Josh Johnson – Sr. Pastor
Born and raised in a pastor’s family in eastern North Carolina, Josh first came to Georgia in 2010 in order to attend Truett McConnell University where he would receive both his Bachelor’s (B.A. in Christian Studies – 2014) and Master’s (M.A. in Theology – 2020) degrees. He served as Student Pastor at both Northside Baptist Church in Valdosta, GA, (2015 – 2020) and Emmanuel Baptist Church in Blackshear, GA, (2021 – 2024) before coming as Lead Pastor to South Newport Baptist Church in July of 2024. He is a firm believer in the inspiration, authority, inerrancy, and sufficiency of the Scriptures, which is what drives his desire to faithfully teach and preach from it each time he stands in the pulpit. As Romans 10:14-17 indicates, biblical faith in the work of Christ comes from the preaching of the Word of God; seeing this faith produced in and lived out by individuals and families is at the heart of all we do, for, indeed, “we walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).
Josh is also very happily married to Cara (m. 2014), and they have 3 wonderful children–Titus, Syla, and Ivey.
Deacon:
Ray Crook has been a member of South Newport Baptist since moving from Athens Georgia in the summer of 2020. Ray made a profession of faith and was baptized in 1986 during a VBS week at Welcome Baptist Church in Westminster SC. Music Ministry has been his life’s mission, having taught himself to play guitar and other musical instruments as a teenager. Currently, he faithfully serves as the Music Director at SNBC.
Together he and his wife Michelle, have 4 wonderful children who all have hearts of service that has been modeled by their parents. Ray works as Regional Sr. Credit Officer for The First Bank in Hinesville. His life’s verse is Jerimiah 29:11-14, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
Deacon:
Mark Goodrich was born in Southington Connecticut. His parents moved to Jones, Georgia in 1959 and since that time he has called McIntosh County his home. At the age of 12 he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at South Newport Baptist Church. It is here that for 30 years he has been an active member and leader. Mark was the owner of the Midway Napa store for 47 years. He has served on various church committees and faithfully gives of his time and talents serving the needs of the church and its members. His favorite pastimes are golfing and time with his family and grandchildren. As a life verse Mark leans on Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Deacon:
Henderson Hope was born and raised in Lithia Springs Georgia and later moved to McIntosh County where he has lived his adult life. Henderson’s decision to follow Jesus came through a VBS experience in 1973 and soon after made a public profession of his faith through baptism. Henderson has been a member of South Newport Baptist Church since 1996. He has served in many capacities in church leadership, but God has given him a heart for missions. Here at South Newport, he leads our local, regional and international mission activities. It was his grandparents and parents that modeled what it means to have a servant heart and because of that Henderson has been inspired to go wherever God leads. In 1980, he married his mission minded wife Julianne. Together they have 3 sons and 7 grandchildren. Henderson’s life verse is Isaiah 6:8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”
Deacon:
Mr. Jerry Young was born and has lived in McIntosh County his entire life. Jerry was employed at Interstate Paper Mill for 45 years. Upon retirement and looking for something to fill his time, he began planting blueberry bushes. What started as a hobby became more like work. However, it has been an activity that has brought him much joy. On August 19, 1967, he made a statement of faith in Jesus which was followed by a public declaration through baptism on September 10, 1969. South Newport Baptist Church has always been his place of worship. It is here that Jerry has faithfully served. For 30 years he was the church’s Musci Director. Jerry has also served as the Sunday School Director for 50 years which has been his life’s mission field. His life verse is Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.