our staff

  • Dave Hawes

    Pastor

    Dave became the pastor of First Baptist Church of Bryson City in March 2025 and is grateful every day that the mountains are now in his backyard. With more than 20 years in ministry, he brings a pastor’s heart, a storyteller’s spirit, and a steady hand to both the pulpit and the community.

    A Christian by faith and a Baptist by conviction and believes deeply in a church that reflects both the freedom and responsibility of following Jesus. His calling has taken many forms over the years—from youth ministry to disaster response, Deaf ministry to pulpit ministry, and chaplaincy with EMS teams. Before coming to Bryson City, he served as pastor of Godwin Heights Baptist Church in Lumberton for 11 years, where he also served as a licensed EMT and chaplain, caring for caregivers and walking alongside first responders.

    Dave earned his BA in Religious Studies and an AA in American Sign Language Studies from Gardner-Webb University—where he also met his wife, Vanessa. The day after graduation, they were married and began a life filled with ministry, adventure, and shared callings. He later completed his M.Div. in Pastoral Studies, also from Gardner-Webb, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Campbell University Divinity School, exploring how congregations shaped by disaster can minister to those facing poverty and housing insecurity.

    In his spare time, you might find Dave on a local trail or working on a stretch of the Appalachian Trail—he's logged about 300 miles so far. Raised in Richmond, Virginia, he developed a love for history early on, soaking up stories on field trips and family vacations. He’s a big fan of a well-told tale, whether it’s in a book, a movie, on stage, or in Scripture. Some of his favorites include Les MisérablesHamiltonStar WarsStar Trek, and any Disney adventure shared with Vanessa.

    What drives Dave’s ministry is a simple but powerful vision: to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. He believes the church is called to show up—in the community, in the hard places, and in the quiet spaces where mercy is needed most. More than anything, he wants to be the presence of Christ wherever he finds himself—and to help others do the same. Two scriptures he often returns to are Micah 6:8 and Philippians 2:1–11.

  • ted duncan

    ASSOCIATE PASTOR

    Ted joined the Bryson City First Baptist Church team in 2010 as Associate Pastor in Spiritual Formation and Youth. Ted finished his Master of Divinity Degree at Gardner-Webb University after serving 10 years with the NC Forest Service as an Educational State Forest Ranger. Ted loves to hike and is married to Robyn Roberts Duncan. They have three children: Johnathan, Mae, and Rebecca.

  • courtney beaver

    office ministry assistant

    Courtney has enjoyed being in ministry for ten years and comes to us from Florida. She also has a degree in Culinary Arts, and is a creative through and through. She and her family are excited to be a part of the church family, and create a community in Bryson City to share their love of Jesus with.

  • michael and daniel cochran

    CUSTODIANS

    Michael and Daniel are graduates of Haywood Community College with degrees in horticulture. In addition to maintaining our facilities, Michael and Daniel serve on our media team and operate a local greenhouse and nursery. 



  • j gilbert

    MUSIC DIRECTOR

    J has been Music Director since January of 1995 and is also retired  from teaching drama and vocal music at Swain County High School. J received his Bachelor of Music degree from Louisiana (Baptist) College and his Master of Religious Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Barbara have lived in WNC since 1976. They have two adult children: Lori and Marty. J loves sports and leading disaster relief mission teams.

  • lori gilbert

    PIANIST

    Lori is a gifted musician and serves as pianist at First Baptist Church. Lori is a graduate of Western Carolina University and teaches fifth grade in Jackson County.