Dr. James C. Elder, Jr (Pastor)
Jimmy and Roxann Elder came to First Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia early in August 2003. The Elders bring loving hearts and an abiding faith to First Baptist, often opening their home for Bible studies, meetings and other gatherings. Jimmy is a graduate of Mercer University, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary. He has been and remains involved in denominational and civic leadership; but the priority of the Elders’ lives remains their deep love for the local church.
The guiding passage of scripture for Jimmy’s life is from Isaiah 40:31, But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Jimmy enjoys the gym (especially swimming), gardening, reading and being with people.
Rev. Keenan Franklin (Minister of Music and Worship)-
Keenan was born in Lexington, Kentucky where he grew up in a Christian home with parents that were very active in their local church. At the age of 19 he gave his life to Christ and at 20 felt a calling in to full-time Christian service. After transferring from the University of Kentucky to Cumberland College(now University of the Cumberlands) , he earned his Bachelor in Music with a focus in church music. After college he went to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Master in Church Music degree. While in school he served in churches in Kentucky and Indiana as minister of music. His first position after seminary was for nine and half years at First Baptist Church of Lawrenceville, Georgia as the Minister of Music and Senior Adults. In fall of 2000 Keenan came to serve First Baptist Church of Columbus as the Minister of Music and Worship.
“It has been an honor to serve in this historic Baptist church with so much talent and mind for missions. My goal is to get as many people as possible to use their gift of music for the glory of God and for us as a church to have a true encounter with God every time we worship.”
Keenan has been married to Angel Franklin of Lexington, Kentucky since July 26, 1985. Keenan and Angel have two daughters, Brooke and Heather.
Rev. Myron Douglas (Minister of Education)-
A native of North Carolina, Myron received his Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in music from Wingate College (now Wingate University) before attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Church Music. After Myron and his wife Babbs came to Columbus in 1982, he served a sister church as Minister of Music until 1997 when he became Minister to Children here at First Baptist.
In 2004 he accepted the responsibilities of Minister of Education at First Baptist. As well as providing guidance to the full range of Sunday School classes, FBC is blessed to offer multiple small group opportunities which meet both at the church facilities and around Columbus.
Having invested his life in the Columbus community, Myron also serves on several boards with education and arts interests.
Myron is married to Babbs Smith Douglas of Angier, NC and they have two children: Geoffrey, a graduate student at Texas State, San Marcos and Laura, a junior at Samford University, Birmingham, AL.
Miss Laverne Melton (Minister of Outreach and Special Events)-
Laverne came to First Baptist on February 1, 2006. She is a graduate of Shorter College, Rome, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Music Education and has a Master of Church Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. She served at First Baptist Church, Lafayette, Georgia as Minister of Music and Youth in 1969, and from 1970-1976 worked as a music associate in the Georgia Baptist Convention Music Department (now Music and Worship ministry). From 1976 to 2006, Laverne was Minister of Music at First Baptist Church in Thomson, Georgia.
As coordinator for our Outreach ministeries, Laverne helps visitors and new members to become assimilated into the family life of the church. In addition she plans special events designed to invite the general community to be a part of the First Baptist experience. Senior adult ministry and activities are also coordinated by Laverne.
Rev. Brandon Strozier (Minister to Students)
Brandon came to First Baptist in the spring of 2004, five days after completing his undergraduate degree at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. In May 2009, Brandon graduated with a Master’s in Theology from McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. Brandon is married to the lovely Sara (Powell) Strozier. While some would consider sports to be his passion, he knows the work and ministry to the youth and college students of First Baptist and Muscogee County to be far more important!
Rev. Stan Vaughan (Interim Missions Coordinator)
Stan is a native Georgian, born in Atlanta. He grew up in Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia. He earned a BA degree from Mercer University and the M.Div. with Christian Education degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. While serving two churches in North Carolina, he gained experience in youth ministry, Christian education and family ministries. Moving to Fort Benning, Georgia, he served as U. S. Army Chaplain for Infantry units from 1999 until 2002. His next season of ministry was with Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus as Minister of Youth before joining the staff of First Baptist in 2008.
“My call to ministry, as I understand it, is to offer my gifts in the areas of discipleship and Christian spiritual formation. I walk alongside people in their journey of faith, providing opportunities for growth through the study of Scripture, prayer and interactive service to others.”
Stan and his wife Donna, along with their children Katie and Taylor, have called Columbus home since arriving here in 1999.
