Say hello to the leadership team at First Baptist Church. Got questions for the lead team at First? Contact us by clicking here.

Roger Hutto has served First Baptist Church with faithfulness and conviction for more than three decades. He began his ministry at First Baptist in June 1991 as a worship leader and youth minister, and he has served as senior pastor since March 2008.

Roger holds a Bachelor’s degree in Church Music from Stetson University, a Master of Divinity in Christian Apologetics from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary. His ministry is marked by a deep commitment to biblical preaching, discipleship, and equipping believers to understand and defend the Christian faith with clarity, confidence, and grace.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Roger has served as a part-time teacher at Corinth Christian Academy since 2022, where he teaches and mentors students with a focus on Christian worldview and apologetics.

Roger and his wife, Laura, have been married for 35 years and have two children, Luke and Emily. He grew up in Gainesville and is a lifelong Florida Gators fan. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, hunting, and fishing—at least in theory.

Please connect with him on social media:

Facebook/roger.hutto Twitter: @rhutto Instagram.com/roghutto

Roger's BEST Email: rog.hutto@gmail.com

JT Bridges grew up in Jasper from day one attending First Baptist Church, and was active in the youth group all throughout high school. He then attended the University of Florida where he played football, and was a part of the leadership team for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He then transferred to Valdosta State University where, in 2007, he graduated with his Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with his focus areas being Business, Communications, and Graphic Design. He started his journey in this position in July of 2018. He has a passion for graphic design, photography, videography, animation, and most of all Jesus. This passion is focused on delivering God's message to the public through social media and other digital resources.

Lora Tyre Padgett has managed the office since January of 2015. Lora is also part of the praise team as a piano/keyboard player and singer. Lora loves all animals - but her pitbulls most of all.

Lora and her husband, Jimmie, were married in October, 2018.