Joel Snider has been pastor of First Baptist since 1995. He and his wife, Cherry, have two grown daughters. His hobbies include reading, hiking, and cycling.
Keith Reaves has served as Minister of Worship/Music at First Baptist since 1999. He also is responsible for the Senior Adult ministry at First Baptist. He is a native of Arkansas and he and his wife, Hilary, have two children, Graham, a student at Samford University and Ellen, a student at the University of Georgia.
Priscilla J. Tunnell Minister of Faith Development Email: ptunnell@fbcrome.org Priscilla Tunnell, or "Miss Prissy," as she is known by many, is the Minister of Faith Development which entails everything having to do with children birth through 6th grade. She is also concerned about all of God's children and their Faith Development, no matter their age. She works closely with the Women of the Church (WOC). A native of Georgia, she has been on staff since 1997 and has adult children and many grandchildren.
Tamara Tillman Smathers Minister of Education/Administration Email: ttsmathers@fbcrome.org
As Minister of Education and Administration Tamara strives to keep things safe—to help the church become a safe place for persons to explore the deepest questions of faith through Bible study, prayer, and conversations with others. She also works to assure that the our buildings are kept safe and prepared for anyone who comes our way. Tamara is a Rome native, having recently returned to her home church after years of serving churches in Alabama and ministry in international settings. She is married to Jeff Smathers and has one step-son, Andrew.
A native of Clinton, SC, John enjoys college football, playing golf, and riding bikes with his children. He has been married to his wife Jennifer, since 1997 and they have two children; Charlie, born in 2000, and Annalise, born in 2002. He really enjoys his work with middle school, high school, and college students and sometimes can't believe he gets paid for this!
A Rome native, Brenda has been on the staff of First Baptist Church since 1987. In 1980, she obtained the rating of Certified Professional Secretary, and in 2003, she obtained the rating of Certified Ministry Assistant. Brenda and her husband, Ron, reside in Kingston, Georgia.
Carol Foster Minister of Education and Faith Development Secretary Email: cfoster@fbcrome.org
Karen Garrett Minister of Worship/Music and Students Secretary Email: kgarrett@fbcrome.org
Melissa is a native of Rome and has been a part of our Weekday Early Education program staff for nine years. She joins us as our new director for the coming school year.
