Meet Brent Gilstrap! He is the Pastor of Ebenezer UMC and Redstone UMC and currently teaches and coaches at Jackson County High School. He is married with four children, and they have lived in Jackson County for 21 years. Brent wears many hats; he is a husband, father, Christian, teacher, coach and sports enthusiast to name a few.
I have known Brent for many years, and he is one of the most positive, genuine, honest people you will ever meet. He certainly has made an impact on my life and the life of others in our community. We asked Brent to tell us a little more about himself and what he likes most about our community, and this is what he said…
Question: Please tell us a little about yourself?
Answer: “I am Brent Gilstrap, I am the son of Lynn and Peggy Gilstrap of Clermont and have four sisters. I graduated from North Hall High School and the University of Georgia. I am first and foremost a disciple of Jesus. I love my wife and children and try to spend as much time as possible with them. We enjoy watching movies and going to the beach. I love sports, watching, participating and coaching mainly football and baseball, but am a lover of all sports. I am a huge UGA and Braves fan.
“I have been married to my wife Monica for 22 years and we have four children. Savanna is a Junior at the University of North Georgia and is studying to become a pediatrician. McKinna is a freshman at the University of North Georgia and is studying filmography. Holden is a Junior at Jackson County High School and plays football and wrestles. Elianna is 4 years old and is in charge!”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I am the pastor of two churches, Ebenezer UMC and Redstone UMC. I also taught Health and Physical Education at West Jackson Middle School for 18 years and recently took the same position at Jackson County High School for the remainder of the school year after a two year hiatus from teaching. I also coach football currently at JCHS and have coached football, basketball and baseball at both WJMS and JCHS over the past twenty years. I love being around people and mentoring them in life and especially stewarding their relationship with Jesus as I walk this path of discipleship.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Uncle Chet’s BBQ, Sugar and Spice and Jefferson House.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “I have been in the Jackson County Community for 21 years.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “Jeff Grant, his passion for Jesus and his love of people is inspiring.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “I love the beach and warm weather, anywhere that meets those requirements would be fine!”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “My favorite movie of all time is ‘Shawshank Redemption,’ I also love all the Marvel Avengers series. My two favorite TV Series of all time are ‘The Office’ and ‘Seinfeld.'”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: “Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:30-31)”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Take a trip with my wife to Hawaii.”
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
A: “Hillsong.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “Jefferson House.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: “I have always wanted to talk ministry with Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family. We would meet at Uncle Chet’s and chat over BBQ.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “The closeness of living in a tight community is great.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: “I see myself pastoring the churches I currently pastor and being the best grandfather I could possibly be.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I was state FFA president in high school.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “Grenada.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: “April, because of I love Spring. Easter, I love spring and Jesus.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “The Bible.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My wife and kids.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “Peppermint and lavender.”
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Family, Rest, Jackson County.”
