FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, GAINESVILLE, GEORGIA Deacon Nominee P R O F I L E S 2018 PLEASE USE THIS RESOURCE TO AID YOUR CHOICE FOR DEACONS
BRAD ABERNATHY Brad has been a member of First Baptist for 32 years. He and his wife, Jill, have two daughters, Sadie and Katherine. He has taught 7th and 8th grade boys. His involvement in the youth programs of the church and the youth choirs have been the most meaningful to him. Brad prays for the leadership and direction of the church. He thanks God for Dr. Coates and his family as well as the other leaders of the church. LARRY A. BALDWIN, II Larry has been a member of First Baptist for 10 years. He and his wife, Elisabeth, have twin daughters, Theresa Lee and Madeline. He is a member of the Wing and a Prayer Sunday School Class. The ministry that has been most meaningful to him is being the activities director for VBS. It is most rewarding to see so many children having fun and learning about Jesus Christ. Larry continually prays that our church will be a church of love, a church of compassion and a church of inclusion. JESSE M. BLACK, JR Jesse has been a member of First Baptist for 30 years. He and his wife, Alyce, have four adult children. He is a member of the Anglers Sunday School Class. The ministries that have been most meaningful to him are teaching and participating in Sunday School, and serving Camp Hope. Jesse prays that the church would seek wisdom. CATHY BOWERS Cathy has been a member of First Baptist for 30 years. She is married to Doug and they have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. She is a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. The places of service that have been most meaningful to her are Kairos Prison Ministry, Ministry of Caring, Adult Choir and Family Promise. Cathy prays for unity in our church and that Jesus will teach us how to love others as He loves the church. She prays that our actions will bring glory to Him. ABBY BOERNER BREWER Abby has been a member of First Baptist for 3 ½ years. She is married to Don. Abby has a son, Casey and a daughter, McKenzie. She is a member of the Grace Fellowship Sunday School Class. She has always been very involved in music and loves worshipping through (and with) our Sanctuary Choir. Abby prays for constant strength and guidance for our leaders, members, and those in need. She also prays that we will serve God in a way that brings honor and glory to Him. CINDY BRYANT Cindy has been a member of First Baptist for 20 years. She and her husband David have two daughters, Nolan and Adeline, and one son, Charlie. She is a member of the Oasis Sunday School Class. She has served in many meaningful capacities; Cherub Choir, Children s Ministry and Youth Ministry. All have been a huge blessing. Cindy prays as Paul prayed in Ephesians Chapter 3:14-19. (Please look it up.)
KATHY BURKETT Kathy has been a member of First Baptist for 67 years. She has one son, Allen Burkett. She is the President of the Koinonia Sunday School Class. Her most meaningful service is singing in the choir and helping with Family Promise. Kathy prays for our pastor, Bill Coates and for Mark Green and the choir. She prays that our church will find unity during times of sorrow, strength to overcome obstacles and joy in everything we do. BROOKE BURT Brooke has been a member of First Baptist for 10 years. She and her husband, Preston have two daughters, Ella and Audrey. She is a teacher to the 11th and 12th grade youth. She loves serving in lots of ways, but her most meaningful ministry was being a part of the Good Neighbor Team. This team helped a Syrian refugee family resettle in Georgia. Brooke prays that our church would be unified to act in love and serve in grace. DICK CHILDERS Dick has been a member of First Baptist for 35 years. He and his wife, Elaine, have two children, Matthew & Molly. He is a member of the Grace Fellowship Sunday School Class. The ministry that has been most meaningful to him is serving on the Stewardship Committee. Dick prays for our pastor and staff. ELAINE CHILDERS Elaine has been a member of First Baptist for 34 years. She and her husband Dick have two children, Matthew & Molly. She is a member of the Grace Fellowship Sunday School Class. She has loved teaching 4-year old s, serving in Vacation Bible School, working with GA s and having sleep-overs with our youth groups. Elaine prays that we each could know we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God loves each of us exactly the same; therefore, there should be no division among us. KIM CRAFT Kim has been a member of First Baptist for 29 years. He and his wife, Karen, have two sons, Cory and Kirby. His most meaningful place of service is with the Student Ministry. Kim prays for our leaders, for strength and wisdom for Dr. Coates and that we will continue to be an open church for our community and beyond. ELLEN DEFOOR Ellen has been a member of First Baptist for 3 years. She and her husband, Mark have twins, Mikalyn and Dallas. She and Mark find meaning and joy serving as ushers in the early service. Ellen prays that our pastor and leadership will seek God and His righteousness in all things related to the church, leaning on His guidance for wisdom and discernment.
