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Our Clergy Staff |
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 | Rev. Jerry Rodgers - Church Administrator
Church Administrator Jerry Rodgers joined our staff in October of 2003. Jerry spent 22 years in the daily newspaper business before sensing God’s call into full-time Christian ministry. He served seven years as Associate Pastor/Administrator at a Baptist Church in Denver, North Carolina prior to joining our staff.
Jerry and his wife, Jan have been married for 37 years, and have two grown children; Sheri and Jason. He enjoys hunting, fishing and traveling.
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 | Rev. Chris Gillespie - Minister of Students
Chris Gillespie serves as the Minister of Students at First Baptist Church Hickory. Chris came on staff in the summer of 2005. Chris holds his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Clemson University and obtained his Master of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University.
Chris was married in June 2006 to his lovely wife Lydia. Lydia and Chris met while they were both obtaining their master degrees at Gardner-Webb. Chris and Lydia have one little boy, Jacob Thomas Gillespie. Jacob was born on January 28, 2008. Chris and Lyida also have the most spoiled Shih Tzu on the face of the earth. Their dog is named Brice after Williams Brice Stadium (Home of the Gamecocks). Though Chris is a Clemson University graduate, his heart does not bleed orange. It runs garnet and black, reflecting his true colors for his South Carolina Gamecocks.
Chris enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife and his family in South Carolina. He also has a passion for travel. He loves to travel to places like Italy, Hawaii, Florida, and taking all this teenagers on awesome summer Mission Trips across our beautiful country.
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 | Rev. Andrew Lewis - Minister of Music
Andrew Lewis came to First Baptist Church of Hickory in February of 2008. He was born in Georgia and grew up in Florida. He has served three other churches as Minister of Music—two in Florida and one in Indiana. He has also taught in the public schools of Florida. Andrew graduated from Stetson University in DeLand, FL with a Bachelor of Music and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY with a Masters in Church Music.
While in Indiana, Andrew met his wife, Lynn Kippenhan. In May of 2008 they were married. Lynn is originally from Hyde Park, NY and works from home in marketing and sales for a pharmaceutical laboratory in Indiana.
Andrew supports and promotes a fully graded choir program at First Baptist. He works with the Sanctuary Choir, Refuge Youth Choir, and youth and adult handbell choirs. He also supports the drama and Senior adult ministries. His passion is working with others to create music that is honoring to God as we strive for the best we can be.
Lynn and Andrew enjoy travel throughout our wonderful world and exploring the many opportunities of beauty right here in North Carolina through hiking and sightseeing.
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 | Rev. Rendell Hipps - Minister of Education and Discipleship
Rendell joined the staff and family at FBC in September, 2008 after serving as the associate minister at a Baptist church in the Charlotte area. He is a native of Asheville, NC. After graduating from NCSU with degrees in electrical engineering and working as a hardware designer in Raleigh, NC, Rendell responded to God’s call by seeking seminary training for ministry. His M.Div. degree is from Gardner-Webb University’s School of Divinity. Rendell enjoys music, playing keyboard, physical fitness, architectural drawing, working outdoors, and cooking/eating. Rendell is passionate about building authentic relationships and helping others to do the same.
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