Meet our team

Leigh Bonner

Pastor


Leigh was born, raised, and educated in Memphis, TN, where she graduated from Rhodes College with a B.A. in French and International Studies and a minor in Music. After college, Leigh spent a year as a PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer in Ghana, training in a small village, living with a Ghanaian family, and working at an ecumenical school in Accra. 


Upon her return to Memphis, Leigh worked in a preschool, directed an after-school youth enrichment program in an underserved area, and for several years coordinated the local alum program for a national organization focused on empowering high school students to study history for the purpose of standing against bigotry and hate. In 2009, she began the Masters of Divinity program at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. There, she met her spouse, Adam Graham, also from Tennessee. 


Leigh was ordained in 2013 to a validated (non-parish) ministry with a small Presbyterian nonprofit focused on serving refugees after their reception and placement period. She worked with refugees from more than 10 countries to upgrade their employment, get further education and vocational training, learn vocationally focused English, and establish a generationally sustainable life as a new American. 


As Chaplain, she worked with refugee congregations to assist pastors with navigating hospital visits, social services, and cross-cultural communication. She also spent those years supplying preaching for PC(USA) congregations throughout the Presbytery of Middle TN and educated congregations about the U.S. refugee resettlement system. 


After five years in that ministry, she left for a Temporary Stated Supply position at a small but revitalizing congregation in Nashville while serving as Vice Chair of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. Leigh then accepted a new call as Director of Global Mission for a large church in Atlanta, GA, and moved there in 2018. 


For four years, she led congregation members involved in church-to-church partnerships in five countries outside the U.S. and with four local organizations focused on welcoming international people to Atlanta. During that time, she had the opportunity to visit and befriend Presbyterian congregations in Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, and Lebanon. 


Leigh then served as Interim Associate Pastor for a large congregation in Athens, GA, from 2022 to 2024. In May 2024, she completed her Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, a program that allowed her to return to Ghana with Adam.


Leigh and Adam live in Decatur, GA. Together, they enjoy their bonded brother and sister cats, Henrietta Ruby and Henry, cooking, hiking, traveling (especially to the National Parks), and tending to the native habitat they established in their backyard. Leigh speaks fluent French and elementary Asante Twi and enjoys painting, scrapbooking, birding, photography, playing the flute and ukulele, and playing with her two nieces.

Debbie Lewis

Administrator for Ministry Support


Debbie was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, alongside her two sisters. She has been married to James, from Morrow, Georgia, for 33 years. Together, she and James have six children, four of whom are former foster children, and six beautiful grandchildren.


Over a long career, Debbie has collected skills and experience across many industries. In the past, she has worked as a sales representative, an executive assistant, a customer service representative, and a receptionist. Though she was hired for specific roles, she often ended up wearing many hats and jumping in wherever she was needed. Debbie continues to serve two other Carrollton congregations as a bookkeeper and office manager on a part-time basis.


When Debbie is not spending time with family, she finds peace in journaling, writing out scripture, and playing Solitaire and board games.

Bryant Hand

Organist


Bryant is a native of Tallapoosa, Georgia, and an ordained Elder in the PCUSA. Bryant taught himself to play the piano “by ear” as a child, took piano lessons throughout adolescence, and then embarked on a bit of formal training in organ while an undergraduate student. Bryant is a history educator and teaches Georgia Studies at Carrollton Middle School. He is currently working toward his Educational Doctorate in History Education at Kennesaw State University. Bryant believes music moves people spiritually because it, along with love, represents God's universal language. "Music helps us to forget about ourselves and the differences between us and our neighbors. As we join in song we become one body, united in worship."


Bryant believes that the highlight of our music program is our scholarship program. In partnering with the University of West Georgia, CPC can provide meaningful opportunities for young musicians to gain vocal and directing experience.

Meet our session