The Salvation Army announces the appointment of Majors Jonathan and Staci Gainey as new Corps Officers for The Salvation Army in Henderson. Their ministry will officially begin on Sunday, June 15 to serve in Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, Halifax and Northampton counties.
The Gaineys bring more than two decades of faithful service as Salvation Army officers, with deep roots in both personal and pastoral ministry, according to information from Gina Eaves, office coordinator at the Henderson office on Ross Mill Road.
Married in November 1988 in Jacksonville, FL, Jonathan and Staci have four children and also enjoy being grandparents.
Staci was born into a family of Salvation Army officers and raised in a life of ministry, with her parents, Majors Thomas and Kareen Nicholls, now retired from active service. Jonathan, on the other hand, had no personal connection to The Salvation Army before meeting Staci. After 10 years of marriage, he began attending the Salvation Army corps in Jacksonville with Staci and their children. There, he experienced the transforming call of God upon his life and responded with a wholehearted commitment to ministry.
Jonathan is also a veteran of the U.S. Army and active-duty National Guard, having served honorably for more than five years before his discharge in 1998. In 2002, the Gaineys were commissioned and ordained as Salvation Army officers as part of the Crossbearers session, beginning a journey that would take them across North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Alabama in seven different corps appointments.
Jonathan has also served as a local pastor in the United Methodist Church from 2012 to 2015 and as ordained clergy within the Global Methodist Church from 2023 until earlier this year.
Their educational backgrounds reflect their dedication to spiritual formation and Christian leadership. Staci holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership from Nazarene Bible College and is especially known for her gift of pastoral care and leadership.
Jonathan holds both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has a strong passion for biblical study and theology, and he enjoys helping others grow in their understanding of Scripture and faith.
Music also plays a central role in their lives and ministry. Staci is an accomplished pianist who enjoys playing for worship and is often invited to provide accompaniment at divisional and territorial events throughout The Salvation Army. Her musical sensitivity brings richness and depth to the worship experience. Jonathan plays both acoustic and electric guitar, offering rhythm and lead accompaniment that enhances congregational singing and contemporary praise. Together, their musical gifts help create Spirit-filled worship environments that are both reverent and joyful.
They describe their leadership style as both delegative and coaching—empowering others through encouragement, accountability, and intentional development. They uphold an open-door policy and strive to create a culture of approachability, professionalism, and care. They believe in cultivating meaningful relationships with staff, volunteers, donors, and members of the community.
Jonathan and Staci are already in prayer for the corps family, staff, Advisory Board, friends of The Salvation Army, and the many lives that are touched through its outreach in the Henderson region. They look forward to building upon the excellent work of Major Beth Mallard, whose faithful service has made a lasting impact.
They said they are excited to continue the ministries of The Salvation Army, including providing food for those in need, serving children through the Red Shield Club’s after-school and summer programs, offering excellent worship experiences, and growing lasting relationships with volunteers, supporters and community partners throughout the region.
In both life and ministry, the Gaineys are guided by the words of Micah 6:8 (NIV): “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
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