Our pastor, DR. NELSON GRANADE, JR., leads the ministries of First Baptist Church through preaching, pastoral care, and church administration.  His ministry with First Baptist Church began in October 1994. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Bachelor of Science from Auburn University.

A resident of Wilkes County since 1994, Nelson gives back to the community by serving  Wilkes Vision 20/20, serving on the Pastoral Care & Counseling Center Board, and serving on the Board and Executive Committee of the Chamber of Commerce.

Other community involvement includes:  United Way (Campaign Chair, Community Needs Assessment Chair, Fund Distribution Vice-Chair, and Funding Panel Member), Wilkes Ministerial Association President, Samaritan Ministry of Wilkes Advisory Board, Cross Cultural Coalition of Wilkes, Dental Needs Coalition, and Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.  

Nelson is the author of  Lending Your Leadership:  How Pastors are Redefining Their Role in Community Life, which was published in 2006. 

Email:  nelsonfbc@charter.net

 

Our Associate Pastor, Jennifer B. Bracey, Began her ministry at First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro in May 2007.  Jennifer's desire is to minister in this place in Christian love and commitment.  She provides leadership for many of our church programs and committees and is available for individual counseling.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Mars Hill College.  She taught school for several years before accepting a position at First Baptist Church of Elkin, NC as their Christian Education and Youth Director.  During this period she accepted God's call to ministry and left this ministry to pursue a graduate degree at Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA.

Jennifer received a Master of Divinity with a focus in Pastoral Counseling from BTSR.  During her internship at First Baptist Church of Jonesville, NC, she developed with church members a syllabus and service delivery plan for Christian Care relative to congregants and the community.

Prior to accepting God's call to our church, Jennifer ministered to Hospice patients and their families.  Her work as a Hospice Chaplin brings many rich experiences to our congregation. 
EMAIL:  jenniferfbc@charterinternet.com                           
 
 
LARISA LEAPLEY coordinates the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church. Having served since April 1993, she leads in ministry through Preschool Choir, Children's Choirs,  Adult Choir, Handbell Choir, and Adult Ensemble. Larisa earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Mars Hill University.

Email:  leapley@embarqmail.com