WAYNE HARRIS
INTENTIONAL INTERIM PASTOR
For the past 40-plus years, Wayne has served the Church in local churches ranging in size from 50 to 4,500, in two denominational roles as well with an international missions organization and most recently as a church consultant and intentional interim pastor. Through these varied experiences God has developed in him a deep passion for His Church and the leaders that lead her. Wayne’s calling is to equip, empower and encourage leaders to hear from God and align themselves and their ministries with His heart and passion resulting in churches that are infiltrating and spiritually transforming the very fabric of their communities and the world.
RACHEL MORTON
MINISTER OF YOUTH & EDUCATION
Rachel has been our Minister of Youth & Education since October 2001. She is originally from Hartsville, SC. Rachel is a graduate of Columbia College with a degree in Music Education, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Student Ministry from Southeastern. Rachel and her husband, Gene, have a daughter, Laynie, and a dog, ZuZu. She loves college football, Mexican food, watching marvel movies and game night with friends. Rachel enjoys hanging out with students; but, her favorite time is seeing students worship, serve and grow.
EMILY RAMIREZ
INTERIM MINISTER TO CHILDREN & FAMILIES
In July 2022, Emily joined our staff as the part-time Interim Minister to Children and Families. She and her husband, Joshua, are originally from Moline, Illinois. They have three children, Madelyn, Mason, and Myles. A graduate of The College of Wooster in Ohio, her background is in Early Childhood Education and Children's Ministry. Emily is also a tennis ace and an avid gardener.
JANET PAYNE
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Janet is a “born and bred” Virginian. She attended the Methodist Church during her formative and young adult years and was active in the choir, youth group and as a Sunday School teacher. After moving to North Carolina in 1997, she again became active in her church serving as a Sunda
JANET PAYNE
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Janet is a “born and bred” Virginian. She attended the Methodist Church during her formative and young adult years and was active in the choir, youth group and as a Sunday School teacher. After moving to North Carolina in 1997, she again became active in her church serving as a Sunday School teacher and co-director, Alpha leader and director, Church Treasurer, Bible Study leader, choir member, and Altar Guild volunteer and co-director. She also is a member of the Daughters of the King prayer order. In 2012, Janet joined our staff bringing with her a lifetime love of the Lord and the desire to serve Him through her work with our family of faith. She loves to relax at the beach, read, quilt and spend time with her husband, six children, eight grandchildren and especially her dog, Cooper.
BECKY GARNER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
With office management experience, including extensive accounting and website and social media management, Becky joined our staff in 2018. She is a native North Carolinian, residing most of her life in the Raleigh/Triangle area. Becky loves the Lord and has been singing His pr
BECKY GARNER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
With office management experience, including extensive accounting and website and social media management, Becky joined our staff in 2018. She is a native North Carolinian, residing most of her life in the Raleigh/Triangle area. Becky loves the Lord and has been singing His praises with her church choir since her early teens, volunteering for VBS in various capacities, and most recently serving as church financial secretary and photographing Upward sports and numerous church events. She enjoys cooking, traveling, landscape and nature photography, specialty coffees, flying (yes, she is a licensed pilot!) and coastal living in her tiny house.
JAY SMITH
PIANIST
Jay is originally from Greenville, NC. Music ministry has always been close to his heart. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from Ashbury University. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, building things, games and movies, piano accompanying, and teaching piano lessons. Jay has been an integral
JAY SMITH
PIANIST
Jay is originally from Greenville, NC. Music ministry has always been close to his heart. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance from Ashbury University. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, building things, games and movies, piano accompanying, and teaching piano lessons. Jay has been an integral part of our music team since 2018, and is grateful to share his gifts in the act of worship.
LEIGH ANN HAIGH
NURSERY COORDINATOR
Leigh Ann has been serving in our nursery since 2015. She was not born in Swansboro but grew up here in "The Friendly City by the Sea." She has been with First Baptist since she was in second grade. She spent many years volunteering with vacation bible school and in the nursery. Leigh Ann is a graduate of
LEIGH ANN HAIGH
NURSERY COORDINATOR
Leigh Ann has been serving in our nursery since 2015. She was not born in Swansboro but grew up here in "The Friendly City by the Sea." She has been with First Baptist since she was in second grade. She spent many years volunteering with vacation bible school and in the nursery. Leigh Ann is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She enjoys playing softball, traveling, taking walks, and being outside whenever she can. Outside of church, Leigh Ann is a middle school teacher. Her love for children grows everyday.