Staff

Rev. Dr. Nathan LaShoto, Senior Pastor

Nathan LaShoto grew up in White County and has served churches in Gainesville and Claxton, Georgia. He is a graduate of the University of North Georgia and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Nathan received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Mercer University.

Even at 35 Nathan has had a lot of life experience. He worked as a Merchant Marine on a container ship out of high school and later worked for a company that builds cell phone towers. He put himself through seminary working on an urban farm in Atlanta and worked with immigrant populations in Clarkston, Georgia.

LaShoto has a heart for people of all backgrounds – meeting people where they are in life.
“I think that is what God has called us to do, find people in the neighborhoods where they are and love them to Christ,” he said.

Nathan and his wife Kristen enjoy hiking, biking and walking their dogs, Ruthie, Tanner and puppy, Ollie Rose.

Rev. Randy LeBlanc, Minister of Worship & Music

Email: randallkleblanc@gmail.com

Randy grew up in Bogalusa, Louisiana, a small town 60 miles north of New Orleans. His family was actively involved in Calvary Baptist Church where he learned of the love of Jesus in a caring community of faith. Musical influences in his life included the church graded choir program, playing in the band, and a musical family. The call to church music ministry came while serving as music director of a small country church during his high school senior year.

While majoring in church music at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Randy met his wife Cecelia Patterson. The couple have been married for over 50 years and have three adult children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In 1990, Randy completed his Masters of Music degree at Baylor University and in 1997 did further post graduate studies in conducting at University of North Texas. He served churches in Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas, and now Georgia for a total of 46 years. He is also licensed as a financial advisor.

When not making music or advising financial clients, Randy loves to hike and photograph the beautiful landscape of Northeast Georgia. He and Cele enjoy travel, spending time with family and friends, and gardening.

Sandy Whaples, Director of Children & Familes

Email: fbccorneliachildren@gmail.com

Sandy Whaples is Director of Children & Families at FBC. Sandy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from West Virginia State University, in her home state. Growing up in the Kanawha Valley, Sandy was invited to attend Maranatha Fellowship in St. Albans, where she met Jesus and became a Christ-follower. Later as a volunteer at Maranatha, Sandy met her husband, Shannon. The couple have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children and one granddaughter.

With over 20 years experience in children’s ministry, Sandy says her greatest joy is when a parent, student or child decides to follow Jesus Christ. Then, a partnership begins between the church and the home as the faith journey continues through all of life's milestones. Sandy is motivated by inviting children and adults to see God’s Word as the Greatest Story Ever Told, and to embrace the truth that each of us have a part to play in that redemptive story.

In this new season, Sandy is excited to build upon the "incredible foundation" that's been laid at FBC, where children and students are encouraged to see that God has given each one of them unique gifts, talents, and abilities. It's Sandy’s strong desire that our children, students, and families come to understand that God cares about the things that captivate their hearts and minds and He can use every single gift and passion for His Kingdom.

Sandy and Shannon enjoy spending time with family, exploring little cities and towns, visiting National Parks, thrift shopping, visiting historical places, and watching college football. Go Dawgs!

Rev. Dr. Nathan LaShoto, Senior Pastor

Rev. Randy LeBlanc, Minister of Worship & Music

Sandy Whaples, Director of Children & Familes

Sheila Thomason, Bookkeeper and Minister Assistant

Carol Hasty, Church Secretary

Becky Hughes, Communications Ministry Assistant

Wade Hasty, Facilities Manager

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