TIM BASS – LEAD PASTOR

email: tbasslbc@hotmail.com

Pastor Tim is a native of North Carolina and resides with his wife in Sampson County. He has been in ministry since 1999 and is the founding pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church. He received an Associate of Religion and Church Ministry from Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute and a Doctorate of Theology from the NC College of Theology. His wife, Dena, is an English teacher. Tim and Dena have two wonderful daughters and sons-in-law. They also have five precious grandchildren. Tim loves the outdoors and when not spending time with his wife or children, you will likely find him hunting or fishing.

TRAE EDWARDS – CHILDREN/YOUTH PASTOR

Trae and Ashley met through mutual friends in their early 20’s. They were married in 2013 and have 3 children, Harper, Rilynn and Pierce. Both, have a passion for youth and discipleship. Trae has a public safety background and many years of experience in the towing industry. Recently he has answered the calling to full time ministry. Ashley attended Word of Life Bible Institute and graduated from Liberty University with a BS in education. She now homeschools their 3 children. When the kids aren’t keeping them busy, Trae enjoys working with his hands and anything outdoors (hunting fishing and survival camping) and Ashley loves reading and a good cup of coffee. The Edwards reside in Harnett County and enjoy spending time together on their small developing farm. 

JOE PESSOLANO – WORSHIP LEADER

Joe and his wife, Ashley, have been married since 2005 and have two children, Camden and Elizabeth.   They began attending Lighthouse Baptist Church in 2017.  Shortly after that, Joe began serving as a member of the praise team.  Over the years, Joe and Ashley have both served in children’s ministry, as well.  In 2024, Joe moved into the role of Worship Leader for LBC.
Leading worship is not a task that Joe takes lightly.  His belief is that, “Music is a universal language that has the ability to soften and heal hearts of the broken and allows us to praise the Lord together even when we can’t find words on our own to do that.  Opening our services with thoughtful praise prepares our ears and our hearts to hear and receive God’s word as it is brought by our pastor.”
Joe and his family live in nearby Willow Spring, NC.  When he’s not leading worship he enjoys spending time working in the yard, fishing, playing bluegrass and gospel music and cheering on the NC State Wolfpack.

JUSTIN & CARLA BITTLE – CHILDREN’S CHURCH DIRECTORS

Justin and Carla met while working in high school and have been married since 2003. They have 3 children, Mattie, Carley, and Ollie. Both are natives of Alabama and moved to North Carolina in 2016 to further Justin’s career in IT. Justin and Carla combined have been involved in discipling all ages from infants to Senior saints. Their ministry service started in their home church in AL. They began attending LBC in 2018 and started serving in the Wednesday night kid’s program in the Fall of 2018. They have been serving as the Children’s Church Directors since 2019. The have also been involved with many ministries within the church over the years, including but not limited to: Backpack Buddies, College & Career Class, and VBS. They are very concerned with teaching our children and youth “how to do church” through discipleship training and service projects. When not working or at church, Justin and Carla enjoy traveling with their family, spending time with their pets, and hanging out with friends and family.