Staff

Steven Norris

Senior Pastor

Steven Norris has served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist since May of 2020. He first joined the staff of FBC Griffin as Associate Pastor in May 2018. Though he was born in Meridian, MS, he calls Memphis, TN his hometown. He has been identified by many roles and titles throughout his life: pastor, teacher, fire chaplain, missionary, musician, author, professor, photographer, artist, nature-lover, storyteller, world traveler, and bibliophile (book addict). His most important roles, however, are those of husband and father. Steven and Michelle have been married since 2002 and they have two amazing boys.

Steven’s high school job at an office supply store has made him a certifiable “pen snob” and his love of coffee probably borders on an addiction. Steven is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, the North Carolina School of the Arts, and Gardner-Webb University with degrees in music and theology. Throughout his ministry, Steven has served various churches and schools as Music Minister, Pastor, adjunct college professor, and middle/high school theology teacher.

Seth Brown

Minister of Students and Community Engagement

Seth Brown earned his Bachelor of Art in History from Georgia College and State University. He has a diverse ministry background. His call into ministry began with his work at children’s homes in North Carolina and also Georgia. He has served at three different churches as minister to students, most recently at First Presbyterian Church of Griffin, prior to joining the staff of First Baptist Griffin in March of 2018. He is married to Emily, and they have two boys: Xander and Sheppard.

Seth grew up with a love of sports and the outdoors. In his hometown of Lilburn, he is a neighborhood two hand touch football legend. He is a huge fan of Duke Basketball, the DAWGS, music, and coffee. If he is not in the middle of a nerf gun battle or a trampoline wrestling match, you will probably find him listening to some music, sipping coffee on the back porch. He doesn’t believe in participation trophies, skim milk, or drinking from a day-old pot of coffee. He does believe in Chaco tans, sarcasm being a love language, and the fact that fractions are indeed evil.

Erin Clarke

Minister of Music

Erin Clarke joined the staff of First Baptist in April 2019. Her call to ministry came later in life, enabling her to collect a wide array of experiences under her belt before landing at FBC, Griffin. Erin has been a Middle School Chorus Teacher, Children’s Theater Director, Camp Counselor, Arts Council Board Member, and Interim Music Minister- all of which have prepared her well for her current position.

Erin graduated from Mercer University with a Music Education Degree and a Masters in Choral Conducting. After being elected to the Student Government Association for five terms, serving as Mercer Ambassador, living in the Phi Mu house, and traveling on four international tours with the Mercer Singers, Erin is entirely convinced that Mercer is “the best school in the land.”

As one of three girls raised in a strong Christian home, Erin is a certifiable over-achieving perfectionist who fully appreciates the proper way to tie a bow. However, being married to Chip and being a Momma to four little ones has taught her to relax, go with the flow, play in the dirt, and occasionally accept a summertime swim as substitute for a bath. Despite her flair for the dramatic, she prefers being real to putting on a show. At FBCG, her desire is to help facilitate worship that is genuine and inspired.

Ellee Hilley

Minister of Worship Arts

Ellee Hilley has been a member of First Baptist her entire life. Born and raised in Griffin, she calls First Baptist her home church. Prior to serving as Minister of Worship Arts, she has been a church pianist, worship leader, instrumental ensemble director, and has accompanied many ensemble groups at First Baptist. Ellee has a bachelor’s degree in business from Georgia State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Mercer University. She attended seminary at the Institute for Worship Studies and earned a Master of Worship Studies degree.

As the Minister of Worship Arts, Ellee loves being a part of the musical life of the church. She directs the Handbell Ensemble, Instrumental Ensemble, Ukulele Ensemble as well as serves as Organist. She is also the contemporary worship service leader and accompanist. When she’s not making music, she enjoys being a part of the Women’s Ministry at FBC.

Ellee loves her family, including her wonderful husband, Troy, and her two boys, Harrison and Owen. Ellee is a pianist, but also plays the trombone and the cello. She loves gardening, and her absolute favorite flower is the hydrangea; she believes blooming hydrangeas are an instant mood-booster! Her favorite food to grow is the potato but only because it’s fun to dig up and harvest. Her sweet tooth is for Reese’s peanut butter cups. She enjoys running, hiking, and being with her family.

Ellee loves music, ministry, and First Baptist!

Ron Murray

Minister of Pastoral Care

Ron Murray began his ministry at the church in March of 2022. He is a Kentucky native and a graduate of Baylor University in Waco, TX. Following his seminary studies in Texas and Kentucky, he served as pastor of churches in North Carolina, Louisiana, and Tennessee. He and his wife, Freddie, were married in 1969, and they have a daughter, a son, and five grandchildren.

In 2020, Ron and Freddie moved to a Del Webb development called Sun City Peachtree, which is located five miles from Griffin. At Sun City, they live next door to their former college roommates at Baylor.

Ron is left-handed. His favorite color is blue, and he believes that nature’s perfect food is chocolate. He enjoys reading, various sports, and travel.

At First Baptist Church, Ron helps to develop a culture of soul care, compassion, and service. He coordinates caring ministries in the church so that every member feels valued and loved as a vital part of the Body of Christ.

Lori Welborn

Minister to Children and Families

Lori was born and raised in a small town in southeast Georgia, Lori is passionate about many things — baking, the Georgia Bulldogs, a good book and a good cup of coffee just to name a few. She felt the call to ministry at a young age and immediately set out to find ways to serve. Despite being told frequently she was too young, she pursued every opportunity she could find to be who she felt God was calling her to be. This pursuit led her to attend Brewton Parker College and graduate with a Bachelor of Ministry and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies.

It was at college that she met Scott, whom she married 16 years ago. Shortly after graduation, they moved to the Raleigh area. There, she taught preschool for 12 years and, during that time, joined the church staff as the Associate Minister to Children and Community Engagement where she has served for the past 9 years. They became licensed foster parents through which they were blessed to adopt their daughter Stafani. Lori’s greatest joy and passion is seeing the Bible come to life in the eyes of a child and having the blessed opportunity to provide children of every age the opportunity to grow in Christ and serve God.