BRAD DONNELL Brad has been a member of First Baptist for 4 years. He and his wife, Alicia, have two sons, Austin and Alex. He is a member of The Gathering Sunday School Class. The ministry that has been most meaningful to him is singing in the choir. This experience has been very uplifting for him. Brad prays for unity. Not that we all agree, but that we all love each other and try to be as Christlike as possible. BENJAMIN GARNER Benjamin has been a member of First Baptist for 3½ years. He and his wife, Katherine, have two children, Henry and Rosemary. He is a member of the Discipleship in Young Adulthood Sunday School Class. The ministries that have been most meaningful to him are teaching Sunday School, volunteering for Family Promise and helping to organize small groups. Benjamin prays for the church to flourish, be a blessing in the community, and to heal and strengthen those who come into our fellowship. JESSICA GREEN Jessica has been a member of First Baptist for 25 years. She and her husband Rocky, have two children, Bethany and Zachary. She is a member of the Oasis Sunday School Class. She has felt blessed by working alongside caring church volunteers serving those in need of food and encouragement at the Community Food Pantry. Jessica prays for our church to have a spirit of unity in God and that we as members hunger to study God s Word, have hearts to know His will and courage to be obedient. LORETTA HARPER Loretta has been a member of First Baptist for 8 years. She and her husband Larry, have a blended family of four children, four grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She enjoys singing in the choir and volunteering for the Emporium. Loretta prays that our church would show unity, peace, love and joy. All of which would tell the world that we are Christians and serve as a witness for our Lord RUSSELL HARTNESS Russell has been a member of First Baptist for 37 years. He and his wife, Lane, have two daughters, Haley and Lyla. He is a member of The Gathering Sunday School Class. His most meaningful place of service is with the Children s Ministry because it sets the foundation for our children. Russell prays that we always follow the Lord s direction and not pre-learned cultural biases. fx JOHN HULSEY, JR. John has been a member of First Baptist for 55 years. He and his wife, Cinda, have three children. He is a member of the Anglers Sunday School Class. The ministries that have been most meaningful to him are singing in the choir, working with the youth, serving on the Building Committee and being a Deacon. John prays for unity, growth and that younger members will feel welcome here and that we will meet their spiritual needs.
JOHNNY JOHNSON Johnny has been a member of First Baptist for 24 years. He and his wife, Lisa have two children, Thomas & Mary Katherine. John is a member of the Covenant Sunday School Class. He enjoys singing in the choir, being a youth choir chaperone and serving as a deacon. Johnny prays for unity, for peace, for growth, for our church leaders and for a loving and inclusive congregation. MARY KATHERINE JOHNSON Mary Katherine has been a member of First Baptist for 17 years. She grew up being a part of the music ministry in children s choir and in Sonlight. As an adult she has sung in the Living Christmas Tree. The music ministry has provided her opportunities to be a part of a meaningful community that worships together, makes memories together and commits scripture to heart. Mary Katherine prays for a thriving young adult ministry. JILL KELLY Jill was born & raised in First Baptist and joined 36 years ago in 1982. She is married to Mark Kelly, and they have two children, Lilly and Will. She is a member of The Gathering Sunday School Class. The places of service that have been most meaningful are the Children s, Youth and Music Ministries. Jill prays that our church is a place known for sharing God s love, that we always seek God s guidance in how we share that love with a world so in need of love and that we always do a good job loving each other as a body of Christ. MARK KELLY Mark has been a member of First Baptist for 11 years. He and his wife, Jill have two children, Will & Lilly. He is a member of The Gathering Sunday School Class. The ministry that has been most meaningful to him is our prison ministry because it has an impact on people who need to feel the love of Jesus at a time when they are most vulnerable. Mark prays that our church can continue to spread the message of Jesus love to a nation and community that needs that love now, more than ever. EDDIE KINSEY Eddie has been a member of First Baptist for 7 years. He is a widower (married to Gibby Kinsey for 45 years). He is a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. The ministries that have been most meaningful to him are working at Good News at Noon, and Ushering and greeting visitors. Eddie is thankful to God for the blessing of our church, our staff and its members. He prays that God continues to bless our mission work for the sick and needy. BETHANY MAGNUS Bethany has been a member of First Baptist for 13 years. She is married to Matt, and they have two children, Mark and Mary Beth. She is a member of The Gathering Sunday School Class. The places of service that have been most meaningful to her are teaching children s choir and serving on the Women s Ministry Committee. Bethany prays for a unity of spirit as we go about our purpose of reaching others for Christ and that we feel and extend God s love to one another.
