Staff
Rev. Julie Long
Pastor
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 alongside 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.
Dusty Fuller
Facilities Manager
Dusty Fuller serves as our part-time Facilities Manager. Dusty is well-known by many in our congregation, and he and his family actively serve in many capacities within our church . He is married to Christy and has two children, Andrew and Emery. His parents, Doug and Cindy Fuller, are also active members at FBCX. He works full-time for the Methodist Home for Children and Youth, where he has been the Maintenance Director for 5 years. Before The Methodist Home, he spent 12 years in management and law enforcement with Georgia State Parks. In his free time, he likes to play video games, coach soccer, fish with his dad, and generally dabble in anything that involves using tools.
Rachel Greco
Communications Manager
Rachel Greco serves our staff as part-time Communications Manager with a focus on publishing our church newsletter, managing our church website and social media, and helping with special projects or publications as needed. You may see Rachel around the church office on Tuesday mornings, though much of her work will be done remotely.
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Rachel graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Child and Family Development. After working for Childcare Licensing inspecting Daycare Centers for a few years Rachel moved to Macon where she worked as an Editorial Associate at Smyth and Helwys Publishing for five years. Rachel is married to Jon and has two daughters, Mallorie and Emily, four bonus children and their significant others, and eight bonus grandchildren! Rachel’s house is divided between the University of GA and GA Tech! When she isn’t at work she is on the road between Athens and Atlanta visiting her daughters, Target, and Trader Joe’s! She attends Vineville Baptist Church in Macon and enjoys helping with youth, singing in the choir and attending the “Seekers” Sunday School class.
Cam Bishop
Interim Organist
A native of Macon, Cam (Camille) Bishop began her early organ studies in high school with Martha Jo Fountain and at Mercer University with James Carmichael. She earned degrees in organ performance from Mars Hill (College) University and the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
In 2017 Cam retired as the Director of Music and Organist at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church where she served for thirty-five years. She began her tenure there as organist and in 1985 was appointed full time director of the church’s music program. In addition to her responsibilities as organist, Cam directed the adult, youth and children’s choirs, designed and planned worship services and coordinated the Cherry Blossom Organ Concert Series held annually at the church. She also worked in the Townsend School of Music for nine years as part of the adjunct collaborative piano staff.
Cam is married to Bruce Bishop who is also retired from Mulberry St. UMC. They have two grown children who live in the Middle Georgia area and four delightful
grandchildren.
Tierra Johnson
Custodian