Who we are

We are a nonprofit serving other nonprofit organizations. We trust in the good work nonprofits and congregations bring to the community through service. We believe by working together, we create an irrepressible synergy of hope.

Our Story, Our Legacy

The Gaston Christian Center (GCC) Timeline

1990: With a shrinking but committed congregation, world missionary-centric Gaston Avenue Baptist Church sold its near downtown Dallas property and purchased a 62,000 square foot building in northeast Dallas where it established Gaston Oaks Baptist Church (GOBC).

2005: Wallace Vay and his wife, members of a Karen church congregation and immigrants from war-torn Myanmar, discovered GOBC and began inviting members of their people of Burma community to worship in this conveniently located “new” place.

2008: GOBC granted the Karen congregation permission to start a separate native language worship service. This hospitality led to the formation of the Karen Baptist Church, and soon, other ethnic churches followed.

2012: As a result of the GOBC’s assessment, and led by its board and the leadership of Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, Gaston Christian Center (GCC) was formed as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Five ethnic congregations and three nonprofits occupied the building.

2015: The GOBC transferred ownership of its entire property to GCC, which assumed responsibility for ownership and management.

2022: GCC’s growth allowed the Center to hire its first full-time Executive Director, Nataly Sorenson, a Licensed Master Social Worker and Ordained Baptist Minister. Eight ethnic congregations and eleven nonprofits called the GCC facility their “home away from home.”

2025: GCC enters partnership with Parkland Hospital to host telehealth pod. GCC opens as a food mobile distribution site in partnership with Catholic Charities Hunger Services. The GCC plans to start it’s first program in the fall of 2025: New Roots, a pay what you can thrift store.

2009: Dr. Gary Cook, Baptist minister and convention administrator, was called by the GOBC as interim pastor. His priority was for the church to make an honest assessment of its future.

Today: Through nonprofit grants and the generosity of individual donors, the GCC continues to encourage, empower, and partner with ethnic congregations and other nonprofits by providing affordable rental space, paid utilities, and building maintenance. This reduction in overhead enables each tenant to budget more of its donated dollars towards programs and services, some of which reach around the globe.

We believe the missionary legacy of the former Gaston Avenue Baptist Church continues through the mission and vision of today’s Gaston Christian Center. You are invited to join us as a volunteer and donor.

Leadership

Nataly Sorenson , LMSW Executive Director

“Growing up with immigrant parents, organizations similar to churches and nonprofits found at the GCC assisted my family in integrating into life in the U.S.A. Churches & nonprofits created safe spaces for us and either provided or connected our family with resources, which allowed us to flourish. Through the help of community partners, my parents raised children who grew up with a heart to serve others as social workers, ministers, teachers, and first responders. I believe in the power of collaboration and meeting people where they are, knowing it takes a village to see families succeed. I believe in the work our partners do for the families in our community, and I am amazed by their love and service to all.”

Nataly is a Christ follower, daughter of immigrants, and a dedicated servant leader. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and an ordained Baptist minister with over 15 years of experience in ministry and Christian community development. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Baylor University, and Truett Seminary, Nataly is passionate about community development, social work, ministry, and the power of collaboration to create lasting change in our communities.

She is married and the proud mother of one son.

  • Chair of the Board of Directors

    Jess Wade serves as Chair of the Gaston Christian Center Board of Directors, bringing four decades of leadership experience in advertising and marketing communications to the role. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Oklahoma.

    Throughout his extensive career in marketing and communications, Jess has developed a keen understanding of how to effectively share mission-driven messages and build meaningful connections with diverse audiences—skills that prove invaluable in his board leadership.

    Jess's passion for mission work was cultivated early in life through a deep appreciation for foreign missions and Baptist missionaries. When invited to join the GCC Board of Directors in 2021, he immediately recognized the organization's significant mission impact and potential for growth.

    As Board Chair, Jess is inspired by the purposeful mission work happening throughout the GCC building and among its many tenant organizations. His vision is to continue fostering an environment where diverse ministries can thrive and extend their reach, both locally and globally, while maintaining the strong foundation of hope and service that defines Gaston Christian Center.

  • Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Member of Personnel Committee

    As Vice Chair and Founding Board Member of Gaston Christian Center, Mark Wingfield has been instrumental in shaping the organization's vision and mission from its inception. With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of New Mexico and graduate studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mark brings a unique combination of communication expertise and theological foundation to the board's leadership.

    A veteran religion journalist, Mark also dedicated 17 years to pastoral ministry, providing him with deep insight into both the media landscape and the practical needs of church communities. This dual perspective has proven invaluable in developing GCC's outreach and communication strategies.

    Mark's founding vision for Gaston Christian Center was both profound and practical: to establish a place where hope continues to flourish and extend far beyond the founding church's original mission. Under his leadership, GCC has become a thriving hub that amplifies the legacy of service and ministry, creating lasting impact in the community through the many organizations it supports.

    His commitment to this vision continues to guide GCC's growth and development as a center for Christian ministry and community service.

