Our Team
Our Team
Don Hattaway
Senior Pastor
Dr. Don Hattaway has been the pastor at First Baptist Church Douglas, Georgia, since 2019. Formally, he was the pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia, where he served for 17 years. He also pastored Emmanuel Baptist in Blackshear, Georgia, for nine years. He holds degrees from Brewton-Parker College (Bachelor of Music Education) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry). He is the former President, Vice-President, and Parliamentarian of the Georgia Baptist Convention. He has also served as a trustee for Brewton-Parker College, Shorter University, and the Christian Index. Recently, Dr. Hattaway published a commentary entitled The Book of Revelation: God’s Last Word for the Last Days.
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he enjoys speaking at revivals, conferences, seminars, and churches throughout the year. He has had the privilege of preaching in England, Greece, Israel, Italy, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Pastor Don has been preaching the gospel for 35 years and stands firm on teaching the inerrant and infallible Word of God. He is a true believer that God’s Word changes lives. His ministry seeks to encourage and teach Christians in their daily walk with God and lead others to experience saving faith in Jesus Christ.
He has been married to Sonia for thirty years. Together, they have two sons and a daughter, Nathan age 27, Daniel age 26, and Anna Lane, who was called to her heavenly home at age 21.
Don Hattaway
Senior Pastor
Dr. Don Hattaway has been the pastor at First Baptist Church Douglas, Georgia, since 2019. Formally, he was the pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia, where he served for 17 years. He also pastored Emmanuel Baptist in Blackshear, Georgia, for nine years. He holds degrees from Brewton-Parker College (Bachelor of Music Education) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry). He is the former President, Vice-President, and Parliamentarian of the Georgia Baptist Convention. He has also served as a trustee for Brewton-Parker College, Shorter University, and the Christian Index. Recently, Dr. Hattaway published a commentary entitled The Book of Revelation: God’s Last Word for the Last Days.
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he enjoys speaking at revivals, conferences, seminars, and churches throughout the year. He has had the privilege of preaching in England, Greece, Israel, Italy, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Pastor Don has been preaching the gospel for 35 years and stands firm on teaching the inerrant and infallible Word of God. He is a true believer that God’s Word changes lives. His ministry seeks to encourage and teach Christians in their daily walk with God and lead others to experience saving faith in Jesus Christ.
He has been married to Sonia for thirty years. Together, they have two sons and a daughter, Nathan age 27, Daniel age 26, and Anna Lane, who was called to her heavenly home at age 21.
Jonathan P. Jordan
Associate Pastor, Education & Administration
Prior to coming to First Baptist Church in June of 2019, Jonathan joined the Georgia Baptist Mission Board in 2010. During that time, he served as a consultant for Discipleship Ministries, Evangelism Ministries, and, since 2013, Groups and Faith Development. Before serving the GBMB, Jonathan served First Baptist Church in Winder, Georgia & Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. He graduated from Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, and Southwestern Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.
Jonathan P. Jordan
Associate Pastor, Education & Administration
Prior to coming to First Baptist Church in June of 2019, Jonathan joined the Georgia Baptist Mission Board in 2010. During that time, he served as a consultant for Discipleship Ministries, Evangelism Ministries, and, since 2013, Groups and Faith Development. Before serving the GBMB, Jonathan served First Baptist Church in Winder, Georgia & Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. He graduated from Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, and Southwestern Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.
Daniel Steele
Worship Pastor
Daniel has been a worship leader for over 20 years. He is skilled at leading from guitar, keyboard, and piano. He can arrange music and transpose songs at will. He can read music proficiently as well as notate chords and changes “by ear.” His passion is in mentoring the next generation of worship leaders and in leading people of all ages and backgrounds into heartfelt worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Daniel graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and Composition with further musical study in choral conducting. Before living in Louisiana, he grew up overseas in both Scotland and Indonesia as his father worked as an engineer for Shell Oil company. Daniel and his wife Karen have been married for 19 years. They were married in Seoul, South Korea, where Karen was serving as an Army Nurse and Daniel led worship for the Department of Defense Chapel System. They have two sons, Caleb and Logan. Daniel is also a proficient golfer, earning his music degree while on a golf scholarship. Before going into worship ministry full time, he played on the PGA mini-tour, caddied on Pinehurst #2, and worked as a golf pro at Reynold’s Plantation in Greensboro, GA. He is also a skilled woodworker, making everything from tables and cabinets to turning pens and bowls. His favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Daniel Steele
Worship Minister
Daniel has been a worship leader for over 20 years. He is skilled at leading from guitar, keyboard, and piano. He can arrange music and transpose songs at will. He can read music proficiently as well as notate chords and changes “by ear.” His passion is in mentoring the next generation of worship leaders and in leading people of all ages and backgrounds into heartfelt worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Daniel graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and Composition with further musical study in choral conducting. Before living in Louisiana, he grew up overseas in both Scotland and Indonesia as his father worked as an engineer for Shell Oil company. Daniel and his wife Karen have been married for 19 years. They were married in Seoul, South Korea, where Karen was serving as an Army Nurse and Daniel led worship for the Department of Defense Chapel System. They have two sons, Caleb and Logan. Daniel is also a proficient golfer, earning his music degree while on a golf scholarship. Before going into worship ministry full time, he played on the PGA mini-tour, caddied on Pinehurst #2, and worked as a golf pro at Reynold’s Plantation in Greensboro, GA. He is also a skilled woodworker, making everything from tables and cabinets to turning pens and bowls. His favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Jonathan McDuffie
Student Minister
Joined Staff: November 2016
His Responsibilities: Student and College Ministry
His Salvation Story: I grew up in a loving, faithful, church-going family. I knew all the stories, could answer the questions, and thought that I knew Jesus. When I was eight years old, I realized that I was a sinner, I deserved punishment, and that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I asked Christ to forgive me and made him my Lord and Savior. Since then, life has been a journey of learning to follow in obedience.
