FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF NORTH AUGUSTA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Worship Ministry
Beth joined our team in June of 2018 and now serves as our Director of Worship Ministry. While born in Pearisburg, VA, Beth Spangler has spent most of her life as a resident of Aiken, South Carolina. Obtaining a degree in Radiologic Technology from Aiken Technical College, Beth graduated Valedictorian of her class in 2007 and spent the next seven years working as an ARRT Certified Radiographer. Although Beth cherished her career as a medical professional, she felt God calling her to pursue a full-time career in the music industry. In 2013, she was signed to talent agency, AMTC (Actors, Models, & Talent for Christ), and began recording and performing her original music.
During her time off, Beth enjoys reading, dancing, mentoring young artists, speaking at various churches and organizations across the country, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Rob, have been married for 9 years and have two sons, Micah & Malachi.
Job Titles:
- Minister of Weekday & Preschool
Dena recently transitioned from her role as Director of Children's Ministries after serving since 1998 and now serves as our Pastoral Care Minister. In this new role, she will oversee all aspects of our care ministry, ensuring that the members of First Baptist Church are properly cared for during their times of need.
Dena has a BS degree in Interior Design from the University of Tennessee, but is passionate about caring for others in their time of need. Both born and raised in Greeneville, TN, Dena is married to Tim, an electrical engineer at SRS. They have two daughters, Emily, who is a nurse and lives in Chapel Hill, NC; and Rachel, who is a nurse and lives in Savannah, GA.
Dena enjoys working with others, cooking, decorating, crafting, and just being with people.
Stephen is Senior Pastor of First Baptist of North Augusta and serves on the Executive Committee of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry degree with an emphasis in Christian Apologetics and currently teaches adjunctly at Fruitland Baptist Bible College in North Carolina.
Stephen is a writer and author of the book PROVE IT-Defend the Christian Faith and co-author of GREEN HEARTS-God's Goodness in the Worst of Times, He is also a contributing author for the 2016 Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook and a regional and national speaker on Christian Apologetics and Leadership. In Summer of 2016, Stephen was accepted to the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program at Dallas Baptist University which he is currently completing.
Stephen lives in the Augusta, GA area with his wife, Wendy, and his two daughters, Madelyn and Sarah. His passions are spending time with his family, teaching the Word of God, making disciples, and talking to people about God's amazing grace.
Job Titles:
- Director of Online Engagement
Ellen has served in the local church for over a decade, and has been on staff at First Baptist North Augusta since July of 2016.
As Director of Online Engagement, Ellen works with our Minister of Worship and Creative Arts and oversees the production of online worship gatherings and videos.
Ellen was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where she met her husband, Andrew. They have been married since December of 2007 and have four children: Timothy (born in 2008), Jaden (born in 2010), Aubrey (born in 2012), and Charlotte (born in 2014).
Job Titles:
- Senior Adult Ministries Assistant
Harriet is a lifelong resident of the Augusta/North Augusta area. She is one of six children and has been blessed with many nieces and nephews.
She has served in various positions on the staff of FBCNA since 1970 and has served with many wonderful staff members along the way. She believes each staff member has contributed to her walk with the Lord.
For relaxation, Harriet enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves attending sporting events, especially when her nephews are playing!
Job Titles:
- Children and Families Pastor
James joined our team as Children's Pastor in August, 2018. He grew up in Charlotte, NC and placed his faith in Christ in high school.
In his mid-twenties, James discovered his calling into ministry. James has been in full-time ministry since 2014. He has a passion for spiritually shaping kids and equipping parents to spiritually lead their children. James also loves to create fun and engaging environments for children to learn about Jesus Christ. He is currently a student at Southern Evangelical Seminary.
James and his wife, Alison, have a son named Eli and a daughter named Ellie. James enjoys spending time with his family, learning, and developing leaders.
Job Titles:
- Minister of Community Activities & Discipleship
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assistant Director
Roy facilitates the Senior Adult ministry. He grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is the son of Fred and Ruth Kiser of Oak Ridge and the older brother of Steve. He is married to Becky Franklin, an R.N. from Phenix City, Alabama.
