Lane and Linda Lavender strive to model a lifestyle of love for Christ, passion for people, and zeal for life. They came to Union Road with 25 years of pastoral and ministerial experience.

Pastor Lane holds a BA and an MDiv. in theology and pastoral ministries. He has served the church as Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, State Youth and C.E. Director, District Overseer, Author, and Senior Pastor.

Lane and Linda have three sons, Jesse, Jonathan and Joshua. Linda is an educator as well as keeping the whole gang focused and fruitful. The Lavender’s love people, books, traveling, culture, playing games, eclectic food, the outdoors, and the fine arts.

Union Road Church officially started on December 16, 1956, as the Seventh Street Church of God, located on the corner of 7th Street and Garrison Blvd. in Gastonia. Fifteen years later the church moved to its present location on Union Road and changed its name to Union Road Church of God. Twelve pastors have served this congregation over the years, most notably Reverend Paul Collins, who served 23 years in three different pastoral stints. Pastor Lane Lavender came to serve the congregation in 2008 following the tragic and unexpected death of Reverend Robert Frazier.

 

CHURCH HISTORY

Pastor Lavender brings a new era to Union Road with his focus on evangelism, outreach and relevance. Many new ministries have been birthed since his arrival, including a benevolence ministry, UR Childcare, and introduction of the 24 /2 Double model for church structure. With new vision, a new look, new music, new ministries, and even a new logo, Union Road Church is positioned for growth as we set our sights on the “un-churched and de-churched” of Gaston County and the surrounding area.