TOM MCALLISTER Tom has been a member of First Baptist for 15 years. He and his wife, Ellen, have one son and one daughter. He is a teacher for the Anglers, Seekers and Friendship Sunday School Classes. The ministries that have been most meaningful to him are teaching Sunday School, Men s Bible Study and a Wednesday night Class. Tom prays for revival and that FBC members would continue their spiritual growth and be a bright light for the Lord in our community and abroad. FRANK MCKAY Frank has been a member of First Baptist for 32 years. He and his wife, Renee, have two daughters, Catherine and Elizabeth. He is a member of the Covenant Sunday School Class. He has served in many ways, but teaching Sunday School, being a Deacon and serving as Church Clerk have been particularly meaningful. Frank prays for our ministries to young families, children and senior adults. He also prays that the church will read and study the writings of Paul for wisdom and insight on how to live and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. ROB MERCER Rob has been a member of First Baptist for 11 years. He and his wife, Amy, have one daughter, Kaitlyn. He is a member of The Gathering Sunday School Class. His primary ministry is running the sound board for the radio and streaming video broadcasts. He also volunteers for the Pre-School Ministry and the church s emergency response ministry. Rob prays that our church would be the arms of Christ reaching out to our community. He also prays that through our actions those facing adversity would come to know God as he has during his own adversities. KIMI MIHOK Kimi has been a member of First Baptist for 7 years. She and her husband Chris have five sons and one daughter. She is a member of the Sunday School Class A Wing and a Prayer. Her most meaningful acts of service are working with Troop 26, helping in the children s Worship Workshop and participating in the church s Emergency Response Team. Kimi prays for God s protection of our leadership, His guidance in each congregant s life and peace as we serve Him together. STEVE MITCHELL Steve has been a member of First Baptist for 5 years. He and his wife, Carole, have three sons. He is a member of the Oasis Sunday School Class. The ministry that has been most meaningful to him was his recent trip to Havana, Cuba with Rev. Ruth Demby, to investigate how FBC can help Cuban Baptists and others in that country. Steve prays that our church will continue and increase in its openness to all believers, from conservative to moderate, in tune with the long-standing Baptist belief of priesthood of the believer. CHARLES MOORE Charlie has been a member of First Baptist for 36 years. He and his wife, Jane have three daughters, Melanie, Marian and Mary Margaret. He is a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class. The ministries that have been most meaningful to him are Sunday School, serving as a deacon, and Promising Futures. Charlie prays for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
RAY NEWMAN Ray has been a member of First Baptist for 46 years. He and his wife, Wyoma have one son, Charlie. Ray is a member of the Anglers Sunday School Class. He prays that our church will reach more people for Christ. KIMBERLY NOTTINGHAM Kimberly has been a member of First Baptist for 12 years. She and her husband, John have two daughters, Kathryn and Shelby. On Sunday mornings you will find her volunteering in the children s department. Her most meaningful areas of service are Children s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Women s Ministry and Family Promise. Kimberly prays that our church will experience financial guidance and growth, will impact the youth in our community and will experience unity in our families. BOB ORWIG Bob has been a member of First Baptist for 3 years. He and his wife, Linda, have three adult children. He is a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. The ministries that have been most meaningful to him are the Spanish Ministry and the small group ministry. Bob prays that our church follows God with sincerity and holiness. BRUCE OVERTON Bruce has been a member of First Baptist for 10 years. He and his wife, Charlene, have three daughters. He is a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. The ministry that has been most meaningful to him is the Men s Monday Morning Bible Study. Bruce prays for continued growth of our young adult ministries. BOB PAGE Bob has been a member of First Baptist for 41 years. He and his wife, Nancy, have a son and two daughters. He is a member of the Anglers Sunday School Class. His most meaningful ministries are teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and being a Stephen Minister. Bob prays that our church will grow in diversity of ages and ethnicity and that we will continue to work to unify our community. JOHN F. PEARCE John has been a member of First Baptist for 17 years. He is married to Ina Mae. John has two children, Joy & John. He is a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class. His most meaningful ministry is teaching Sunday School. John prays for church unity with our focus being on Christ.
