Staff

Dr. Bill Hardee, Senior Pastor

Dr. Bill Hardee was called to be Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in February 2009. Dr. Hardee was born in Jesup, Georgia, and was educated at Brewton-Parker College and Oral Roberts University. He earned his PhD at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Most of his ministerial career has been spent serving churches in Macon. Dr. Hardee has also served as a parochial school administrator, a Hospice Chaplain and an adjunct professor at Mercer University and Mercer's McAfee School of Theology.

He and his wife, Jane, lead an active lifestyle. They enjoy traveling, cycling, hiking, sailing, golfing and scuba diving. Dr. Hardee also has a private pilot's license. The Hardees have three grown children.

billhardee@fbcgriffin.org

Rev. Hambric Brooks, Associate Pastor

Hambric has been on staff at First Baptist since March of 2002. Hambric is responsible for oversight and preaching at  Connexion, our contemporary service each Sunday.  He is also the Pastor to Students and Missions.  Hambric loves spending time with students and helping them find the light and love of Christ. Hambric wants to meet the community where they are and make a difference together. Hambric was raised in Statesboro, Georgia. He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University (B.S.) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He is married to Teresa, and they have four children: Destiny, Faith, Hope, and Thomas. . He enjoys working out, racquetball, hunting, fishing, and other sporting activities.

hambricbrooks@fbcgriffin.org

Rev. Denel James, Minister to Children

Denel James joined the First Baptist staff as the Minister to Children in June of 2000. She earned a Bachelor and Master of Education from the State University of West Georgia and taught special needs students in the public school for seventeen years. Creative methods, uniquely designed curriculum and strong relationships are guides for “Journey” to God in the Children’s Ministry and Weekday Education program. Denel’s husband is Dennis and children are Michael, Bryan, and Lauren.

deneljames@fbcgriffin.org.

 Rev. Brian McCartney, Minister of Education

Brian McCartney joined the First Baptist staff in March 2004.  He is a graduate of Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina, and the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. Brian has served four churches – Seminole First Baptist Church in Seminole, Florida; Thomasville Road Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida; Seminole Heights Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida; and now Griffin First. He also served as director of education for the Suncoast Baptist Association, Largo, Florida. Brian and his wife, Joyce, have been married for thirty-five years and have two grown children, Maureen and Matthew. Brian and Joyce find much joy in reading, travel, and are enjoying being grandparents.

brianmccartney@fbcgriffin.org

Rev. Marty Watts, Minister of Music

Marty began serving First Baptist Church of Griffin in August 2004. He came to Griffin after completing Bachelor and Master degrees in Church Music at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Marty grew up in Dunwoody, Georgia and attended Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, where he was also ordained on February 27, 2005. His duties as Minister of Music at First Baptist include planning and leading worship services, directing various choral and instrumental ensembles, and overseeing the Griffin School for the Arts. In addition to his music and worship responsibilities, he sings with The CenturyMen, a male chorus composed of professional Baptist musicians, and is assistant director of Griffin Choral Arts, a community chorus. Marty also plays the cello and teaches with the Griffin School for the Arts.  Marty's wife Karyn is also actively involved in the Music Ministry of First Baptist.  Karyn and Marty enjoy cooking together, but neither of them enjoys doing the dishes!

martywatts@fbcgriffin.org