenge
thus far in my career. The historical methods
and analytics fall short of being able to predict
circumstances in such an unprecedented time.
Businesses have struggled with cash flow and
revolving the credit accounts. We’ve had to
create different and new financial products to
assist customers through this troubled time,
but I am proud of our team and how we have
persevered.
As a manager, my biggest achievements
have been in my teams of people. I’ve had
many former team members to be promoted
into upper management and higher positions
within our own organization at the time and into
other companies. This is rewarding for me not
only on a professional level, but a personal
one as well.
I was taught this many years ago and have
used it an untold amount of times. The advice
was that ‘Management is doing things right.
Leadership is doing the RIGHT things!’”
Grants Ferry Family Dentistry,
Green Wellness Spa
Erin Green is the owner and serves as a
dentist at Grants Ferry Family Dentistry in
Brandon and is the owner of Green Wellness
Spa. Erin is a member of the American and
Mississippi Dental Associations, American
Academy of Facial Esthetics, Rankin County
Chamber of Commerce, and Pinelake Church.
Raising kids, writing, interior design, exercise,
and reading are a few things Erin enjoys doing,
when time allows.
“Through support of close friends and family
and a lot of prayer, I’ve opened a dental
practice and Mississippi’s first dental spa while
simultaneously having four children and
supporting my husband’s career goals – this,
along with being the first doctor in my family,
is what I consider the biggest challenge I’ve
overcome in my career. I’m proud of the recent
addition of GWS to GFFD during 2020, a time
where many thought I was crazy for opening
a new business. It was a long-term dream that
allowed me to believe that anything is possible
if you believe in it.
The best piece of business advice I’ve ever
received is to hire the best people you can
afford and prioritize their happiness. I have an
amazing team and each individual brings
unique value and perspective that makes for
a successful and fun business environment.”
Hometown RANKIN • 33