I became the Senior Pastor at FBC on April 16, 2017, which was Easter Sunday that year.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from the University of Georgia (2005) , a Master of Divinity from Emory University (2008), and a Doctor of Ministry from Mercer University (2019). While I am proud to be an Eagle (Emory) and a Bear (Mercer), I am without question a Dawg at heart.
Matthew 5-7. It is more than a verse, but it is worth fifteen minutes to read. If you press me on a verse, it is Romans 8:31-39.
My job as Senior Pastor is to preach, teach, and represent our church in a variety of public settings. An important part of my work is to dream about where we are headed as a community of faith. I am still shocked that I get paid to do this everyday.
Sara and I started dating our senior year of high school (2000) and have been married since 2008. We have three girls Miriam, Evie, and Naomi.
I have watched Pulp Fiction more than one hundred times since it was released in 1994. It is as good today as it was on the day it opened.
Bone-in-Filet with Corn Creme Brulee and Grilled Asparagus from Quality Meats in NYC. Locally, you cannot go wrong with the Duck Poutine from Craft and Vine. Yes, I am a Foodie.
As I said above, I am a foodie, which means one of my hobbies is trying all the amazing food our city has to offer. I also play golf and try to get out on the course as much as possible. I also love to read, primarily theology and philosophy books.
I consume significant amounts of coffee during the day, so for the sake of my waistline, I drink my coffee black.
My very first day as Administrator at FBC Augusta was Sunday, January 1, 2017.
I graduated from The University of Tennessee in 1983. I also root for the high school that my daughters attended – Maryville High School in TN.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
As administrator my primary role is to support the other ministries of the church. My primary responsibilities are on facilities, finances and human resources; however, I also do hospital visits and pastoral care.
My older daughter, Hannah is married to Lane, and they live in Maryville, TN and have appeared on House Hunters. My younger daughter, Sophia is married to Jackson, and they live in Wake Forest, NC and attend seminary and chase after my grandson, Sam.
Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995), Remember the Titans (2000) and Elf (2003). I don’t watch many movies, but when I do I want to feel good and not have any loose endings!
A good grilled steak or prime rib and baked potato.
I would say traveling although I do not get to do it as often as I would like. I do like to see new places and have new experiences.
Nothing fancy – light roast with some cream. I don’t do specialty coffees because I am too frugal!
I have been at FBC since May 2017. I came on board just after Will became Senior Pastor.
My Alma Mater is University of North Carolina so I’m definitely a Tar Heel… at least in basketball season.
Revelation 7:9-10 Something about this multifaceted expression of unity and diversity in worship inspires me deeply.
I have the privilege of leading a team of creatives, techs and musicians that shape the contemporary worship experience at FBC. I strive to foster an aesthetic that speaks to the goodness AND greatness of God in our services, media production and music. I also facilitate our television/streaming broadcasts and inhouse media development. My heart is to empower a passionate group of Christ chasers to bring their genuine inner devotion out as a captivating expression of worship that adds to the beauty of in the world. What I love about what I do is watching people come together around something creative that brings glory to the name of Jesus.
I’ve been married to Kelly since 2000 and other than giving my life to Jesus, it’s been the best thing to happen to me. We have five amazing kids – our twins, Nadia and Kendrick, our middles, Tashi and Sennah, and our youngest Clara. We love being outdoors, playing board games. We homeschool and enjoy serving our community together. They really are the best part of who I am.
I have two favorites Amistad and Tommy Boy. I know, they don’t belong in the same sentence but I love them both for different reasons. Amistad is powerful. I love Tommy Boy because I’m a sucker for a good comedy!
I Love Food! I love exotic food and everyday food. I love trying things I’ve never tasted before. I definitely love wild game.
I am a music nerd! I love all things music from the latest technology to the finding obscure artists to listen to. I love playing new instruments and listening almost any genre. It’s my world. But I also enjoy hunting, hiking, reading, DIY projects, graphic design, filmmaking, cooking, working out.
Bulletproof with Stevia. Favorite bean is Tanzanian peaberry.
