Our Team
FOUNDING & TEACHING ELDER
Jason Borek
Jay serves as founding and preaching elder of The Resting Place. His story begins with his own recovery—Christ found him in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center on St. Simons Island, Georgia, and gave him a heart for those still struggling. With over 20 years of ministry leadership in Jacksonville, Florida, he led one of the city’s largest Celebrate Recovery ministries and helped found The Refuge, a Christ-centered sober living community.
Jay’s call flows from what he calls the beautiful simplicity of the Gospel—a passion to see people know and experience Jesus, then live as His witnesses across the oceans, across the country, across the state, and across the street. That heart reaches all the way to Ethiopia through Elpis International, a ministry he loves deeply.
Jay and his wife Erika will celebrate 27 years of marriage this August. They have three biological children—Nolan, Kimmy, and Reagan, all at Liberty University—and four sponsored Ethiopian children: Sisay, Yiddidiya, Kidist, and Yabsera.
FOUNDING & ACTING ELDER
Chris Vandegrift
Chris serves as a founding and acting elder of The Resting Place. He was saved by God’s grace as a child. He later served in the Unites States Army under God’s protection through 15 months of duty in Iraq. He has a heart for families, young adults, veterans, and anyone who wants to talk about or receive the Gospel.
Chris’ calling is grounded in the peace and assurance that only the Gospel offers. As a result of that assurance, Chris has a heart for service and craves community with his many brothers and sisters in Christ. Although this is his first ministry, he is committed to sharing the Gospel with others so that others may also experience the joy of Christ’s love.
Chris and his wife Lindsay will be celebrating 18 years of marriage in April. They have two children—Cooper and Ty, who live at home with them and attend elementary and middle school in Roanoke and Franklin County.
WORSHIP LEADER
Lauren Polston
As Worship Leader, Lauren seeks to direct the congregation’s focus to Jesus Christ, encouraging authentic worship as the church lifts its voice together in praise.
As a piano and voice instructor, Lauren loves serving students and their families through music. Outside of teaching, she’s a lifelong learner who treasures time with family and friends, and serves in Ethiopia through Elpis International.