Staff

Rev. Dr. Chuck Poole

Interim Preaching Pastor

Chuck Poole retired in 2022 from forty-five years of pastoral life, during which he served churches in Georgia, North Carolina, Washington DC, and Jackson, Mississippi. Chuck has served as a visiting preacher and teacher on the campuses of Mercer University, Furman University, The Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, The Baptist House of Studies at Duke University, The McAfee School of Theology, Campbell University, Mississippi College, Gardner-Webb University, and the Wake Forest University School of Divinity. He was the founding teacher of the Wood Street Bible Class in Jackson, which he led for twenty-one years.
 
 
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The author of eight books, numerous published articles, one gospel song and the lyrics to three hymns, Chuck has served as a  “minister on the street”, and as an advocate for interfaith conversation and welcome. Chuck and Marcia now live in Birmingham, where Chuck serves on the staff of Together for Hope. Marcia and Chuck have a son, Joshua, a daughter,  Maria, and ten grandchildren.
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Rev. Julie Long

Interim Director of Staff and Congregational Life

I first walked into the doors of First Baptist as a college freshman at Mercer University after a few months of looking for a church home away from home. On that first visit, I experienced the warm welcome of the people here.  I kept showing up and got involved in the life of the church, and soon I knew I had discovered a place where I could find my grounding, bring my big questions about faith, and be known and loved.
 
My role within the church has evolved in these last 20+ years, from college student and volunteer to associate pastor to church member and deacon to my current interim position, and my faith journey and sense of calling has evolved with it.  What remains, though, is that this still is the place where and the people with whom I find my grounding, live the questions, and know that I am seen and loved.
 
First Baptist is also home to my husband, Jody, who serves as executive coordinator of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia, and our two children. Together, we love to read good books, cheer on the Mercer Bears and Georgia Bulldogs, travel to new places, and keep up with our kids’ interests and activities.
 
 
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Julie Long returns to the FBCX staff as Interim Director of Staff and Congregational Life. Julie will lead the overall operations of the church and facilities during this interim period.
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Dr. Stanley L. Roberts

Minister of Music

My greatest joy is making music with others! Though it is my profession, music is also my hobby and passion. Music is my calling and provides the vehicle through which I minister. Serving at First Baptist is far more than a vocation; it affords me the wonderful gift of collaboration with a talented community of artists who love the music of the church and understand its significance in worship. Music is powerful. Music helps express joy and hope. Music gives wings to the deepest groanings of the soul and provides a voice when words seem to fail us.

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First Baptist has been a wonderful home for my wife (Marie) and me since we arrived in 1992. Eventually two boys (Blake and Beau) came our way, and from their first days in the nursery until their transition into adulthood, they were nurtured by the church at every step with love and grace. Marie is a musician also. She sings, teaches voice at Mercer University and maintains a private studio. In my spare time, I am Director of Choral Studies at Mercer (’84 alum). I love college football (I hope to grow up to be a college football coach), attending Mercer University musical and sporting events, working in my yard, and traveling both domestically and abroad.
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Erika Houser

Interim Director of Children’s Ministries

I come from a family of 5 children and understand the intricate complexities that come with family dynamics, big or small! I love getting to work with children and their families to foster an environment where all are welcome and curiosity joins with creativity, ultimately deepening our relationship with God. This church has been my home for the last five years as I completed my higher education at Mercer University, and I am so grateful to serve my congregation through work in Children’s Ministry!
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Allie Ford

Interim Director of Youth Ministries 

I am both humbled and honored to lead and be led by the wonderful youth group at First Baptist Church of Christ. Ministry is my reason for being, and the community, love, and encouragement this church provides are like no other! During my first year at Mercer University, FBCX quickly scooped me up and gave me a place to belong. Now, as I continue my studies at Mercer, FBCX has become my home away from home. I hope to extend the same openness, welcome, and grace my church family has given me!
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Connie Pursiful

Administrative Assistant

My name is Connie Pursiful and I am the administrative assistant. I have been at FBCX 20+ years and have worked in the office for 12 years.  My husband, Darrell, and I love spending time with our daughters Rebecca and MaKayla. I also enjoy reading mysteries, knitting, and being the “craft lady” at Vacation Bible School.
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Camille Kittrell

Bookkeeper

Greetings! I moved to Macon in 2021, so living here is still a new experience for me. I’ve served as bookkeeper for FBCX since April 2022. I love working along side other staff (and members) each day in this community-relevant body of believers!

There are so many things I enjoy about being in the Macon area. I especially appreciate the historicity of our town, and the role FBCX has in that story across time and space. I feel privileged to be a small part of that story right now.
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Rebecca Pursiful

Ministry Intern

Rebecca Pursiful has been part of the FBCX family since she was two years old when her parents, Darrell and Connie, joined the church. She has been nurtured in her faith by the church’s children’s and youth ministries. She has fond memories of Passport camp, mission trips, and especially Jubilate weekends. She works mainly in the church office and with the children’s ministry.

Rebecca will graduate from Wesleyan College in December of 2023. She is majoring in Music with minors in Elementary Education and English Literature.

Anne Armstrong

Organist

I have been the organist at First Baptist for over forty years, and I find great joy in preparing for worship each week. What a gift it is to work with Stanley Roberts, the Chancel Choir, and Youth Choir! I am also grateful to be a part of such a warm and welcoming congregation, and I treasure all the times we spend together.

 

 
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Tierra Johnson

Custodian

 

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