PARKSIDE LEADERSHIP

Colin Kerr (M.Div) is the founding pastor of Parkside Church. Prior to imagining Parkside, he spent eight years assisting historic congregations with church renewal strategies, planting a new multi-campus college ministry at College of Charleston and the Citadel, and received the Baird Prize for Preaching at seminary. Colin has authored four books, of which one is actually worth buying. He has a passion for beach volleyball, whiskey, and budget travel. Colin is grateful every day to be married to his partner in love, life, and ministry, Erin, and is a doting dad to his daughters Arland and Abigail. His fourth and hopefully final book, Faith Hope Love: The Essentials of Christianity for the Curious, Confused, and Skeptical, is available in hardcover and ebook. He can be reached here.

Rev. Layton E. Williams is a writer, an ordained PC(USA) minister, and the managing editor of Presbyterians Today. She is the author of Holy Disunity: How What Separates Us Can Save Us. Layton earned her M. Div from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, TX and her B.A. in English from the University of Georgia. Her writing revolves around creative fiction and poetry, as well as nonfiction that focuses on the intersection of faith, justice, politics, and culture with a particular emphasis on sexuality and gender. Layton has an awesome husband, Billy, and two adorable daughters. She can be reached here.

Originally from Georgia and a PK (pastor’s kid), Kaely has since lived in some of the most unique places, from the vibrant cultures of Guatemala and Uruguay to the cold, scenic landscapes of Maine. Her love for travel and experiencing diverse environments has shaped her approach to hospitality, giving her a broad perspective and a knack for creating unique, memorable experiences. In 2022, Kaely and her husband settled in Charleston, where she embraced her passion for organizing and bringing people together. Kaely considers herself blessed to be part of such an inspiring and supportive community at Parkside, where she continues to bring creativity, warmth, and fun to every gathering she plans. She can be reached here.

Be patient! He’s writing his bio, okay?

Beth is from a small town in western Kentucky before finding herself at the College of Charleston pursuing marine biology (not a lot of that in Kentucky!). She graduated in 2025, and during her college career discovered Parkside Church through Erin’s EmpowHer campus ministry. Beth loves nature (especially mud!), reading (ask her about what she’s currently re-reading), and hanging with her two cats and roommate downtown. When she’s not at Parkside, you find her at Magnolia Plantation in the wetlands or at any of the bluegrass concerts in town (if you need band recommendations, she has them).