Roy is a graduate of Columbus State University, Columbus, GA, and from Southwestern Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.
Roy came to the CSRA in July of 2009, bringing a diversity of ministry experience. Throughout more than 35 years of ministry, Roy has served churches in West Virginia, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Northern Virginia, and Georgia. His ministry roles have included music ministry, student ministry, family ministry, and pastor. He enjoys family, golfing, racquetball, and music.
Ryan grew up in Lynchburg, VA. In 2019, he received a Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministries degree at Liberty University and is now pursuing a Masters of Arts in Christian Ministries (also at Liberty University). Ryan is a leader who desires to engage, empower, and equip the next generation of believers in order to fulfill the Great Commission. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time with people, being outside, and working out. He and his wife Annie have been married since November, 2019.
Sandy is now widowed from her husband of 48 years and living in North Augusta in a beautiful little apartment attached to her daughter and son in law's house. She has 2 married children, 6 grandchildren, a black lab, and kitties as roommates. She is an avid horse lover, enjoys traveling and loves to read.
Job Titles:
- Family Pastoral Counselor
Shari is in her 4 th year as a pastoral counselor at First Baptist North Augusta.
She is enjoying life's journey alongside children and teen clients as they face difficult times and situations. Our children and teens need emotional support and care, as well as mental health counseling--more than ever before. They especially need adults to bring them back to God's purpose and plans for their life. Shari loves working as a pastoral counselor at FBC of NA and will continue this position part time.
Shari has been involved in public school education since 1991 and holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from University of Akron as well as a Master of Education degree in Counseling from Augusta State University.
Shari is married to her best friend, Mr. James Hooper, who is an Assistant Principal at Harlem High School. They have three children, Cassandra (25), who is married to Dylan Taylor, Kate (23), and Max (19), and they love to spend time together as a family. She especially enjoys scrapbooking and watching old television shows. Shari and Jim have been active members of the First Baptist family since 1991.
Job Titles:
- Minister of Media & Communications
Steve has served on staff in a multi campus, multicultural church as the Technical Director in New York for the past 4 years. With various degrees in Computer Networking, Telecommunications, and Theology, he also has a background in music and general contracting. His passion is providing every opportunity possible for people to encounter the love of Jesus. Originally from El Salvador, he grew up in Long Island, NY and has lived there most of his life. He is husband to his beautiful bride Stephanie, and father to his son Toby and to their newest addition, daughter Lucy.
Job Titles:
- Director of Instrumental Music
Steven is a native of Evans, Georgia and has been playing in services at First Baptist Church of North Augusta since 2014. He now serves as our Director of Instrumental Music.
Picking up a saxophone at age 12, Steven now proficiently plays over 10 instruments. Additionally, he has been producing music and engineering recording sessions since 2018.
His favorite food is Chicken Parmesan and he enjoys bowling, golf, beaches, arcades and attending concerts during his time off.
Job Titles:
- Minister of Worship and Creative Arts
Susan has spent more than 30 years serving the local church and has a passion for the local church worship ministry. As the Minister of Worship and Creative Arts, she leads a team of talented, faithful musicians and vocalists. On Friday evenings, you'll find her hosting the Hymn Sing Live, playing and arranging viewers' requests on the spot, encouraging viewers to sing along at home. This has been incredibly helpful during the months of shuttered churches, limited congregational singing, and socially distanced worship. She has hosted more than 60 hymn sings garnering thousands of viewers from around the world. For more than three decades, Susan has worked with arts organizations across the Augusta, GA, area, including the Augusta Opera, the Augusta Choral Society, and Augusta University. She is the resident composer for Storyland Theatre and sits on its Board of Directors. She was the owner and instructor of The Piano Studio for more than 25 years and offered private instruction to hundreds of students during its operation. She holds a M.M. in Piano Performance from the University of Miami and a B.S. in Piano Performance from Augusta College.
Job Titles:
- Weekday Assistant Director
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Ministries
Job Titles:
- Minister of Worship Communications