![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_8d72d0d253744cb783791d46b470bd70~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_288,h_288,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/d28f66_8d72d0d253744cb783791d46b470bd70~mv2.jpg)
Meet The 2024 Candidates
Election of Officers will take place on the third day of our 124th Annual Session, scheduled for October 17-19, 2024, at Connors Temple Baptist Church.
Moderator
![Moderator Andre Osborne.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_87ae471020624729940c9e86b43c68d9~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_1018,h_843/fill/w_84,h_69,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/Moderator%20Andre%20Osborne.png)
Pastor Andre J. Osborne (I)
Moderator Candidate, Parent Body
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Pastor/Teacher, First Tabernacle Baptist Church
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Southern Regional Vice-President, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia
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Incumbent (Interim) Moderator, Berean Missionary Baptist Association (2021-Present)
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Former 1st Vice Moderator, Berean Missionary Baptist Association (Hall Administration)
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Former 2nd Vice Moderator, Berean Missionary Baptist Association (Williams Administration)
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Team Co-Chair, Coastal Resilient Georgia Grant Task-force to establish mental health "healing communities" in counties along the Georgia coast.
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Board of Directors Member Faith Works, a grassroots 501c4 aimed at voter education and mobilization in the state of Georgia
![Tim.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_092af3a90e4e4a5bbc2731e05726f0f5~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_526,h_526/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/Tim.jpg)
Pastor Timothy M. Sheppard
Moderator Candidate, Parent Body
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Pastor, Central Baptist Church of Thunderbolt (24 years)
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Current Congress President (15 years to present), Berean Missionary Baptist Association
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Past Congress Vice President, Berean Missionary Baptist Association
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Certified Instructor, Sunday School Publishing Board
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Christian Education Instructor, Several Local Christian Leadership Schools
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Member, Berean Missionary Baptist Association (24 years)
1st Vice Moderator
![1st Vice Moderator Thomas Williams (Parent Body).JPEG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_bdbaff9b1e3f450bba4221a6e625e9f3~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_1536,h_1537/fill/w_83,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/1st%20Vice%20Moderator%20Thomas%20Williams%20(Parent%20Body)_JPEG.jpeg)
Reverend Thomas Williams (I)
Unopposed 1st Vice Moderator Candidate, Parent Body
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Pastor Emeritus, First African Baptist Church of East Savannah
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Incumbent (Interim) 1st Vice Moderator, Berean Missionary Baptist Association
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Former 2nd Vice Moderator, Berean Missionary Baptist Association (Under Hall Administration)
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Veteran, US Army, Air National Guard, 283rd Combat Communication Squadron
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First and Former President, Savannah State Wesleyan Gospel Choir
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Former President, SSC (now SSU) Student Government Association
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Member, Savannah Baptist Ministers Alliance, Savannah Interdenominational Ministers Alliance, American Legion Post 500, the Georgia Retired Educators Association
2nd Vice Moderator
![3 - 2nd Vice Moderator Barbara Simmons.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_20e3f04ced724b2f8fb386a6120728af~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_20,y_17,w_156,h_156/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/3%20-%202nd%20Vice%20Moderator%20Barbara%20Simmons.png)
Reverend Barbara Simmons (I)
2nd Vice Moderator Candidate, Parent Body
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Associate Minister, Central Baptist Church of Old Fort
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Youth Advisor, Berean Youth Department
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1st Vice President, Berean Women's Auxiliary
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Incumbent (Interim) 2nd Vice Moderator, Berean Missionary Baptist Association
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Served in New Era Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia and General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia
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Member, Berean Missionary Baptist Association (38 years)
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Teacher, Berean Congress of Christian Education
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Works with Legacy Ralph Mark Gilbert Foundation, Sickle Cell Association of Savannah, Greenbriar Children's Center, Community Outreach Ministry, Helping Hands Outreach from Heaven Prayer Ministry
![3 - 2nd Vice Moderator Michael Smith (Parent Body).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_d4998ed96a7f4e908f7c069a0fcf966a~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_571,w_1419,h_1419/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/3%20-%202nd%20Vice%20Moderator%20Michael%20Smith%20(Parent%20Body).jpg)
Pastor Michael Smith
2nd Vice Moderator Candidate, Parent Body
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Pastor, First Mount Bethel Baptist Church (2016 - present)
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Congress President, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia, 1st District
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Certified Instructor, Sunday School Publishing Board
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Certified Dean, Savannah's Dean Alliance
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Former Assistant Pastor, Greater Mount Triumph Baptist Church, Atmore, Alabama (4 years)
