Ministerial Moves

I.W. Bowen, longtime minister in the Centennial Baptist Association, has retired and is available for supply or interim work. He may be contacted at (478) 994-0887.

His House Community Church in Senoia called Brian Brimer as associate pastor. He began serving in October. Brimer is a graduate of Immanuel Bible College and is joined by his wife, Nikki, and their five children.

After serving part-time since 2000, Mount Olivet Baptist Church in Hebron Association called Nate Bunner as full-time pastor of children and youth in October. He is a recent graduate of Toccoa Falls College.

Scott Davis resigned as minister of music at Flat Creek Baptist Church in Fayetteville on Oct. 2 after more than 20 years of service. He accepted a call to serve at First Baptist Church in Kingsland as minister of music.

Former Georgia Baptist pastor Terry Fields was announced as the new executive director of church evangelism for the North American Mission Board Oct. 5. Fields was born and raised in the Norcross/Lilburn area. It was while attending First Baptist Atlanta that he married his wife, Debby, in 1987.

Fields served as pastor of Center Hill Baptist Church in Monroe and Pine Lake Baptist Church in Stone Mountain before moving to Ohio in 1996, where he served as senior pastor of Liberty Heights Baptist Church near Cincinnati.

Vince Floyd began serving as full-time worship leader at Zebulon Baptist Church in Toccoa on Sept. 19.

Jack Gantt announced his retirement as minister of music at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Carrollton on Oct. 2 after serving the church for 21 years. His last Sunday will be Dec. 31.

Perry Ginn announced his retirement as pastor of Valley Brook Baptist Church in Decatur on Oct. 10. Ginn had been called out of retirement to serve as bi-vocational pastor of the church in 2000.

Throughout Ginn’s five-year pastorate at Valley Brook the Sunday morning attendance increased by 50%, the church began a new ministry for children and added an associate pastor. He also led the church in a complete interior renovation of the Fellowship Hall and the children’s area.

Throughout his 56 years in ministry Ginn has served churches in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, as well as served as the executive director of the Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta. He currently serves as moderator of the Atlanta Metro Baptist Association.

Ginn’s last Sunday at Valley Brook will be Jan. 8, 2006. He will then be available for interim or guest preaching. He and his wife, Betty, will continue to live in Decatur.

David Jones was called as associate pastor of worship and music at First Baptist Church of Blakely effective Sept. 4. Jones is a graduate of Southwestern Seminary and Wayne State University.

He comes to the church from serving as minister of music at Logan Elm Baptist Church in Circleville, Ohio.

He is joined by his wife, Pam, and their six children, Erin, Lindsey, Ethan, Caleb, Samuel and Timothy.

Linda Long retired as ministry assistant at Northminster Baptist Church in Conyers in August after serving more than two years.

Ryan Okubo was called as minister of students and recreation by Garden Lakes Baptist Church in Rome and began his ministry on Oct 19. Okubo previously served at University Baptist Church in Miami. He is joined by his wife, Donna, and their three children.

Porterdale Baptist Church in Stone Mountain Association called Evan Posey as youth minister. He began serving in June.

Beulah Baptist Church in Centennial Association has called Jim Pitts as interim pastor effective Oct. 2. He is joined by his wife, Debbie.

Allen Stephens was called as minister of education and outreach by Garden Lakes Baptist Church in Rome and began his ministry on Oct 16. Stephens previously served as minister of education and youth at The Rock Baptist Church in Fayetteville. He is joined by his wife, Rebecca.

Brooks Baptist Church in Flint River Association recently called E.L. “Steve” Stephens as pastor.

Jeff Wilkes resigned as youth minister at Indian Creek Baptist Church in Tugalo Association effective Oct. 2.