Staff

Rev. Fred Anderson, Pastor

Rev. Fred Anderson grew up in Jesup, Georgia, and has served Georgia Baptist churches for over thirty years. He holds a degree from Brewton-Parker College (Bachelor of Arts in Christianity) and has attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also President of Light of Life Missions, Inc. (501c3).

Pastor Fred has been married to his lovely wife Tammy for 29 years, and they have two daughters, Celeste and Heidi. Celeste is teaching elementary music at Altamaha Elementary in Baxley and Heidi is a sophmore at Georgia Southwestern State University.

Pastor Fred’s heart is to preach and teach the infallible, inerrant word of God that all may come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12, ESV

David Williams, Minister of Music

David has studied at Brewton Parker College, Tift College, Mercer University and Cambridge College. He began his service as Interim Organist in December 2015. He has also served as Interim Music Minister in 2010. David has an extensive background in music and theatre. He has entertained crowds in 41 states, Canada and Ireland. He has had wonderful success with three major solo recordings, “Get On Board” with the Uplifters, "Reflections & Memories," and “Remember When.” David is the Assistant Principal - Director of Instruction at Appling County High School and recently named a finalist in the Georgia Assistant Principal of the Year program. David is an active member of the Gospel Music Association and the Southern Gospel Music Association. He is listed in "WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA," and “WHO’S WHO IN THE WORLD.” He is highly "sought-after” as a solo artist and with David Williams & Legacy –a southern gospel trio.

Tom McCoy, Youth Pastor

Tom began his ministry as Youth Director in September 2018. He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry on May 22, 2022. He believes God has called him and is using him to make disciples of young people in the community. Tom is a “homegrown” native of Appling County. He graduated from Appling County High School and attended South Georgia College. He enjoys fishing, camping, a little carpentry, and all sports. Tom loves being a part of the lives of youth and brings with him a trove of experiences. He is passionate about helping young people experience God’s love. He aims to focus teens on what being a Christ-follower looks like in day-to-day life and understand the joy and happiness that Christ brings into their hearts.

Gail Carter, Pianist

Gail grew up in First Baptist Church. She began part-time service at twelve years old and served periodically from then through her college years. She began full-time service in the early 1970s. Gail taught mathematics and physics at the high school and was married to the late Jerry Carter, a retired high school English teacher. They have one son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy & Emily Carter.

Larry Varnadoe, Organist

Larry began his service in January 2022.