Staff

Rev. Matt Sapp
Pastor

Matt is a graduate of Mercer University as well as Mercer’s McAfee School of Theology. Matt grew up in both Atlanta and Richmond, Virginia. He is an avid Braves fan, enjoys writing, and has a twin brother who lives in Macon. Matt started his career in the ministry at Wieuca Road Baptist in Atlanta where he served as their minister to students and then minister for congregational life. He comes to Central from Heritage Fellowship in Canton, Georgia, where he served as pastor.

Matt is married to Julie Sapp, a native of Waynesboro, GA and also a graduate of Mercer University. Matt and Julie have two sons, Hudson and Joey, and a daughter, Mary Jane.

msapp@centralbaptistnewnan.org

Rev. Katie Faison
Associate Pastor to Children, Women and Senior Adults

Katie grew up in Newnan, Georgia. She has been a member of Central Baptist all of her life. She holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from McAfee School of Theology of Mercer University.

Katie is married to John Faison, who is a biology teacher at Woodward Academy in College Park, GA. Together they have two children, Emma Grace and Allie.

kfaison@centralbaptistnewnan.org

Dr. Steve Cothran
Associate Pastor to Students

Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University, a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Campbell Divinity School. Steve comes to Central after 17 years at First Baptist Church of Greensboro, NC, where he served as Associate Pastor, Students/Family Life. With a long history of working within the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and volunteering in his community, Steve is passionate about the church and God’s desire to connect with everyone who may have never heard God calling them beloved.

Steve and his wife, Nancy, come to us with a great track record of youth leadership in churches all over the Southeast, and their heart for working with students in the local church is second to none.

scothran@centralbaptistnewnan.org

Mrs. Julia Huster
Organist

Julia has served as organist/accompanist for the choirs and congregation of Central Baptist Church since 2016. Previously, she served at Peachtree City United Methodist; First Baptist, Newnan; The Hill Baptist, Augusta and First Methodist Church of Thomson, Georgia. In addition to her service in church music, she has taught students in piano and organ since 1983.

Julia received her Bachelor of Church Music/Organ degree from Wesleyan College, Macon, Georgia in 1989. While in Macon, she accompanied numerous voice recitals and interned at First Presbyterian and Mulberry Street United Methodist Churches.

A native of Augusta, Georgia, Julia is married to Steve Huster. They are parents to Laurel and Andy Clark and Rebecca Huster. The Husters enjoy good books, good food, and hiking with their dogs Rudy and Millie.

Ms. Andrea Johnson
Ministry Assistant to Children and Music

Andrea holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of West Georgia and is currently working on her Master of Divinity from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology. She comes with several years of experience in the classroom and in ministry.

Andrea is married to Norm, and they reside in Villa Rica, GA. They are both Georgia natives: Andrea grew up in Douglasville, and Norm grew up in Cumming. They have two children, Aaron and Leah.

ajohnson@centralbaptistnewnan.org

Dr. Claudia Bryan
Interim Minister of Music

Dr. Claudia Bryan is a conductor and vocalist from Newnan, GA. Originally from Webb, AL, her love of music was cultivated early on in church and through community organizations. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in vocal music education from Auburn University, a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Arts in music with emphasis in vocal performance from Birmingham Southern College.

Claudia has been a frequent guest conductor, lecturer, adjudicator, and choral clinician throughout the southeast. Her professional experience includes church music, community choirs, and educational settings ranging from middle school to post-secondary. She also enjoys directing specialty ensembles such as show choirs, women’s choirs, vocal jazz ensembles, modern a cappella groups, and madrigal ensembles. Her choirs have received superior ratings from various festivals and achieved regional acclaim. A mezzo-soprano soloist, she has performed with church, community, and professional ensembles.

Claudia and her husband, Russell, enjoy working together at their business, GA Specialty Metal Supply, located in Tyrone, GA. They have twin twelve-year-old boys, Russ and Will. In her spare time, Claudia loves to read, and as a family, they enjoy Saturdays at Lake Wedowee and Alabama football.

cbryan@centralbaptistnewnan.org