Meet Our Staff
John Strickland
Senior Pastor
John Strickland is a native to Swainsboro, Georgia. He was placed in foster care at the age of 6 and remained in care until he graduated from Brantley County High School in 1981. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Brewton-Paker College in 1987.
During his 4 years at Brewton-Parker, he served as a youth pastor for 2 years, then took a pastoral position while completing his degree. After graduating, he served 3 churches as senior pastor over a span of 24 years. Throughout the last 25 years, John has transitioned from permanent to full-time minister to a bi-vocational pastor serving several churches in conjunction to his vocational position.
John has been affiliated with Pine Hill Baptist church for 5 years. He assumed the role of senior pastor in January of 2020. The goal set forth as the pastor is to evangelize the community, disciple believers towards spiritual development, strengthen the family, equip the next generation, and remind the church that believers have been purchased from the world – therefore live for the Heavenly Father.
Jeff Wright
Youth Pastor
Jeffrey Wright has served as the Youth Pastor at Pine Hill Baptist Church for the past three years. He holds a Master’s degree in Theology from Liberty University and is passionate about helping young people grow in their faith and develop a strong, lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Through teaching, mentoring, and creating opportunities for fellowship and service, Jeffrey is committed to encouraging the next generation to know God, live out their faith, and discover their purpose in Christ.
Barney Walling
Minister of Music
Barney became a member of Pine Hill Baptist church in 2010. He was called to be the Music Minister at Pine Hill in August 2011. Barney has been a musician since he was a teenager. He enjoys playing acoustic guitar and bass guitar and loves singing and praising God. He is dedicated to serving God and His church.
Pat Walling
Office Manager
Pat has been a member of Pine Hill Baptist Church and has been a church pianist and a member of the music ministry team since 2010. She began her position as Financial Secretary in September 2017 and then assumed the administrative duties of the church in November 2021. Pat enjoys serving her Lord and her church family in as many ways as she can.
