Rick Baldwin was called as pastor of Wildwood Baptist Church in Acworth and began serving March 6. Baldwin comes to the church from serving as pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. He is joined by his wife, Cheryl.

 

Bill Blanchard, pastor of Grand Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Ark., has been called as pastor of Mountain Park First Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta. He and his wife, Lara, will begin their ministry with the church on April 16. Grand Avenue is one of the top ten Cooperative Program contributors in Arkansas. Blanchard has pastored churches in Tennessee and Kentucky.

The son of missionaries to India, where he was raised, Blanchard has a marketing degree from the University of Illlinois and a doctorate in biblical studies from Southern Seminary. He has completed advanced graduate studies in Rabbinical Literature and Old Testament Canonical Issues from Hebrew Union University.

The couple have been heavily involved in mission work. Lara Blanchard has been on at least one international mission trip per year for the past 14 years and Bill Blanchard has served as trustee chairman and vice chairman of the International Mission Board. Additionally, he has served as chairman of the Europe, Middle East, and North African Regional committees of the IMB, and has led several international mission trips.

Lara Blanchard is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a degree in dental hygiene. She is an accomplished flautist and a practicing dental hygienist.

The couple have three children; Will, who is married, Aimilee who is engaged, and Andrew, a high school junior.

Blanchard will succeed Robert Woodall, who retired on Dec. 31, 2002 after 24 years at the church. Toby Frost of the North American Mission Board has served as interim pastor for the past year.

 

Jonathan Carnes was recently called as interim youth and recreation minister at North Peachtree Baptist Church in Atlanta. Carnes comes from Rehoboth Baptist Church in Atlanta.

 

Howard Germany, associational missionary for Floyd County Baptist Association, announced his resignation after more than 18 years of service. His last day in the associational office was March 3.

 

Bruce Hodge began serving as intentional interim pastor at First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island on Feb. 20. He is joined by his wife, Jackie.

 

Hartwell First Baptist Church in Hebron Baptist Association called Matt Law as youth minister effective Jan.18.

 

Billy Owensby submitted his resignation as pastor of Bowman Baptist Church in Hebron Baptist Association to accept the call from Union Baptist Church in Madison County. He completed his service in Bowman on March 6.

 

Milton Parker began serving as interim pastor at Fortsonia Baptist Church in Elberton Feb. 6.

 

Kelly Pritchett, Jr. was called as interim pastor at First Baptist Church in Warner Robins and began serving March 2. He recently completed an interim pastorate at Smyrna Baptist Church in Vienna.

 

Jason Pruett began serving as youth minister at Bethany Baptist Church in Hartwell Dec. 26.