“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same
image from glory to glory. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 3.18
SPIRIT-EMPOWERED, CHRIST-CONFORMING, GOD-GLORIFYING
Our worship is dependent on this. Our discipleship is dependent on this. Our mission is dependent on this.
Our witness is dependent on this. Our families are dependent on this. Our community is dependent on this.
Our effectiveness is dependent on this. Our friendships are dependent on this. All wisdom is dependent on this.
All of our very being is dependent on this. And apart from this transformative, conforming work unto the likeness of Jesus Christ, we are — and can do — nothing.
SENIOR PASTOR
Joshua is the undeserving, grateful recipient of the gift of God’s love in and through his wife, Laura, and their two children, Luke and Aubrey. The Christlike example of Laura, and the blessing of Luke and Aubrey, have made an incalculable difference in his life.
He did undergraduate work at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, and graduate work at George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, TX.
His calling in ministry is to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ, equip the saints for the work of ministry, and live his life in a manner worthy of the calling to which he has been called; …part of which includes being an unapologetic snob to the quality of coffee made in his home. He and Laura proudly brew black, pour-over (Hario v60), coffee daily!
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF
MUSIC & WORSHIP
Will is blessed to be married to Caitlin, an encouraging wife, supportive partner in ministry, loving mother, and compassionate Physician Assistant. They have three sons—Henry, Theodore, and Patrick—who keep things interesting with their joy and curiosity.
Will met Caitlin during undergraduate study at Furman University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music. They moved to Kentucky for graduate work where Will received a Master of Church music degree at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Will is passionate about leading others in true worship of our triune God, especially in obedience to the biblical command to sing. He believes the health of a church can be measured in the spiritual fruit of individuals and in the corporate exuberance of the congregation’s worship.
Will is an avid fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Gerralds enjoy spending time breaking bread with others, playing games, and taking in live music and theatre.
ASSOCIATE PASTOR OF MISSION MOBILIZATION & ADMINISTRATION
Larry is married to his high school sweetheart, Kathy. They have two children. Scott is a corporate pilot and Laura is a Spanish professor. Kathy and Larry have seven grandchildren.
Larry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University. He received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He served as pastor of First Baptist Church Lima, Peru while under appointment with the International Mission Board. He served with the IMB for 19 years before joining the staff of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina where he served 20 years as a Hispanic consultant until his “retirement”.
Larry has a passion to see people move beyond self-imposed limits on their personhood and potential. He believes in one’s ability to move forward … to become all one is meant to be in Christ. He embraces diversity, encourages differences, shares decision-making, and purses a personal identity conformed to the servant image of Christ.
When not “working” he enjoys his “Wing” and water sports.
FINANCE ASSOCIATE
A native of Hickory, Nancy brings 20 years of non-profit administration experience to First Baptist Church.
She enjoys serving others through outreach ministries including mission trips, Habitat, and Catawba County Humane Society.
“Building wheelchair ramps for people in need, to putting up siding on new church buildings, allows me to put my faith in action.”
Nancy loves to travel, Tarheel basketball, and outdoor activities including tending her vegetable garden. Most weekends are spent outdoors with her four-legged sidekick, CoCo.
David is married to Noelle and they have three grown children; David Luke, Hannah, and Adri.
David holds a BA in Engineering Science from Dartmouth College. He received his Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies from Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity;
David’s passions in ministry include exploring and developing the biblical concept of a rabbi/disciple relationship within student ministry and teaching the Jewish historic, religious and cultural roots of the Christian faith.
David enjoys leading and teaching group faith pilgrimage trips to Israel, Greece/Turkey, and Egypt.
Along with traveling and studying the Bible, David enjoys hiking and a competitive game of golf. You may also find him relaxing in his garden
MINISTRY ASSOCIATE
Heather has worked in full time ministry for over twenty years. A native of Hickory, she finds joy in spending time with her large extended family. She is married to Shane and they have three children; Julie, Rylan, and Rebekah, and a very spoiled Shih Tzu named Ozzy.
She loves to sing and all things music. Her favorite singing is with a gospel choir or with her children. She is dedicated to seeing children know The Lord and currently serves as a preschool leader at her church.
The ministry of foster care and adoption holds a special place in the heart of her family.
Heather enjoys a good movie, game nights, and road trips!
CDC DIRECTOR
Elaine has been married to Matt for 31 years. They have two grown daughters; Miranda and Madelaine.
She has worked in Christian Eduation for over twenty-five years. Elaine holds degrees in Administration and Early Childhood.
“Since the first five years are critical and the majority of learning takes place, I want to teach these children about Jesus. If they carry nothing else away from the CDC, I want them to know Jesus loves them and is always there for them. I want them to feel safe and loved by the CDC and FBC.”
Elaine is an avid crafter and loves using sharing her gifts of creativity for family and friends.
FACILITIES COORDINATOR
Zach is married to Lindsay an elementary teacher. As part of the Creative Arts Team at their home church they are actively involved in the church’s puppet ministry. They serve together teaching Sunday School and in children’s ministry.
Zach enjoys playing basketball twice weekly and hiking.
WILL GERRALD
DAVID WACHTER
ZACH YODERS
