Ministerial Moves

Rick Bazemore retired as minister of music and senior adults at Covington First Baptist Church. His last Sunday was Aug. 21.

Brad Butler was called as senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Pembroke and began serving on July 24. He is joined by his wife, Tina, and their two sons, James and Corey.

Butler is a graduate of Shorter College, New Orleans Seminary, and Southern Seminary. He has served churches in Georgia, Louisiana, Indiana, and, most recently, Warren Woods Baptist Church in Warren, Michigan.

Butler has also served on the executive committee of the Baptist State of Michigan, as vice president of the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana pastors’ conference and on the nominating committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Coordinator for the Church Representative Program at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes Billy Emmett recently completed a twenty-two month interim pastorate at Enoch Baptist Church in Alto. He resides in Gainesville and is available for pulpit supply or to speak on behalf of the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, Inc.

Bob Hoggard has been called as interim pastor of Glade Road Baptist Church in Bartow Association.

Julie Harpe began serving as director of the children’s ministry center at Covington First Baptist Church on July 5.

First Baptist Church of Blairsville called Fred Lodge as senior pastor effective July 17. Lodge is a graduate of Berry College and holds degrees from Southern Seminary and The Master’s Graduate School of Divinity. His pastorates include 13 years at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Toccoa and 7 years at Una Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn. He is joined by his wife, Valeria.

Josh McClendon recently began serving as pastoral associate at Salem Baptist Church in McDonough. He will attend New Orleans Seminary in Decatur.

Jason Morgan began serving as director of music, youth and children at Silvertown Baptist Church in Thomaston on Aug. 1. A native of Moultrie, Morgan is joined by his wife, Shannon, and their two children.

Salem Baptist Church in McDonough called Matt Noll as minister of music/contemporary and blended worship on July 31. He is joined by his wife, Stephanie.

Scott Parrish began serving as associate pastor/minister to families and children at Dug Gap Baptist Church on Aug. 1. Previously he served as pastor of Smyrna Baptist Church in Chatsworth. He is joined by his wife, Tammy, and their two daughters, Hannah and Emily.