Pastor - Rev. Josh Hughes
As a Georgia native, I grew up in Thomson playing baseball and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible. I attended First Baptist Church, and was baptized at the age of 13. Looking back, I owe a significant part of my spiritual development to those who taught me in Sunday school and in church at such a young age.
After graduating from Thomson High School, I attended Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. In May of 2003, I graduated with a double major in Political Science and Christianity. I then went to McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia where I graduated in May of 2006 with a Masters of Divinity degree. While in seminary, I served as a youth minister at Shadnor Baptist Church in Union City, Georgia, and later served as Associate/Interim pastor at Valley Brook Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia for two years.
Upon graduation from seminary, I served at First Baptist Church Gainesville, GA as a Pastoral Resident from June 2006 until June 2008. This residency, partially funded by the Eli Lilly Foundation, was a valuable opportunity to learn about ministry in a large church. It was there that I truly learned what ministry was about under Dr. Bill Coates, and the wonderful colleagues on staff.
I was called to be the pastor of the Oaks Baptist Church and began to work here in July of 2008. On December 20, 2008, I married my beautiful wife Ginger. She is an accountant with the Department of Family and Children Services. We are the parents of two dogs (Jake and Maya) and a cat (Dash). We enjoy the outdoors, reading, and all things sports; especially UGA.
My favorite verse of scripture is the core of my philosophy of ministry: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." God's grace is sufficient for all and as a result, we all have a place at God's table and in God's kingdom.
To contact Josh, email him at rev.joshhughes@theoaksbaptist.com
Worship Leader - Dr. Glenn Phillip Eernisse
I was born in Wisconsin, but spent most of my childhood and teen years in Florida. It was there that I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, and began to develop music as a lifelong passion. I began my college career at Anderson College in South Carolina. At AC I found a nurturing, Christian environment, and for the first time became involved with a Baptist church. I also met and married Susan Freeman while at Anderson. We transferred together to Berry College in Rome, GA to complete our college education. Feeling a certain call into music ministry, I continued my education at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. After completing my master's degree in church music, I served the next 15 years as a full-time music minister in churches in Florida and Georgia. I later returned to Southern Seminary to complete my Doctor of Music Ministry degree. In 1995, I began teaching in the Music Division of Brewton-Parker College where I serve as Division Chair today. I enjoy ministering at The Oaks as a part time staff member.
Besides being the Worship Leader at The Oaks, Glenn directs The Chancel Choir, teaches an adult Sunday School class, serves as Assistant Moderator, co-directs the children's choir and is active on the Worship Team.
Administrative Assistant - Jackie Creel
I was born in Columbia, Alabama. I accepted Christ my Savior when I was in Phenix City, Alabama in March, 1990. I had worked with my husband, Don as a volunteer church secretary. When I moved to the Phenix City/Columbus, GA area, I had the opportunity to go to work part time as a church secretary. I was in that position for some 21 years.I retired in June of 2005 as the Education Secretary at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama. After my husband died in 2006, I decided in May of 2007 that I would relocate to Toombs County where my daughter lives; during that month, I became secretary of The Oaks Baptist Church.
Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Date of Birth: June 28
Hobbies: gardening, reading, traveling
To contact Jackie, email her at jackiecreel@theoaksbaptist.com 