  • Secretary of the Board of Directors & Chair of Nominating Committee

    Candy McComb brings a rich background in music ministry and education to her service on the Gaston Christian Center Board. A retired public school choir director, she currently serves on the music staff at Wilshire Baptist Church, where she continues to use her talents to enhance worship and community engagement.

    Candy was drawn to join the GCC Board because of the organization's commitment to supporting groups that serve marginalized and underserved members of the community. She is inspired by GCC's far-reaching impact, which extends from local neighborhoods to communities around the globe.

    What particularly excites Candy about GCC's mission is its role as a networking hub where diverse organizations can connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. She sees this collaborative approach as essential to effectively addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of those they serve.

    Candy views her work with GCC as a direct expression of Christ's call to love our neighbors and treat others as we wish to be treated. She finds great joy in contributing to this vital ministry and is energized by the potential for continued growth as GCC embraces new opportunities to serve and make a difference in the world.

  • Board Treasurer, Member of Finance Committee

    Dana Dickson joined the Gaston Christian Center Board in 2024, bringing a wealth of business experience and a heart for community service to the organization. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and retired after an impressive 30-year career with Chase Bank.

    Dana's connection to GCC runs deep, having been part of the Gaston community over two decades ago. Her decision to return and serve reflects her commitment to giving back to the community that once nurtured her own faith journey.

    With her extensive background in banking and finance, Dana provides valuable insight into the operational and fiscal aspects of running a successful nonprofit organization. Her passion for supporting the churches and community organizations that call GCC home drives her dedication to ensuring they have the resources and facilities needed to thrive in their ministries.

    Dana's blend of professional expertise and personal investment in the Gaston community makes her an integral part of GCC's mission to serve as a hub for Christian organizations and outreach efforts.

  • Board Member

    Patty Lane joined the Gaston Christian Center Board in 2024 and currently serves on the Finance Committee. She holds a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and brings extensive experience in multicultural ministry to her role.

    As a church planter with Texas Baptists and Director of Intercultural Ministries, Patty has dedicated her career to building bridges across cultural divides and expanding the reach of Christian ministry. Her expertise in developing and nurturing diverse faith communities provides valuable insight into GCC's mission of supporting various organizations and churches.

    Patty was drawn to serve on the GCC Board because of her strong belief in the organization's mission and its potential to create meaningful transformation within the community. She is particularly passionate about GCC's intercultural church partnerships, recognizing how these relationships extend the center's impact far beyond local boundaries to touch lives around the world.

    Her combination of theological education, practical ministry experience, and global perspective makes Patty an invaluable contributor to GCC's vision of fostering hope and community through diverse Christian partnerships.

  • Board Member & Chair of Personnel Committee

    Carolyn Porterfield brings over 35 years of leadership experience in missions, discipleship, and mobilization to her service on the Gaston Christian Center Board of Directors. She holds a Master's degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has extensive cross-cultural ministry experience that spans multiple continents and communities.

    Throughout her career, Carolyn has demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering diverse faith communities and supporting organizations that serve people from around the world. Her expertise in missions mobilization and cross-cultural ministry provides valuable insight into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by GCC's international partners.

    Carolyn finds great fulfillment in her board service, as it allows her to continue pursuing her lifelong passion for supporting ethnic churches and nonprofit organizations. She is particularly drawn to GCC's mission of enabling these groups to effectively share the love of Jesus with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

    Her combination of theological education, extensive missions experience, and heart for cross-cultural ministry makes [him/her] an invaluable member of the GCC board as they work to create an inclusive environment where organizations can thrive in their service to communities around the globe.

  • Board Member, Member of Nominating Committee

    Dr. Bill Bruster brings decades of ministry and nonprofit leadership experience to his service on the Gaston Christian Center Board. He dedicated 35 years to pastoral ministry and holds a Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His extensive background includes serving on numerous nonprofit boards, providing him with deep insight into effective organizational governance and mission-driven leadership.

    Dr. Bruster's wealth of experience in both pastoral care and nonprofit administration makes him a valuable asset to GCC's strategic planning and operational oversight. His understanding of the challenges facing faith-based organizations helps guide the board's decision-making process.

    What draws Dr. Bruster to his service with GCC is his strong belief in the organization's mission and his firsthand witness to the meaningful impact the Center has achieved in the community. His commitment to GCC reflects his broader dedication to supporting ministries that make a tangible difference in people's lives.

    Dr. Bruster's combination of theological education, pastoral experience, and nonprofit governance expertise continues to strengthen GCC's ability to serve as an effective hub for Christian organizations and community outreach efforts.

  • Board Member, Member of Nominating Committee

    Ileen Bray has faithfully served the Gaston Christian Center (GCC) since 2017, when she first joined as Acting Secretary. She continued her leadership role as Secretary in 2018 and currently serves as a dedicated board member.

    With a heart for service, Ileen also volunteers her technical skills as a sound board operator at Gaston Oaks Baptist Church/Gaston Christian Center, helping to ensure worship services and events run smoothly.