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Former Pastor, New Hope Primitive Baptist Church, Molino, Florida (13 years)
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Former President, Congress of Christian Education of the Mount Zion-South Alabama District
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Served as State Auditor, Florida State Primitive Baptist Convention
Secretary
![4 - Secretary Antoinette Ellis-Ward (Parent Body).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_7c28cdb2fdbe4b5f9630ed174afdbc12~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_9,w_3024,h_3026/fill/w_83,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/4%20-%20Secretary%20Antoinette%20Ellis-Ward%20(Parent%20Body).jpg)
Sister Antoinette Ellis Ward
Unopposed Secretary Candidate, Parent Body
Berean Church Affiliation
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Historic First African Baptist Church - Franklin Square (14 years)
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Youth Ministry Coordinator
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Music Ministry - Praise Team and Choir
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Tourism and Archives Teams
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Professional Experience
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Educator (20 years experience)
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Professional Tutor, Certified Teacher, Career Skills Instructor, Student Success Coach
Additional Information
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Berean Congress Secretary (2017-current)
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Regular participation in Berean and GMBC Congress sessions for over 10 years
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Chaperone, Instructor, Assistant Instructor
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Clerk
![FB_IMG_1724190394789.JPEG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_134a680aa5f64870951e0ab2719077c9~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_0,y_180,w_1080,h_1080/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/FB_IMG_1724190394789_JPEG.jpeg)
Sister Sheila Arkwright (I)
Unopposed Clerk Candidate, Parent Body
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Member, Second Arnold Baptist Church
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Incumbent (Interim) Clerk, Berean Missionary Baptist Association
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Current Youth Worker, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia Congress of Christian Education
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Current Youth Electives Worker, Berean Missionary Baptist Association Congress of Christian Education
Treasurer
![Treasurer Roemain Bennett.JPEG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_7e14f3f4d34548a3abbb955d0594cabb~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_188,y_0,w_552,h_552/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/Treasurer%20Roemain%20Bennett_JPEG.jpeg)
Pastor Roemain Bennett
Unopposed Treasurer Candidate, Parent Body
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Pastor, First Smyrna Baptist Church
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Certified Instructor, Sunday School Publishing Board
Women's Auxiliary President
![President Olivia Williams (Women).JPEG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_436f20a65d034e049d2e34349e8ae0e9~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_8,y_59,w_184,h_184/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/President%20Olivia%20Williams%20(Women)_JPEG.jpeg)
Sister Olivia Williams
Unopposed President Candidate, Women's Auxiliary
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Former Leading Lady, First African Baptist Church of East Savannah
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Current Vice President, The Savannah Baptist Minister's Wives and Minister's Widows Alliance
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Member, The Savannah Interdenominational Minister's Wives and Minister's Wives Association, Georgia Retired Educators Association and Chatham Retired Educators Association
Women's Auxiliary 1st Vice President
![1st Vice President (Women).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_9c37e3b5b1a7422eb90733f5365e395e~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_1773,h_1771/fill/w_84,h_83,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/1st%20Vice%20President%20(Women).jpg)
Minister Brittany Barnes
Unopposed 1st Vice President Candidate, Women's Auxiliary
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Associate Minister, First Union Baptist Church
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(Interim) 2nd Vice President, Berean Women's Auxiliary
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President, Mission Ministry, First Union Baptist Church
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President, Youth Ministry, First Union Baptist Church
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Teacher, Sunday School, First Union Baptist Church
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Facilitator, Youth Bible Study, First Union Baptist Church
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Serves as Choir Director, First Union Baptist Church
Women's Auxiliary 2nd Vice President
![9 - 2nd Vice President Patricia Henderson (Women).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_0bba3337e49e4ab5837eb9c4ccef78db~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_139,w_2209,h_2209/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/9%20-%202nd%20Vice%20President%20Patricia%20Henderson%20(Women).jpg)
Sister Patricia Henderson
2nd Vice President Candidate, Women's Auxiliary
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Member, First Union Baptist Church
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Youth Coordinator (Ages 9-12), Berean Missionary Baptist Association Congress of Christian Education
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Director, Christian Education, First Union Baptist Church
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Served as Superintendent and Teacher, Sunday School, First Union Baptist Church
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Works with the Youth Department, First Union Baptist Church
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Treasurer, Spencer E. White Scholarship
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Member of several professional, community, and civic organizations.
