Jim Akins began serving as pastor of life care and church planting at West Ridge Baptist Church in Hiram March 1. Previously, Akins served as a church planting consultant with New Church Development of the Georgia Baptist Convention for seven years.

 

John Darsey was called as senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Hazlehurst on Jan. 10. Darsey comes to the church from serving as senior pastor at Calvary Baptist in Lilburn since 1999. He is joined by his wife, Jodi, and their children, Christian and Kaylee.

 

Terry Rainwater began his ministry at First Baptist Church in Shiloh in October. Previously, the Atlanta native served churches in Georgia, Florida, Illinois and Alabama. He and his wife, Cookie, have five children.

 

Jerry Smith was called as pastor at Wynndale Baptist Church in Terry, Miss. and began serving on March 1. He comes to the church from serving as pastor at First Baptist Church in McDonough.

 

Rick Stone will begin his ministry as minister of music and worship at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro on March 6. Stone served as music minister at churches in Florida and Texas before going into full-time music evangelism. He is joined by his wife, Rosemary.