Conservative Baptist Network

19 leading Georgia Baptists endorse new State Chapter

The Conservative Baptist Network of Southern Baptists formed its first state chapter in Georgia. A group of 19 Georgia Baptist leaders signed on to this state chapter.

You can join or find out more information on the CBN Georgia website.

“The creation of the first state chapter is an exciting part of this new grassroots movement,” said Micah Hamrick, pastor of First Baptist Church of Villa Rica, Georgia and coordinator of the new Georgia Chapter. “And for me, personally, it is an honor to continue the legacy left by my dad.”

According to the CBN, “Hamrick is the son of the late Dr. Wayne Hamrick who served as GBC president from 2005-2007 and who was a key figure in the Conservative Resurgence in Georgia and beyond.”

The Georgia endorsers include:

Robby Foster is the current president of the GBC and serves as pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Valdosta.

Mike Stone is the immediate past president of the GBC and pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear. He is the immediate past chairman of the SBC Executive Committee and has served on the SBC Resolutions Committee.

Don Hattaway is a former GBC president and serves as pastor of First Baptist Church in Douglas. A graduate of Brewton-Parker and a two-time graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Hattaway has served in numerous capacities including chairing the board of trustees at both Shorter University and Brewton-Parker College.

John Waters is a former GBC president and has served 15 years as pastor of First Baptist Church in Statesboro. He currently serves as a trustee of the SBC International Mission Board (IMB). John has also served as a vice president for Brewton-Parker College.

Dan Spencer served as president of the GBC while pastoring First Baptist Church of Thomasville. He is currently pastor of First Baptist Church in Sevierville, Tenn.

Bill Ricketts is a past GBC president, and he retired as pastor of Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Athens after 43 years. He has served as a member of the SBC Executive Committee, and, as a trustee of the IMB, was a member of its most recent presidential search team.

Gerald Harris is a past GBC president and the former editor of The Christian Index. He has served as chairman of the SBC Resolutions Committee.

Wayne Robertson is a past GBC president and serves as pastor of Morningside Baptist in Valdosta. He has held numerous leadership positions including two terms on the SBC Executive Committee.

Tony Dickerson is a former GBC president, has pastored Pinehurst Baptist Church of Columbus for more than 47 years, and has served in many other denominational capacities.

John Yarbrough is a past GBC president. He has served in numerous capacities across associational, state, and national convention levels, including the SBC Executive Committee, and chaired the Implementation Taskforce for the SBC “Covenant for a New Century.”

Tommy Fountain, Sr., is chairman of the GBC Executive Committee. He has served as a pastor, evangelist, and associational missionary, and is currently pastor of 1025 Church in Monroe.

Josh Saefkow is vice chairman of the GBC Executive Committee.  He is the pastor of Flat Creek Baptist Church in Fayetteville and also serves as the GBC’s first vice president.

Barry Snapp serves as chairman of the GBC Administration Committee, which is the executive board of the Executive Committee. He is pastor of Victory Baptist Church in Rockmart.

Javier Chavez is second vice president of the GBC. He is pastor of Amistad Cristiana Internacional of Gainesville and has served on the SBC Committee on Committees.

Derek Berry is fourth vice president of the GBC and pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hiram.

Danny Henson for many years has served as the GBC’s highly-respected recording secretary. He has recently retired as pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Ringgold.

Tom Vann is a GBC officer, serving as assistant recording secretary. He has served Georgia Baptists in numerous positions and is pastor of Rentz Baptist Church.

Darey Kittle serves Georgia Baptists as assistant recording secretary and as associational missions strategist for the 68 churches of the Conasauga Baptist Association. He has been pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Dalton for 25 years.

Micah Hamrick is executive pastor at First Baptist Church in Villa Rica and has agreed to volunteer as the state coordinator for the new Georgia State Chapter. Hamrick says the endorsement by so many key leaders in Georgia Baptist life is a sign of the state’s commitment to the principles of the new network.

CBN national spokesman Brad Jurkovich, pastor of First Baptist Bossier in Bossier City, La., introduced the Georgia State Chapter as a model for making a difference for Christ and the Southern Baptist Convention.

“I am so excited by this incredible new partnership with Southern Baptists in Georgia,” Jurkovich said. “I’ve talked with pastors and leaders across America who are very supportive of the broader network, but they are also eager to connect with others near where they live. Georgia’s first-in-the-nation state chapter can serve as a model for others who have already joined our network and for those looking to join. God is clearly moving, and these chapters across America will be dynamic and make a tremendous difference for the Kingdom and our SBC!”

This should serve as a major wake-up call to SBC Elites. The Conservative Baptist Network is a grassroots organization with broad appeal. Its influence is growing.