First Baptist Church Staff
Dr. Brenton Cox, Pastor
Email: bcox_fbc@hotmail.com
Dr. Cox is a native of Epworth, Georgia. He is a graduate of Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. He holds Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX. He previously pastored Bethlehem Baptist Church in Copperhill, Tennessee, and Valley View Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. He has been pastor at First Baptist, Manchester, since 1994. Brenton and Cyndi have two sons, Zachary and Gavin. Zachary and his wife, Emily, have two sons, Cooper and Hank.
Rev. Bart Starr, Minister of Music
Email: bstarr@manchesterfbc.com
Bart is a native of Cleveland, TN. He has held ministry positions in Niota and Etowah, TN as well as Epworth, GA. He is a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College, Athens, TN, and holds a M.A.C.S from Luther Rice University in Atlanta, GA. Bart's talented wife, Veronica (Roni), is also very involved in the music ministry of First Baptist Church. Together they have one biological son, Josh Asher, who passed away soon after his birth, and one daughter, Leeanne Marie, who was adopted from Korea.
Rev. Scott Whaley, Minister to Students
Email: swhaley@manchesterfbc.com
Scott is a native of East Tennessee and has been at First Baptist Church since 2005. He has held the position of Associate Pastor and Youth Pastor in North Carolina. Scott is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Scott is married to Kari and together they have a son named Franklyn.
Mrs. Cyndi Cox, Director of Christian Education
Email: ccox.fbc@gmail.com
Cyndi is a native of McCaysville, GA. She is a graduate of Shorter University, Rome, GA, and holds a Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. She and her husband, Brenton, have two grown sons, Zachary and Gavin and 2 grandchildren, Cooper and Hank.
Mrs. Melissa Todd, Director of Preschool Ministries
Email: melandscoot@yahoo.com
Melissa Todd is a native of Manchester, TN. She is a graduate from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Melissa and her husband Scott have two children Bodey and Olley. Her duties are the Preschool Ministry, including the Preschool Weekday program, First Steps Christian Preschool.
Mrs. Liz Lawson, Director of Children Ministries
Email: lizandsteve@charter.net
Liz originally grew up in Michigan but has called Manchester, Tennessee home for many years. She has over 25 years of experience in various types of children's ministry. She loves serving the children and families of First Baptist Church. Liz is married to Steve and they have one daughter and one son, Hannah and Andrew.
Mrs. Julie Brawner, Director of Recreation Ministries
Email: njbrawner@bellsouth.net
Julie is a native of Murfreesboro, TN. Julie studied Sports Medicine at ETSU. She is currently enrolled at Motlow State Community College of Nursing expected graduation date May 2012. Julie and her husband Neil have two children Nolan and Emma. Her duties include Upward basketball, Men's League Basketball, Church League Softball, and Volleyball. Soon to add scheduling for walking track and weight room.
Mrs. Kathy Helms, Financial Secretary
Email: khelms@manchesterfbc.com
Kathy is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Design. She and her husband, Joe, have three children, Lori, Greg, & Jon, four grandsons, Austin, Dillon, Nicholas & Nathan and two granddaughters, Maddison and Ella. Her responsibilities at FBC include keeping the financial records of the church, paying the bills, and administering payroll.
Mrs. Karen Pittman, Secretary/Receptionist
Email: pittman@manchesterfbc.com
Karen is a graduate of North Alabama College of Commerce, a business school, in Huntsville, AL, where she holds a certificate in Secretarial Science. Her duties at First Baptist Church include preparation of the newsletter and bulletin as well as assisting church staff, members, and visitors in various ministries. She and her husband, Clint, have three children, Colt, Cade, and Kassi.
Mrs. Becky Reed, Office Manager
Email: reed@manchesterfbc.com
Becky is a graduate of Judson College in Marion, AL, with a degree in Music Education. She has previously worked for the Southern Baptist Commission and the Tennessee Baptist Convention, both in Nashville. Becky served as church secretary for First Baptist Church, Van Buren, AR, and also at First Baptist Church, Perryville, AR. She and her husband, Jim, have five children and thirteen grandchildren.