![9 - 2nd Vice President Jessie Jones (Women).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_2fc3b956bcd0463aa5e7c7773dfee55a~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_57,y_0,w_1496,h_1496/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/9%20-%202nd%20Vice%20President%20Jessie%20Jones%20(Women).jpg)
Evangelist Jessie Jones
2nd Vice President Candidate, Women's Auxiliary
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Associate Minister, First African Baptist Church of East Savannah
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Various Positions served at First African Baptist Church of East Savannah such as Youth Bible Study Teacher, New Members Class Teacher, Children's Sunday School, Missions, Comfort & Care, Nursing Homes, and Youth Department Advisor.
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Volunteer Activities include Second Harvest, Savannah Feed the Hungry, Spinal Cord Injury Program at Habersham YMCA.
Women's Auxiliary Secretary
![452681596_479373128177574_2039377244306573526_n.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_8d72d0d253744cb783791d46b470bd70~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/452681596_479373128177574_2039377244306573526_n.jpg)
Minister Tiffany Stewart (I)
Secretary Candidate, Women's Auxiliary
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Associate Minister, Happy Home Baptist Church
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Incumbent (Interim) Secretary, Women's Auxiliary
![10 - Secretary Ashley Frink (Women).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_80098aae4fd04b9999a34749d1d263eb~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_115,y_0,w_979,h_979/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/10%20-%20Secretary%20Ashley%20Frink%20(Women).jpg)
Sister Ashley Frink
Secretary Candidate, Women's Auxiliary
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Member, First African Baptist Church of East Savannah
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Choir Member, First African Baptist Church of East Savannah
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Youth Department Worker, First African Baptist Church of East Savannah
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Youth Department Worker, Bolton Street Baptist Church
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Youth Department Council, Berean Missionary Baptist Association
Congress of Christian Education President
![President Johnnie Perkins (Congress)_edi](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_f573749a7e7b4a7aaefd6c21ee6d2f29~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_4,y_0,w_810,h_810/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/President%20Johnnie%20Perkins%20(Congress)_edi.jpg)
Reverend Johnnie M. Perkins, II
Unopposed President Candidate, Congress of Christian Education
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Youth Minister, Second Arnold Baptist Church
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President, Second Arnold Deacons, Ministers, and Wives Ministry
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Website Manager, Berean Missionary Baptist Association and Second Arnold Baptist Church
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Production Manager, Second Arnold Baptist Church
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Certified Instructor, Sunday School Publishing Board
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Former President, Savannah State Wesleyan Gospel Choir (2015-2017)
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Member of Board of Music Directors, Gospel Music Workshop of America Savannah Chapter Mass Choir
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Former Youth Music Director, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia Congress of Christian Education
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Former Music Director, Berean Missionary Baptist Association
Congress of Christian Education Vice President
![image000000.JPEG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_8b7f95c5b3ee4c47875d865daa720848~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_46,y_36,w_332,h_332/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/image000000_JPEG.jpeg)
Pastor Vernon Galloway
Vice President Candidate, Congress of Christian Education
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Pastor, First Union Baptist Church
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Served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps
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Employee, Gulfstream Aerospace (over 37 years)
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Former Pastor, Second Mount Pleasant Baptist Church (nearly 13 years)
![IMG_1540.JPEG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_83c3c160496d46d19bd609aafee3a5b1~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_42,y_0,w_374,h_374/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_1540_JPEG.jpeg)
Pastor Alphonso Piper, Sr.
