Elders
David Grandt
Head Elder
Personal Information: I was born in Oak Park, Illinois and have been married to Laura for 50 years; we have two children (boy and girl) and three grandchildren. We moved to Hilton Head from The Hague, Netherlands.
Education: I graduated from Carthage College, Kenosha, WI with a BA Biology and received my MBA from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.
My Favorite Leisure Activities: Boating, fishing, reading, ballroom dancing, walking on the beach with my dog Pippa, and spending quality time with my family.
My Favorite Bible Verse: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Contact: David Grandt, CLICK HERE
Greg Beste
Elder
Personal Information: I was born in St. Louis, MO and have been married to Cathy for 40+ years; we have three married children (daughter and youngest son in Charlotte, other son in Nashville, TN) and six grandchildren. We moved to Hilton Head from Garden City, KS.
Education: I graduated from University of Kansas with an Architectural degree; currently licensed architect in over 25 states and US Territories.
My Favorite Leisure Activities: wine collecting, golf when I can, travel, and outside yard work.
My Favorite Bible Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Mike Miedema
Elder
Personal Information: I was born in Beech Grove, Indiana, and am blessed with my wife, Laura. We have three adult children: Suzie with whom we live, an older son and an older daughter; both our daughter and son, as well as their families live in NC. We are blessed with seven grandkids. We moved to Hilton Head from Fishers, Indiana.
Education: I graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s degree and received my Master’s degree and principal’s license from Butler University.
My Favorite Leisure Activities: Anything athletic, especially pickleball. I love spending time with my family!
My Favorite Bible Story: The Lord’s provision for Elisha and the people of Israel, II Kings 6:13-17.
Billy Riggs
Elder
Personal Information: I was born in High Point, NC and am blessed with my wife, Sharon. We have a son, daughter, and five grandchildren. We moved to Hilton Head from North Carolina.
Education: I earned a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees; my career was in law enforcement.
My Favorite Leisure Activities: golf and working out.
My Favorite Bible Verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Neil Springer
Elder
Personal Information: I was born in Fort Wayne, IN, and am blessed with my wife, Janet. We have three children: Sheri, Kelly, and Mark, and four grandchildren. We moved to Hilton Head from Naperville, IL.
Education: I received my BS in Accounting from Indiana University, my MBA from University of Dayton, and my CPA from University of Illinois.
My Favorite Hobby: volunteer work.
My favorite Bible verse: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
John Tignor
Elder
Personal Information: I was born in London, KY, and have been married to Sandy for 39 years… all blissful. We have three children and four grandchildren. We moved to Bluffton from Washington, IL.
Education: I received my Bachelor’s degree from University of Kentucky, my Master’s from East TX State, and my Doctorate from Western Illinois University.
My Favorite Leisure Activities: golf, woodworking, gardening, and music.
My Favorite Bible Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5