Dr. Phil Weaver, Senior Pastor
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Dr. Phillip Weaver has served in the pastoral ministry for over three decades. He and his wife, Kim, have been married since 1989. They have two grown children, Haleigh and Jeremiah. Haleigh is married to Capt. Matthew Beisel, a U.S. Army chaplain. They have six children (Edith, Elliot, Noah, Eleanor, Charlotte, and Jack). Jeremiah is a computer programmer and is married to Kaitlin, a middle school special education math teacher.
Dr. Weaver received his undergraduate degree in language arts education from Troy University in Alabama. He then attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Before coming to CFBC, Dr. Weaver served as senior pastor in churches in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, and Louisiana. In addition, he has taught various courses at the college and seminary level. Dr. Weaver also previously served as the director of the NOBTS extension center at Phillips State Prison in Buford, GA. As an extension of his current pastoral ministry at CFBC, Dr. Weaver occasionally teaches at Truett McConnell University in the Balthasar Hubmaier School of Theology and Missions.
Kim is a graduate of Troy University with a BA in Art/Photography. She has spent most of her married life as a stay-at-home mom, homeschooler, and ministry partner for Phil. She has a servant’s heart and enjoys meeting the needs of others within both the church and the community. She enjoys photography as a hobby.
Pastor Phil and Kim enjoy spending time with their family, even if it is virtually! They are fascinated by God’s creation and enjoy exploring nature and going on short hikes in the North Georgia mountains. They also have 3 small dogs: Jubilee, Barksleigh, and Molly.
One of Pastor Phil’s favorite Bible verses is Philippians 2:13: “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
Dennis Turner, Associate Pastor
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Dennis has a heart for ministry, which is apparent by his journey of following Christ's calling on his life in ministry at Cleveland First Baptist Church. As the Associate Pastor, Dennis leads the Senior Adult Ministry, and the Pastoral Care Ministry, and he shares administrative responsibilities with the Senior Pastor. He also enjoys preaching the occasional sermon, assisting with the Wednesday evening Prayer Services.
Beginning his ministry while attending Truett-McConnell College, Dennis served as a part-time Youth Director. Since that time, he has served as Minister of Youth, and Music and Associate Minister. After graduating from Truett-McConnell College, Dennis furthered his education at North Georgia College and the University of Phoenix, where he majored in Business Administration. He continues to participate in educational opportunities and is certified by the University of Maryland in Pastoral Crisis Intervention and Group Crisis Intervention.
Dennis has served since 2008 as the Executive Director of White County Caring and Sharing, Inc., a local charity that helps White County residents with financial assistance. Dennis volunteers on the Clergy Staff of Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia.
Dennis' favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Manning Minton, Associate Pastor of Students and Families
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Manning was called into full-time ministry during his freshman year of college at the age of 19. Since then, he has served in full and part time ministry working with children, youth and college students. He has been serving at Cleveland First Baptist Church since July 2015.
Manning grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi where he met his wife, Jennifer, in the youth group at First Baptist Church of Biloxi, and after high school, Manning earned his Associates degree at Gulf Coast College, his Bachelors degree at William Carey and his Masters of Divinity in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Manning and Jennifer have three children-William, Emily and Matthew. William is married to Alley. In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, sporting events and family vacations.
When it comes to ministry, nothing excites him more than seeing students come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and seeing their live changed.
Manning's favorite Bible verses are Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Michael Pickett, Music Director
Michael serves at Cleveland First Baptist Church as the director of our volunteer orchestra that plays during the Sunday morning worship services. Recently the church has expanded his duties to include that of Worship Leader. Michael uses music to educate, inspire and lead.
A graduate of West Georgia College, with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, Michael also has a Master's Degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia. He is on the faculty at White County High School as a band director. At WCCS, Michael directs the marching band, the concert band, and various other ensembles.
Michael and his wife Christie, are the parents of Ethan, Ashton, and Aiden. They have two dogs, two cats and 6 chickens. Michael enjoys biking.
Robin Bryson, Children's Ministry Director
Robin was called into children’s ministry in 2001. Since then, she has served as a Weekday Preschool Director as well as had the opportunity to serve as a Sunday School Coordinator for a brief time. She joined Cleveland First Baptist Church September 2023.
Robin grew up in Gainesville, Georgia where she met her husband Darrin in high school. After high school, she earned an Associate degree in Fashion Merchandising from Gainesville College known as University of North Georgia, Gainesville Campus and her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia.
Darrin and Robin have two children, Abigail and Avery. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, spending time with friends and family especially around the dinner table.
When it comes to children’s ministry, her passion is to begin instilling in children’s hearts the truth of God’s word as she comes along side parents as they train up their children for the Lord. A few of her favorite Bible verses are Deuteronomy 6: 4-9 “Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD you God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
Donnie Filaski, Church Executive Secretary
Bea Rogers, Church Receptionist
Although Bea works in the office on Tuesdays from 9 AM - 1PM as a part-time receptionist, she retired in March 2011 from First Baptist Church as their Financial Administrator where she worked for almost 22 years.
Before coming to CFBC, Bea worked in the medical field. Her heart has always been in working and doing things for the church and others... whatever and where ever she is needed.
Bea has two daughters, three grand children, and two great-grands. They are the ones that keep her busy most of the time now.
Her hobbies are gardening, landscaping, reading, cleaning and organizing. She also is on the Board of W C Caring & Sharing and serves as the Treasurer of W C Food Pantry.
Her favorite Bible Verse is Matthew 19:26, "With man it may be impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Terry Goodger, Financial Administrator
Terry Goodger has been the Cleveland First Baptist Financial Administrator since March 2018. Terry has been married to Barbara Goodger since 1964 and they have two daughters and four grandchildren.
Terry has a BS degree in Industrial Technology from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Bachelor of Architecture from LSU. He served in the US Marine Corps from 1963-1966 as Captain.
He worked in the Space Industry from 1966-67 and then the remainder of his career was in the construction industry.
They moved to White County in 1993 and joined Cleveland FBC in January 1997 and he was ordained as a deacon in November 1997. He has served as a Sunday School teacher for twenty plus years.
Terry was elected as a County Commissioner beginning in January 2011 and continues to serve in that position.
His favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the ways he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Sue Massey, Organist
Having served as the church accompanist at Cleveland First Baptist Church for a number of years, Sue now plays during the Sunday morning worship services whenever she is needed. Her love of music and willingness to serve are qualities that describe Sue well.
She enjoys reading, watching movies and listening to music. Her daughter, Veronica, is married to Danny Winder, who is on staff at Vanderbilt in Nashville. Sue has two grandsons, Nathan and Clay.
Sue joined in 1966. Since most of her family members live out of state, she feels that the church members are her resident family.
Sue's favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11-- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