JAMES POOLE James has been a member of First Baptist for 12 years. He and his wife, Ann, have two daughters, one son, five grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Serving with Promising Futures has been most meaningful to him. James prays for peace and the reduction of hate for all. JIM RAMSEY Jim has been a member of First Baptist for 3 years. He and his wife, Nan, have two children, Andy & Amy. He is a teacher and member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. He enjoys the preparation for and the teaching of the Bible. He also enjoyed being the facilitator of Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University. Jim is praying for God s Spirit to bring transformation into the lives of all of us and into the lives of those who join us which means to be agents of God s love, grace and hope. LORI PIRKLE ROBERTS Lori has been a member of First Baptist for 54 years. She is married to James Michael Roberts, and they have 2 children, Knox & Tatum. She is a member of Oasis Sunday School Class. The First Baptist ministry that has been most meaningful to her is Prayer Call. Jill prays for unity among our members, our staff, Prayer Call, and that we support all members and other people in our city and the world. She prays that God will lead our church in the direction that He wants us to go. DOUG SAXTON Doug has been a member of First Baptist for 4 years. He and his wife, Barbara have two sons, Chris and Eric. He is a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. The ministries that have been most meaningful to him are teaching Sunday School, serving with Good News at Noon, and helping to bring a refugee family to Gainesville. Doug prays that we spend more time with God so we get to know Him to a greater degree. ROBERT SHIPPEY Robert has been a member of First Baptist for 5 years. He and his wife, Cheryl have three adult children. He is a member of the Oasis Sunday School Class. The ministries that have been most meaningful are teaching and participating in Sunday School, and singing in the Church Choir. Robert prays that the church would remain a fellowship of love, committed to serving the least of these among us. PAMELA SWIFT Pamela has been a member of First Baptist for 10 years. She and her husband, Walter, have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. She is a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. Her most meaningful ministry is singing in the choir and being a part of the lighting design team for the Living Christmas Tree. Praising God with song weekly is a blessing. Pamela prays for Dr. Coates and our church staff. She also prays that we continue to be a loving church that embraces all people and continues to aid those less fortunate in our community.
PHYLLIS TANNER Phyllis has been a member of First Baptist for 3 years. She and her husband John are members of the Friendship Sunday School Class. She enjoys baking for and volunteering with the Emporium. She loves cooking for others and being an encourager. Phyllis prays that each member of our church would be open to God s will and that everyone who enters our doors will feel God s love for them. JASON VANLANDINGHAM Jason has been a member of First Baptist for 3 years. He and his wife, Leann, have three children, Hailey, Charlie and Adelynn. He is a member of The Gathering Sunday School Class. The ministries that have been most meaningful to him are playing in the Exaltation Orchestra and teaching missions to kindergartners. Jason prays for unity, through love, as our church ministers to our community and our church body. PAM WARE Pam has been a member of First Baptist for 6 years. She is married to Bill, and they have one son and one daughter. The two ministries that have been most meaningful to her are visiting the prison and choosing from the Angel Tree at Christmas time SCOTT WILEY Scott has been a member of First Baptist for 16 years. He is married to Elizabeth Hastings Wiley. Scott is a member of the Anglers Sunday School Class. His most meaningful ministries are singing in the choir and serving as a Deacon. Scott prays that First Baptist will always remain God centered and open to one and all.