Leadership

Pastor Tony Thibodeaux became our senior pastor in August 2025. He’s a Cajun that originates from the bayous of South Louisiana growing up in a small shrimping community south of New Orleans. It was in that fishing community at his home church as a youth that he came to know Jesus as his Savior. At age 19, Pastor Tony recognized his calling to ministry but as he states, “to my shame” resisted the calling for nearly 10 years. In the fall of 2006, Pastor Tony recognized his need to surrender to the Gospel ministry and has been serving in ministry since 2007 involved in student ministry and pastoring churches in South Louisiana and Middle Tennessee. Pastor Tony is a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with an undergraduate and graduate degrees in Christian Ministry and Pastoral Ministry. Pastor Tony is also a United States Navy Veteran serving 10 years as a Navy Seabee. He and his wife, Samantha have been married since 2002 and they have two adult daughters and two teenage sons. Pastor Tony’s life verse is Jeremiah 29:11, ““For I know the plans I have for you, this is the Lord’s declaration, plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Pastor Tony loves serving in the local church and is excited for what the Lord has in store for Bethlehem and our community.

Jim Woodard is the interim pastor as the church seeks the pastor God is calling to Bethlehem.

Tina became Director of Preschool Ministries in June of 2018, and oversees all programs from birth through Pre-K. She feels that it is important for all children to be exposed to a foundation of God’s love.
Previously, Tina was librarian for a Christian school in Kentucky for 9 years.  She is a published artist and enjoys painting and creating art projects in her spare time.
Tina and her husband David have been married for 36 years. They have two children and three grandchildren. Both Tina and David have been active in the children’s departments, volunteering in Awana, VBS, GoKids, and have served on related committees. They love to camp and travel, as well as spending time at their home in the country in Springfield just enjoying God’s creation.

Born and raised in Greenbrier, Tennessee, Nicolas Payne is a recent graduate of Midway University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management. During his time at Midway, Nicolas was a student-athlete on scholarship for the Wrestling Team, actively led a campus Bible study, and maintained a strong academic record with a 3.5 GPA.
Over the last two years of college, Nicolas felt a clear calling to ministry. In the fall of 2025, he will begin pursuing a Master of Divinity degree online through The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Outside of academics and ministry, Nicolas enjoys watching sports, reading, and spending time at the gym.

Sherry began serving as Ministry Assistant in October 2019.  She previously served in various Human Resource positions in Nashville and the surrounding area for 20 years.  She loves to help people and spend time encouraging them in all areas of life.  
Sherry was saved at the age of twelve and cannot remember a time when she was not involved in church.  Her life scriptures are Philippians 4:4-7. 
Sherry and her husband Phillip love to visit Gatlinburg. You can also find them “junking” for good deals at yard sales, and thrift stores.