Vice President Candidate, Congress of Christian Education
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Pastor, St. John Divine Baptist Church
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Pastor, Goodwill Baptist Church
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Member, Clergy Men In Action
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Devotional Worship Leader, GMBC Congress of Christian Education Ministers' Division
Congress of Christian Education Secretary
![13 - Secretary DaVita Cossey (Congress).JPEG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_6e6ff0cda7f647c7bdc09f9d29e2afc8~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_201,y_420,w_695,h_695/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/13%20-%20Secretary%20DaVita%20Cossey%20(Congress)_JPEG.jpeg)
Sister DaVita L. Cossey
Unopposed Secretary Candidate, Congress of Christian Education
Berean Church Affiliation
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Historic First African Baptist Church - Franklin Square (17 years)
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Vacation Bible School Teacher (First African and Second Arnold)
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Youth Ministry Staff - Liturgical Dance Leader
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Music Ministry - Praise Team and Choir
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Professional Experience
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Administrative Office Student Worker and Teacher's Assistant (4 years)
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Childcare Center Assistant and Funeral Service Attendant
Congress of Christian Education Dean
![Dean Kathy Morgan (Congress).JPEG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_98c52c125fe44b09ae329730859c9694~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_152,y_165,w_979,h_980/fill/w_83,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/Dean%20Kathy%20Morgan%20(Congress)_JPEG.jpeg)
Sister Kathy Morgan (I)
Unopposed Dean Candidate, Congress of Christian Education
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Member, First Smyrna Baptist Church
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Incumbent Dean, Berean Missionary Baptist Association
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Certified Dean, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia 1st District
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Certified Dean, Zion Missionary Baptist Association
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Assistant Secretary, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia
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Chapter Representative, Gospel Music Workshop of America Savannah Chapter
Congress of Christian Education
Director General
![15 - Director General Edward Williams (Congress).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_59ecbc7047554e61b5fdd943d3eac86c~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_452,w_1080,h_1080/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/15%20-%20Director%20General%20Edward%20Williams%20(Congress).jpg)
Deacon Edward Williams (I)
Director General Candidate, Congress of Christian Education
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Vice Chair of Deacons, Central Baptist Church of Thunderbolt
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Incumbent (Interim) Director General, Berean Congress of Christian Education
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Trustee, Central Baptist Church of Thunderbolt
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Sunday School Instructor, Central Baptist Church of Thunderbolt
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COPP Student, Sunday School Publishing Board
![15 - Director General Cornelius Lloyd (Congress).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_da2cd2f6ce4e4348bdb1f5368f1dbde3~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_162,w_1274,h_1274/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/15%20-%20Director%20General%20Cornelius%20Lloyd%20(Congress).jpg)
Pastor Cornelius J. E. Lloyd
Director General Candidate, Congress of Christian Education
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Pastor, First African Baptist Church of East Savannah
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Served for 8 years working with children of incarcerated parents, Foreverfamily, Inc. (formerly known as AIM), nonprofit agency in Atlanta, GA
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Former Minister to Youth, Young Adults, and College Students, Ray of Hope Christian Church - Decatur, GA (2010-2016)
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Former Associate Pastor for Youth & Young Adults, Little Bryan Missionary Baptist Church
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Served as Community Supervision Officer, State of Georgia Department of Community Supervision
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Joined the staff of Xcel Strategies - A Mentoring Network where he currently served the Mentoring Director - Chatham County
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Served as Asset Building Coordinator, Step Up Savannah
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Former Assistant Pastor, First African Baptist Church of East Savannah (2022)
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Director of Neighborhood Engagement, East Savannah United
Laymen's Auxiliary President
![President James Green (Laymen).JPEG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_e31651917f8a49ba92c8d22a9711af2e~mv2.jpeg/v1/crop/x_137,y_0,w_1361,h_1360/fill/w_84,h_83,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/President%20James%20Green%20(Laymen)_JPEG.jpeg)
Deacon James Green (I)
Unopposed President Candidate, Laymen's Auxiliary
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Chairman of Deacons, Zion Hill Baptist Church
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Youth Advisor, Berean Youth Department
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Incumbent (Interim) President, Berean Laymen's Auxiliary
Laymen's Auxiliary Vice President
![17 - Vice President Wilbert Haggray (Laymen).png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_359c1111dec44094842525255fa8219b~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_23,y_52,w_187,h_187/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/17%20-%20Vice%20President%20Wilbert%20Haggray%20(Laymen).png)
Deacon Wilbert J. Haggray
Unopposed Vice-President Candidate, Laymen's Auxiliary
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Deacon, First African Baptist Church of Franklin Square
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Choir Member, First African Baptist Church of Franklin Square
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President, Boweevill Hill Community Association, Bloomingdale, GA
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Incoming Chairperson for Political Action Committee, Beta Phi Lambda Chapter of Savannah, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
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Chairperson, Political Awareness Ministry (First African Baptist Church of Franklin Square)
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Vice Chairperson, Men's Ministry (First African Baptist Church of Franklin Square)
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Retired Army Officer and Department of Army Civilian
Laymen's Auxiliary Secretary
![18 - Secretary Samuel Britton (Laymen).png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d28f66_b2a6175a9a1a4998b467e0c6d76fa17f~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_587,h_587/fill/w_84,h_84,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/18%20-%20Secretary%20Samuel%20Britton%20(Laymen).png)
Deacon Samuel Britton
Unopposed Secretary Candidate, Laymen's Auxiliary
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Deacon, First Tabernacle Baptist Church
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Member, National & State Ushers Association
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Member, Chatham County Deacons Convention
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Member, National Baptist Deacons Convention
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Former Secretary, Southern District for State Ushers Association
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Member, Chatham County Democratic Party
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Sponsor, Boy Scouts of America Troops