Ron & Libby Hamilton
Lead Elder/Pastor & Elder Council Member
Dr. Ron Hamilton is the Lead Elder and Pastor of LifeGate Church, serving alongside his wife, Libby, who is a member of the LifeGate Elder Council. A third-generation native Charlestonian, Ron has deep roots in the Southern Baptist tradition. His grandfather, Zachariah Pierce Hamilton, founded a church in downtown Charleston, SC, in 1920, which continues to thrive today.
At age 25, Ron experienced a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit, igniting a clear calling to activate believers in sharing God’s love, presence, and power with the world.
For over 46 years, Ron and Libby have ministered together. They served at Northwood Assembly before joining Pastor Greg and Debbie Surratt in 1988 to help launch Seacoast Church, where Ron served as a pastor and Libby was actively involved in the worship ministry for 30 years. In 2003, Ron played a key role in establishing the Seacoast Church West Ashley Campus, contributing to the pioneering efforts of the multi-site church movement. In 2015, he founded the Jesus School of Ministry, equipping believers to operate more fully in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In 2017, Ron transitioned from his role at Seacoast Church to wholeheartedly devote himself to the ministry of The Gate Community. In 2023, The Gate Community united with Abundant Life Church to establish LifeGate Church.
Ron and Libby have been married for 46 years and have two children, Jessica and Joel, as well as two grandsons, Tevoda and Bright.
At age 25, Ron experienced a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit, igniting a clear calling to activate believers in sharing God’s love, presence, and power with the world.
For over 46 years, Ron and Libby have ministered together. They served at Northwood Assembly before joining Pastor Greg and Debbie Surratt in 1988 to help launch Seacoast Church, where Ron served as a pastor and Libby was actively involved in the worship ministry for 30 years. In 2003, Ron played a key role in establishing the Seacoast Church West Ashley Campus, contributing to the pioneering efforts of the multi-site church movement. In 2015, he founded the Jesus School of Ministry, equipping believers to operate more fully in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In 2017, Ron transitioned from his role at Seacoast Church to wholeheartedly devote himself to the ministry of The Gate Community. In 2023, The Gate Community united with Abundant Life Church to establish LifeGate Church.
Ron and Libby have been married for 46 years and have two children, Jessica and Joel, as well as two grandsons, Tevoda and Bright.
Fred & Jan Denham
Pastors Emeritus
Fred and Jan Denham established Abundant Life Church on July 14, 1975, with one message in mind: to come together as one Church of Charleston. As Matthew 18:20 (NKJV) declares, “For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.”
For decades, their mission has been to worship, pray, and seek God’s presence together, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to move through signs and wonders. Abundant Life Church became a house of prayer for all people, a place where lives were transformed through faith and community. In 2023, Abundant Life Church joined with The Gate Community to form LifeGate Church.
Fred and Jan Denham now serve as Pastors Emeritus at LifeGate Church, a title of honor recognizing their years of dedicated leadership and service. This designation reflects the lasting impact of their ministry. Though they have stepped away from active pastoral leadership at LifeGate Church, their role as Pastors Emeritus allows them to continue inspiring, guiding, and uplifting the church community with wisdom and unwavering support. Fred and Jan remain a cherished part of the church family.
Married for over 50 years, Jan and Fred are proud parents to three children—Christie, Kerri, and David—and loving grandparents to eight grandchildren.
For decades, their mission has been to worship, pray, and seek God’s presence together, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to move through signs and wonders. Abundant Life Church became a house of prayer for all people, a place where lives were transformed through faith and community. In 2023, Abundant Life Church joined with The Gate Community to form LifeGate Church.
Fred and Jan Denham now serve as Pastors Emeritus at LifeGate Church, a title of honor recognizing their years of dedicated leadership and service. This designation reflects the lasting impact of their ministry. Though they have stepped away from active pastoral leadership at LifeGate Church, their role as Pastors Emeritus allows them to continue inspiring, guiding, and uplifting the church community with wisdom and unwavering support. Fred and Jan remain a cherished part of the church family.
Married for over 50 years, Jan and Fred are proud parents to three children—Christie, Kerri, and David—and loving grandparents to eight grandchildren.
Byron & Sue NeSmith
Elder/Pastor & Elder Council Member
Byron is an Elder and Pastor at LifeGate, where his wife, Sue, serves alongside him on the LifeGate Elder Council. They have been actively involved in ministry since 1981, beginning with seven years at Northwood Assembly, followed by 34 years at Seacoast Church. During their time at Seacoast, Byron served in the children’s ministry, while Sue was a member of the worship team. Together, they led numerous small groups and outreach initiatives.
In addition to his work in local ministry, Byron served as the lead missionary to Sri Lanka for 18 years. He and Sue have partnered with Ron and Libby in ministry for over 44 years, sharing a passion for equipping believers, anchoring them in faith, and encouraging them to use their gifts and talents to influence the world around them.
Married for 43 years, Byron and Sue have two children: their son, Joshua, and their daughter, McKayla.
In addition to his work in local ministry, Byron served as the lead missionary to Sri Lanka for 18 years. He and Sue have partnered with Ron and Libby in ministry for over 44 years, sharing a passion for equipping believers, anchoring them in faith, and encouraging them to use their gifts and talents to influence the world around them.
Married for 43 years, Byron and Sue have two children: their son, Joshua, and their daughter, McKayla.
Henrietta Woodward
Elder Council Member
Henrietta is an elder on the LifeGate Elder Council. Her journey in ministry began in 1982 when she was commissioned as a missionary while attending God House Evangelistic Church. Since then, she has dedicated herself to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and praying for the sick.
In 1986, Henrietta joined Abundant Life Ministries, where she served in the children’s ministry and nursery for several years, as well as on the praise and worship team. She also held the role of Elder. One of her most memorable experiences was traveling to Nicaragua with the youth group of Abundant Life Church.
Henrietta has served as president of the local chapter of Women’s Aglow International and has been a member of Sure Foundation, a prayer ministry, for over 30 years.
She is a widow and a proud mother of three children—Anzer, Nickisha, and Nicholas—as well as a loving grandmother to Riley, Noelle, and Kingston.
In 1986, Henrietta joined Abundant Life Ministries, where she served in the children’s ministry and nursery for several years, as well as on the praise and worship team. She also held the role of Elder. One of her most memorable experiences was traveling to Nicaragua with the youth group of Abundant Life Church.
Henrietta has served as president of the local chapter of Women’s Aglow International and has been a member of Sure Foundation, a prayer ministry, for over 30 years.
She is a widow and a proud mother of three children—Anzer, Nickisha, and Nicholas—as well as a loving grandmother to Riley, Noelle, and Kingston.