About Chad
Chad's Biography
Chad considers Homer, Georgia home. Born in nearby Gainesville (Hall County), Chad lived in Homer until 1996 when he and wife Lori moved to Macon, Georgia so he could attend Mercer University. At this point, Chad had established himself in the career field of public safety and dedicated his life to helping others. Initially focused on a career path in medicine, while in college, he began teaching in the state technical college system and was promoted to Program Director. After several years of teaching and working in administration, Chad transitioned out of the educational arena into public safety administration (Chief of Emergency Services including Emergency Medical Services, Emergency Management Agency, Homeland Security, E-911 Central Communications, and Rescue). Many years had passed when Chad realized God’s call on his life into full-time ministry.
Chad has been active in various aspects of ministry since accepting Christ in 1985 and in 2007 was called as the Associate Pastor to the church where he began his Christian journey twenty-two years earlier. Chad was licensed to preach in 2007 and ordained in 2008. After a successful secular career, God used his past to shape and mold him into a Pastor and spiritual leader with a servant’s heart. Chad serves on the Board of Directors and is CFO of Missions International, Inc, is co-founder of Rejoice In Hope Ministries, and has been appointed to the Board of the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame.
In church ministry, Chad was called as Associate Pastor of Homer Baptist Church (GA), Senior Pastor of Liberty First Baptist Church (SC), and currently Senior Pastor of Fellowship Community Church (SC). He served as a law enforcement Chaplain with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office until joining the Pickens County Coroner's Office, sworn in as Deputy Coroner in June of 2021. Chad has intentionally become a vital resource in the community to be used for the glory of God whether it be through teaching, preaching, counseling, or whatever door God opens for His service!
Chad and Lori were married in November of 1996 at Joy Baptist Church in Hull, Georgia by Pastors Jeff Appling (Grove Level Baptist Church) and the late Steve Stephens (Joy Baptist Church). Their daughter (Camryn) was born on December 23, 2001 and their son (Andy) on December 21, 2005. Camryn and Andy are the best Christmas gifts ever, taking second chair only to Christ Himself. In June of 2016, Chad and Lori became legal guardians of Billy (part of Billy’s story can be found in this video).
His academic background includes Gainesville College and Mercer University. He has completed courses of study from North Georgia Technical College (EMT), Athens Technical College (Paramedic), and holds a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University. Having completed a Master of Arts with a concentration in counseling and a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Ministries from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, Chad is currently pursuing his doctorate from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a concentration in Leadership. In his secular career, he was a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM); he taught at Central Georgia Technical College, Oconee Fall Line Technical College, North Georgia Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College, Mercer University School of Medicine, and multiple hospitals and public safety agencies throughout Georgia. As a pastor, he has preached at churches both domestically and in Mexico.
Chad is excited and full of energy, dedicating his ministry to furthering the Great Commission, following the Great Commandment, and ministering to people where they are!