Staff

Ministry Staff

Tim Marsh

Pastor

Tim was called to serve First Baptist in July and began his ministry in September. Tim is a 2000 graduate of Samford University (B.A., Religion), a 2003 graduate of Beeson Divinity School (M.Div.), housed on the campus of Samford University, and a 2007 graduate of Duke Divinity School (Th.M., New Testament). He is also in the process of completing the Doctor of Ministry at the Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity. Tim has served in ministry for over twenty-five years, including over nineteen years as a pastor. Prior to his arrival in Laurens, Tim was the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton, North Carolina since November 2012. Tim’s personal mission as a pastor is to lead the church to provide an environment where all may find and follow Jesus Christ. To that end, Tim is passionate about preaching and teaching the Bible, building relationships with all ages, community involvement, ministries to the marginalized, mental and spiritual health, listening and offering counsel, crisis ministry and the practice of prayer.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Tim is married to his best friend, Rebecca, also from Birmingham. Rebecca is a paraprofessional at Laurens Middle School, working in the Montessori Science program. Prior to that she piloted the first STEM Lab in the Rutherford County School system at Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School. They are the proud parents of two children. John Alan is a freshman at Gardner-Webb University and runs for the varsity Cross Country and Track teams. Natalie is a freshman at Laurens District 55 High School and loves art and music. Tim and Rebecca are both avid college football fans and love to support the Alabama Crimson Tide. Contact Tim at tim@fbclaurens.org.

Adair Rogers

Minister of Music and Senior Adults

Adair begins her 27th year of service at FBCL in 2022. She is a native of Virginia but spent most of her growing up years in Clinton, SC, where her father served as the pastor of First Baptist Church, Clinton. She is
a graduate of Furman University (BA in Music Education) and Erskine Theological Seminary (Master of Church Music). Adair is passionate about helping children (and adults) develop and use their God-given gifts, especially in the area of music. She and her husband, Alex, are the proud parents of two adult children — Dean, a graduate of Clemson University, who lives with his wife, Chelsea, and their daughter, Everly, in Boulder, CO, and Ali, also a Clemson graduate, who lives with her husband, Wills, and their son, Noah, in Greenville, SC. Adair enjoys cooking, sewing and especially enjoys planning fellowship opportunities for her church family. Contact Adair at adair@fbclaurens.org.

Tommy Cox

Minister of Education

Tommy has served on staff at FBCL for 24 years. He is a native of Laurens and is a graduate of Presbyterian College (BS in Psychology). Prior to his current position, he served as Minister of Youth and Recreation at FBCL for 15 years. His experience also includes serving 13 years as a Prevention/Education Consultant with the SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, directing many leadership and community development projects at the state and local levels. Tommy enjoys all aspects of ministry, but he particularly enjoys leadership development and small-groups ministry. Tommy and his wife Kena, who is a teacher in Laurens District 55, have been married for 33 years. They have two daughters Kelsey, who lives with her husband, Gabriel, in Powdersville, SC, and Kailey, who is an interior designer in Greenville, SC. Tommy enjoys spending time with his grandson, Walker, as well as playing golf, watching college football, and spending time with family and friends. Contact Tommy at tommy@fbclaurens.org.

Elizabeth Franklin

Director of Children’s Ministry

Elizabeth is a native of Laurens and a 2002 graduate of the University of South Carolina. Upon graduation, she worked five years as a Paralegal and managed the real estate department of a law firm in Greenville, SC. Elizabeth became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of her first child. She has devoted much of her time volunteering, and in 2010, joined the kindergarten staff of FBCL. In 2013, she became the Director of Children’s Ministry. Having grown up in this church, Elizabeth has a special love and passion for children and is excited to be a part of the church that has been so instrumental in her own spiritual growth. Elizabeth and her husband, Kevin, have been married for 20 years and have two children, Brock (15) and Marett (12). Elizabeth is very active in the community and serves on numerous committees and boards. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and cheering for the Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@fbclaurens.org.

Andrew Corley

Minister of Students and Recreation

Andrew began serving as Minister of Students and Recreation in October of 2020. A native of Laurens and product of FBCL, Andrew is a graduate of Presbyterian College (BA in History and Religion and Philosophy) and Gardner-Webb School of Divinity (MDiv, Pastoral Studies). Prior to returning to Laurens, Andrew served churches in North Carolina, most recently as Pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Grover, NC. Andrew and his wife, Meghan, a third-grade teacher, have two children — Davis and Abigail. In the brief windows of free time those two allow, Andrew enjoys Charlotte Hornets basketball, professional wrestling, music (listening and playing) and reading. Contact Andrew at andrew@fbclaurens.org.

Support Staff

Tana Adams

Ministry Assistant and Desktop Publisher

Tana began her 20th year as Ministry Assistant at FBCL in 2021. Having grown up in this church, she values the examples set by older generations and appreciates the energy and fresh ideas of new members. Biggest perk of her job — opportunities that allow her to put her creative abilities to use. Tana has three adult children and five grandchildren of whom she is very proud. Empty nesting has its rewards, as Tana now has time to volunteer, work with women’s ministries and pursue her hobbies. Contact Tana at tana@fbclaurens.org.