Dr. Nelson Granade came to First Baptist Church of Statesville after serving First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro for 21 years. He is married to Valerie Wyke Granade. He is the author of  “Lending Your Leadership: How Pastors are Redefining Their Role in Community Life.”

James Martin joined the First Baptist Church staff in June, 2009.  He leads the Sanctuary Choir at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service, and coordinates plans for worship and music. Besides singing, he also enjoys playing guitar, trombone, trumpet, and a variety of other instruments.

He and his wife Debi have two children, Jenna and Sean. 

Melissa Wilson joined the staff of First Baptist Church as Minister of Children and Families in August, 2012. She is from Hudson, NC and loves working with children and encouraging them in their Christian faith. She earned her Masters of Divinity from George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Melissa has also taught elementary grades in a public school.

Kristina has a Bachelor's degree in child development from Appalachian State University and a Master of Divinity from Gardner-Webb University with a concentration in Christian Education. She and her husband Will were married in October 2022.

Elizabeth joined First Baptist Church staff in April 2019 as our Young Families Minister helping to connect our young adults and families to the church. She earned her Bachelors Degree from UNC-Wilmington and her Masters in Divinity from Gardner-Webb University. She is the author of "Go Away Closer: How foreign travel stirs a passion for local missions." 

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She and her husband Andrew have twins, Luke and Matilda.