I joined the wonderful team of ministers at First Baptist in September of 2019.
Alma Mater would be the Flying Feet of Erskin, located in Due West (which is Due West of nothing), but I root for Clemson.
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I have the joy of leading multiple musical ensembles both in worship and on mission. My goal for every group I work with is to strive for excellence in musical ability, but more importantly, to connect what we are singing about or playing with our spiritual walk with God. Yes it’s important to sing well, but it’s more important to know why we’re singing and what we’re singing about.
I have a wonderful wife of 10 years, Lindsey and three joy-filled daughters, Bella, Randi, and Piper. We all have fun together and crack up over some of our shenanigans.
I’m a movie lover, so this is hard. I’d have to say if I see Red October on, I’ll probably watch it, no matter how many times I’ve seen it.
I’m partial to sushi, and other Chinese food.
Hunting, carpentry, fishing, water sports, other outdoor and indoor sports, backpacking, more than I have time for…
Pretty picky on this one, light roast and has to have cream and Splenda. Sweet and Low is second choice, and sugar is the last alternative. Favorite cream is sugar free Italian Creme, then I’d choose hazelnut. Regular half & half is last choice too!
I graduated from Furman University in 2005 and am a lifelong fan of the paladins! I received a Masters of Divinity from Erskine Seminary in 2018.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
My job is to lead youth and college aged students towards having a deeper relationship with God and giving them opportunities to express his love through their lives. I do this through teaching students, serving alongside students, and having fun with students!
My wife Rebecca and I have been married since August 5,2006 and we have an amazing daughter named Maggie who was born in 2012.
I can’t pick one so Forrest Gump and Shawshank Redemption.
I’m not terribly picky about food so there are many. To me it’s more important to eat a meal in good company that likes to talk and share.
Working in the yard, daddy / daughter dates, walks with my wife, all things Furman, fishing, travel, Spanish.
Pour it out because I don’t drink it. I do, however, like Coke Zero.
I joined the ministerial team in May of 2013 as Associate Pastor.
Though raised a Georgia fan, I attended Clemson University where I studied Industrial Engineering. GO TIGERS! I earned a Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1994), and a Doctor of Ministry from Samford University (2009).
Luke 15:11-32–The Parable of the Prodigal Son.
I do whatever isn’t assigned to someone else! Officially, I lead discipleship, missions, and our inviting and caring ministry.
Susan and I were married May 12, 1990. We have 2 boys, Allen and Bryan.
The series Band of Brothers.
Whatever I am grilling on Friday or Saturday evening while enjoying my yard.
I enjoy gardening, bird hunting, and beekeeping. I also dabble in stamp and coin collecting. And I attend a new college football stadium with my family every fall.
Black before 11AM. Whatever I’d like to add or need after 11AM!
I joined First Baptist as their Minister to Preschool and Children on October 22, 2017.
I root for UGA (Go DAWGS!!) My Alma Mater is Shorter College, 1996 where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy. I attended Mercer University, McAfee School of Theology, 2000 where I earned my Master of Divinity.
Micah 6:8 “The Lord God has told us what is right and what God demands:“See that justice is done,let mercy be your first concern,and humbly obey your God.”
As the Minister to Preschool and Children I have the privilege to welcome babies through 5th graders and their families to First Baptist. It is an honor to partner and walk with parents as they nurture and offer spiritual guidance to their children. As their minister I help guide and direct their leaders as they help children grow in their faith and understanding of Jesus through worship, music, Bible study, and play.
I am married to John Carlton Willis, III (Carl) We were married on Sept. 27, 2003. We have 2 wonderful daughters Mattie Paige and Juliana.
My favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas, My favorite Disney movie is Meet the Robinsons, My favorite “take me back to my day” movie is Mystic Pizza.
Chinese.
Baking, Photography, Board games with family, dabble in gardening, I would like to begin fishing again.
On any given day at any given time- Dark Roast, Half n Half, 1 Stevia packet. Specialty Coffee House- Grande Skinny Cinnamon Dulce Latte.
