Pastor Mike Barnes
I was born in Palmetto Georgia. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior in 2001 and answered the call to the Gospel Ministry of Jesus Christ at Royal Baptist Church in Newnan, Georgia in May of 2003. October of that same year I started my first Church in Luthersville, Georgia, Rehoboth Baptist Church. Rehoboth is strong and growing to this day. In February 2010, I came to New Salem as Pastor. I am married to the love of my life, Stephanie and we have two sons, Cole and Drew.
Associate Pastor Kevin Judy
I met and received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior on October 12, 1997 at Teamon Baptist Church. My wife, Janet, and I were members at Teamon until 2002. After our time at Teamon, the Lord led us to New Salem in 2002. We have been actively serving at New Salem since. Early in April 2014, I answered the call to the Gospel Ministry of Jesus Christ and on Easter morning 2014, I made it public.
Janet and I have two wonderful boys, Jacob and Jesse. We enjoy ministering and growing our church through our Sunday school and discipleship.
Children’s Pastor-Mike Poole
I grew up in Macon, Georgia. My mom took my brother and me to church, but it wasn’t until July 2012 that I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I followed that up in August, going through the waters of believers’ baptism. On May 31, 2015, with the support of my wife, Faye, I answered the call to the Gospel ministry of Jesus Christ. I started serving in the youth department and I was ordained March 12, 2017. I have had the privilege of serving here at New Salem Baptist in our children’s and youth departments.
Student Director-Donnie Tallman
In January of 1999, I felt Jesus pulling me to the altar to lay my crown down. It was at the altar that day that Jesus pierced my heart. I was still struggling in my sin of addiction; but 18 months later, Jesus broke those chains for good. I can testify that He made me a new creation. Because of His love that found me and saved me, I have the desire and passion to serve the broken, the homeless, and those who are in bondage to addiction like I once was. In August of 2022, the Lord called me to ministry where He gives me the strength to faithfully serve His people. I am grateful for the wife that He gave me–Tammy faithfully prays for me, encourages me, and supports me on this journey He has me on.
Worship Leader-Ashley Judy
I was raised in the Griffin area and grew up in church. I accepted Christ at a young age and after high school I drifted from my walk with Christ. In 2017, I started attending and joined New Salem and rededicated my life to Him. Since then, I have been plugged in and served through different ministries including the Praise Team. Through New Salem, I also met my husband Jacob and we were married in March 2023. In August 2023, I accepted the call to lead worship. I am blessed to be able to call New Salem my home church and family and to be able to serve by leading others in worship.