    Ileen was drawn to support the Gaston Christian Center through her connection to Gaston Oaks Baptist Church and her belief in their shared mission of community service and spiritual guidance. Her commitment to these values continues to drive her contributions to both organizations.

  • Board Member, Member of Nominating Committee

    Patsy Meier brings a rich background in healthcare and missions to her service on the Gaston Christian Center Board. She earned her nursing degree from Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis, Tennessee, and has worked as a Registered Nurse specializing in operating room procedures.

    Throughout her career, Patsy has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others through various roles including missionary work, community development, and volunteer service. Her diverse experience includes teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), participating in global health initiatives, volunteering with Cornerstone Community Kitchen, and providing care at Parkland Hospital. She continues to serve as a dedicated caregiver, bringing compassion and expertise to those in need.

    Patsy's support for GCC stems from her belief in the organization's practical approach to enabling ministry. She values how GCC provides nonprofit organizations with affordable housing, allowing them to direct more of their resources toward their core mission of serving others.

    For Patsy, GCC's work represents a tangible way to live out Christ's commandment from John 15:12 to "love one another." Her medical background, missionary heart, and extensive volunteer experience make her a valuable advocate for GCC's mission of empowering organizations to effectively serve their communities with love and compassion.

  • Board Member, Member of Finance Committee

    Paul Kenley has served faithfully on the Gaston Christian Center Board for eight years and currently contributes his expertise as a member of the Finance Committee. He brings five decades of pastoral ministry experience to his board service, having served Baptist churches throughout Texas and currently pastoring part-time in North Central Texas.

    Paul's extensive background in pastoral care and church leadership provides deep insight into the spiritual and practical needs of faith communities. His understanding of ministry challenges and opportunities helps guide GCC's strategic decisions and program development.

    For Paul, his years of service with GCC represent some of the most fulfilling work of his ministry career. He sees GCC's mission as fundamentally rooted in the Gospel message and views the organization's work as a meaningful expression of the Great Commission in action.

    What particularly inspires Paul about GCC is its unique approach to global ministry—rather than sending missionaries abroad, GCC welcomes people from around the world who come to its doors. He believes this model of hospitality and service reflects the very kind of ministry that Jesus demonstrated during His earthly work, making GCC a powerful witness to Christ's love in the modern world.

    Paul's pastoral heart and decades of ministry experience continue to strengthen GCC's commitment to serving as a beacon of hope for all who enter its doors.

  • Board Member, Member of Finance Committee

    Christopher Schein joined the Gaston Christian Center Board in 2024 and currently serves on both the Finance Committee and the Ad-Hoc Communications Committee. He brings three decades of expertise in public policy and crisis communications to his role, having founded his own strategic communications counseling firm after years of professional experience in the field.

    Chris's extensive background in strategic communications provides valuable insight and support to GCC's mission and outreach efforts. His understanding of effective messaging and stakeholder engagement helps strengthen the organization's ability to connect with the community and communicate its impact.

    When initially approached about board service, Chris took time to thoroughly research GCC's programs and mission. With a natural affinity for nonprofit work, he quickly recognized that GCC aligned perfectly with his desire to make a meaningful difference in the community.

    Chris finds his service with GCC to be both personally rewarding and professionally fulfilling. His commitment to the organization's mission, combined with his strategic communications expertise, makes him a valuable asset to the board's leadership team as they work to expand GCC's reach and effectiveness in serving the community.

  • Board Member & Chair of Finance Committee

    Allyson Cook joined the Gaston Christian Center Board of Directors in 2024 and currently serves as Chairperson of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Ad-Hoc Communications Committee. She brings a unique blend of healthcare education expertise and theological training to her board service.

    As a Senior Education Coordinator for the Department of Family and Community Medicine's Family Medicine Residency Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Allyson has extensive experience in program development and educational leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek, North Carolina.

    Allyson's educational background in both community health and Christian ministry provides her with a comprehensive understanding of holistic community development. Her passion for supporting diverse communities aligns perfectly with GCC's mission of empowering multi-ethnic congregations and nonprofit organizations.

    What draws Allyson to her service with GCC is the organization's commitment to providing shared space and resources that enable various groups to maximize their community impact. She finds it an honor to help steward a facility that uplifts diverse communities and fosters sustainable, Christ-centered transformation. Her leadership in finance and communications helps ensure GCC continues to effectively serve as a hub for meaningful ministry and community development.

  • Board Member, Member of Personnel Committee

    Bobby Broyles joined the Gaston Christian Center Board in 2025 and currently serves on the Personnel Committee. He brings over four decades of ministry experience to his role, having faithfully served as a church pastor for 41 years before his retirement.

    Bobby holds a Master's degree from Logsdon Seminary and currently works as a real estate broker, bringing valuable expertise in property management and community development to the board.

    His passion for supporting nonprofit organizations drives his commitment to GCC's mission. Bobby recognizes the vital role that affordable facilities play in enabling charitable organizations to focus their resources on serving the community rather than overhead costs. He believes strongly in GCC's approach of providing accessible space that allows nonprofits to remain engaged and effective in their important work.