Mike has been the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church since July of 2007. He originally comes from Oklahoma and to this day is a loyal Sooner fan. He loves camping, hiking, biking, reading good books, and his wife, Barb, who teaches art at Wayne County High School. Mike served churches in Missouri and Florida before finally arriving in the Promised Land of Jesup. Mike and Barb have two grown sons, and one granddaughter. He holds Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City Missouri.
FUN FACTS: Mike is left handed and loves visiting National Parks.
Earl is a native of Troy, Alabama and is married to Wanda (Hysmith) also formerly of Troy. They have two adult children and four grandchildren. He has a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served in churches in Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. His past ministry positions include education, youth ministry, preschool and children's ministry. Hobbies are hunting, fishing, and teaching. He also enjoys spending time with his family. His passion is for each and every person to have an intentional relationship with Christ Jesus and to grow in their walk with Him through meaningful discipleship.
Creston is a native of Gum Branch (Hinesville), GA, Creston joined the staff of First Baptist in June 2007 as Minister of Music. He is a graduate of the Townsend School of Music at Mercer University, Macon where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Voice and his Master of Music in Choral Conducting and Church Music. In June of 2019, he received his Doctor of Worship Studies from the Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, Florida. Before moving to Jesup, he served churches in Macon, Ga and was the director the Children's Preparatory Choir of Mercer University. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and cooking – especially backyard barbecues with family and friends. He is married to Amy Shiley Groover, a cardiac nurse practitioner and they have two daughters, Caredith and Marigrace.
Buddy Duke began serving as Minister to Middle & High School Students on September 1, 2019. He comes to Jesup First Baptist after serving churches in Kentucky and Georgia for the past 16 years. He received his undergraduate degree in Bible from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN.Buddy was born in Macon, Georgia. He married his wife Misty, of Covington, KY, in May of 2003. They have four children - Hannah, Jude, Levi & Gavin. He enjoys drinking coffee, reading, watching sports, and spending time with his family.
Misty was born and raised in the Northern Kentucky area. Misty attended Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN and graduated with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Women's Ministry. She has been married to Buddy Duke (who is our Minister to Students) for almost 17 years and they have four children Hannah, Jude, Levi and Gavin. She has worked in the banking industry for the past 12 years and is excited for this new opportunity to serve. Misty is passionate about Children's Ministry and inspring the children and families to grow in a deeper walk with Jesus. Misty enjoys spending time with her family, watching Georgia Football and is a recovering coffee addict.
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