MINISTERIAL STAFF
NELSON GRANADE
NELSON GRANADE
Senior Pastor
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
JAMES MARTIN
Minister of Music & Worship
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
MELISSA WILSON
Minister of Children and Families
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 KYLES
KRISTINA KYLES
Children's Ministry Associate & Preschool Director
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 KILBY
ELIZABETH KILBY
Minister of Young Families and Adults
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."
​
She and her husband Andrew have twins, Luke and Matilda.
STAFF
KARI LINDEMAN
Kari started the role of Church Secretary in January 2024. She was formerly the Preschool Director and Contributions Secretary of FBC. She and her husband, Jon, has two children, Aubrey and Ty. Their family attends Front Street Baptist Church. Kari also runs her own dog walking business, Paws Fur Love Dog Walking.
​
EDDIE WISEMAN
Organist/Accompanist
Eddie Wiseman serves as accompanist at First Baptist. He has been actively involved in church music for more than thirty years. Eddie and his wife, Jane, have two daughters, Emily and Hailey. Eddie has a passion for Christian music and enjoys styles ranging from the classical works of Handel to the contemporary songs of Chris Tomlin.
KAYLEY CROUCH
Communications Coordinator
Kayley Crouch joined the First Baptist Church staff in July 2013 and oversees a variety of responsibilities, including producing The Interim, worship bulletins and other publications, updating the church calendar, and keeping church membership records.
Kayley grew up in First Baptist Church and graduated from North Iredell High School. Her parents, David and Pam Potter, are also members of First Baptist. Kayley earned her B.A. degree in journalism from Gardner-Webb University and her M.S. degree in graphic arts from Appalachian State University. She worked in graphic arts in Burlington before coming to First Baptist Church.
ED MARTIN
Facilities Manager
Ed is retired as a high school teacher and soccer coach in Wilkes County. Before his teaching career, Ed worked as a Senior Logistic Analyst at Lowe's Companies.
WAYNE LAWS
Facilities Manager
Wayne joined our staff in 2020. He and his wife, Lillie, have been members of our church since 1989.