Friendship SBC Elders

The staff and leadership here at Friendship is comprised of men who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them.

Jesse Watkins

Teaching Pastor

Jesse Watkins has served as the Lead Pastor and Preaching Pastor at Friendship SBC for 13 years. Previously, he has served as a Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Pastor of Young Adults and College Students. He also spent 12 years serving the North Carolina Air National Guard as a Jet-Engine Mechanic.

Jesse attended Wingate University as a Major in Music and Psychology for several years. He eventually graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor's in Christian Counseling. After that, he graduated with a Masters' Degree in Theology from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Tyler for 19 years. They have three wonderful children. Jesse enjoys writing music, collecting books, and cooking BBQ on the smoker.

David Canfield

Care Pastor

Dave Canfield - Husband, Father, Soccer Player, People Person. For the previous two years, Dave has led the worship ministry of Friendship SBC. But now that he has transitioned into the position of Connections Pastor, his heart is seeing that everyone person who walks through the doors of Friendship SBC feels warmly welcomed and ministered to.

Dave spent many years in the capacity of a youth pastor. His heart is seeing all people, young and old, be transformed by the power of a Mighty Savior. After a rough upbringing, the grace of God called David into a life of ministry, and also introduced him to his wife, Debbie. He is the proud father of 3 children, and a breeder of Pomeranian puppies.

Dakota Stephens

Family Ministry Pastor

Dakota leads all things children's ministry here at the church. Your children will get to interact with him on Wednesday nights during AWANA and during children's church on Sunday.

He currently attends The College at Southeastern online to attain his Bachelor's in Pastoral Ministries. He married his wife Holly in April 2021! They have wonderful sons named Hank & Teddy. With another son coming in March 2026