Leadership 

Faith Based Leadership

Faith based leadership programs are county-wide nondenominational associations working to build relationships and enact positive change.

We support leaders in the county to make positive change and to help the county grow. 

Gaston Clergy & Citizens Coalition (GC3)

The Gaston Clergy & Citizens Coalition (GC3) is a group of grassroots ministers coming together to make positive change in the county.

  • To embrace opportunities by building bridges of Faith, Family, Education and Empowerment

  • To be in Partnership with God and Each Other to build stronger communities in Gaston County.

GC3 Executive Committee Interest Form

The Gaston Clergy and Citizens Coalition (GC3) is looking for new Executive Committee members. GC3 is a collaborative group of law enforcement, clergy and citizens who aim to build connections to better identify and prevent community problems. Ongoing projects of GC3 include: the annual Martin Luther King Unity Award and celebration as well as maintaining a county-wide covenant with law enforcement agencies to promote transparency and peace in our community. We are currently working toward a county-wide Faith & Blue event this fall.

By May 7th, 2025, please complete the form below to either:

  • indicate your interest in joining the Executive Committee

  • nominate someone you think would be a good fit

Please note that Executive Committee meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 8:30-9:30am at the Gastonia Business Association. GC3 meetings are the 2nd Thursday of every other month from 11:30am-1pm at various locations. Regular attendance to both meetings is expected, along with a 2 year minimum commitment.

MLK Unity Awards

This award was established in 2004, and it recognizes current or former Gaston County citizens who have performed exemplary community service to help build bridges of unity across lines of race, class, gender, faith and/or among municipalities within our county. Names of the honorees are engraved on the MLK Monument located at the MLK Plaza.

Law Enforcement Covenant

A pledge for clergy and law enforcement to work together to make interactions between county residents and law enforcement a model for others to follow.