Family: Shannon (wife), Cole and Luke (sons)
Jonathan McDuffie
Student Minister
Joined Staff: November 2016
His Responsibilities: Student and College Ministry
His Salvation Story: I grew up in a loving, faithful, church-going family. I knew all the stories, could answer the questions, and thought that I knew Jesus. When I was eight years old, I realized that I was a sinner, I deserved punishment, and that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I asked Christ to forgive me and made him my Lord and Savior. Since then, life has been a journey of learning to follow in obedience.
Family: Shannon (wife), Cole and Luke (sons)
Diane Roberson
Preschool and Children’s Coordinator
Joined Staff: March 2009
Her Responsibilities: Preschool and Children’s Ministry including Weekday Preschool, Sunday School, Discipleship and all Preschool and Children’s Activities
Her Salvation Story: I was saved when I was 8 years old. My Mother led me to Christ in my bedroom at home. Since that time, I have had areas of life where I have tried to walk away from God and what He means to me. There have been times of rebellion where I thought the world had what I really needed in life. But God has been faithful to His word, that nothing can snatch me from His hand. I am so thankful that He does not give up on us! It is my desire to Glorify Him, follow His will and purpose for my life, and teach children who God is to them and what He can mean to them now and for the rest of their lives.
Family: Stacy (husband), Erica and Molly (daughters), and Gillis (son).
Diane Roberson
Preschool and Children’s Coordinator
Joined Staff: March 2009
Her Responsibilities: Preschool and Children’s Ministry including Weekday Preschool, Sunday School, Discipleship and all Preschool and Children’s Activities
Her Salvation Story: I was saved when I was 8 years old. My Mother led me to Christ in my bedroom at home. Since that time, I have had areas of life where I have tried to walk away from God and what He means to me. There have been times of rebellion where I thought the world had what I really needed in life. But God has been faithful to His word, that nothing can snatch me from His hand. I am so thankful that He does not give up on us! It is my desire to Glorify Him, follow His will and purpose for my life, and teach children who God is to them and what He can mean to them now and for the rest of their lives.
Family: Stacy (husband), Erica and Molly (daughters), and Gillis (son).
Amy Paulk
Head of School
Her Responsibilities: Amy is our Head of School. She was raised in Hazelhurst, Georgia, after moving from just outside of St. Louis, Missouri, as a child. After graduating from Jeff Davis High School, she attended Valdosta State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She then attended Georgia Southwestern State University, earning both a Master’s degree and an Education Specialist (Ed. S.) degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She is currently working toward her Head of School Leadership Endoresement through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Her Salvation Story: “Two days before my fifteenth birthday, on November 9, 2003, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at Southside Baptist Church during a Judgment House presentation. From that day forward, even in moment when I did not fully recognize it God has guided my steps with such intention and faithfulness that it is difficult to put into words.
Her Family: Amy is married to Cade Paulk. Together, they have three children, Jaxon, Jude, and Ivy Jane, and they enjoy raising their family on their family farm.
Terri Bailey
Head of School
Her Responsibilities: Terri
is our Head of School. She was raised in St. Augustine, Florida. After
graduating from St. Augustine High School, she attended South Georgia
College, University of Georgia and Valdosta State University, receiving
an A.S. in Criminal Justice, a B.S. and M.Ed. in Middle Grades Education
and Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. Prior to becoming Head of School
at First Academy, Terri taught middle school and high school math for 27
years in the Coffee County School System. She has been a member of
First Baptist Church for over 40 years where she has been a faithful
Sunday School member, has taught children’s and youth choirs, and loves
worshiping in song in the adult choir and on the praise team.
Her Salvation Story:
‘I am very blessed to have been raised in a Christian home. My family
and I attended Ancient City Baptist Church in St. Augustine and it was
there that I was saved and baptized at the age of 8 years old. I have
always loved serving the Lord and those around me. It is an honor to
now serve as Head of School at First Academy where each day I can feel
and see the presence of the Lord working in the lives of our students,
parents and staff. What a privilege to be able to educate students in a
Christian environment where God’s Word is our guide and most valuable
resource.”
Family: Terri
is married to Steve Bailey. They enjoy family life with 4 children and
their spouses, and are blessed with 11 amazing grandchildren.
Support Staff
Support Staff
Debbie Fender
Pastor's Assistant
Pastor's Assistant
Rhonda Saeed
Ministry Assistant
Ministry Assistant
Kaylie Harper
Financial Director
Financial Director