In 1997, Lockeport Independent Baptist Church called Tim Garren to be its pastor. Tim grew up in Greenville, South Carolina and began ministering in Nova Scotia churches and camps during summers of his high school and college years. He graduated from the Bob Jones University's School of Applied Studies in 1985 and moved to Antigonish, Nova Scotia in 1987, to serve as an assistant pastor. Before moving to Lockeport Tim also served on staff of a boys home ministry in the Stewiacke area. In addition to the ministry in Lockeport, from 2007-2018, Tim helped establish South Shore Baptist Church in the Liverpool area.
Tim’s wife, Marge, grew up in Washington Court House, Ohio, and graduated from Bob Jones University in 1987. She and Tim were married in 1995, and during their years in Lockeport, their three daughters were born. Abby is currently enrolled at Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin, and Esther and Grace attend Lockeport Regional High School.