Leadership

Pastor & Staff

Luke Brakefield 

Senior Pastor

Luke's info

Rachel Morton

Minister of Youth & Education

Rachel has been our Minister of Youth & Education since October 2001. She is originally from Hartsville, SC. Rachel is a graduate of Columbia College with a degree in Music Education, and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Student Ministry from Southeastern. Rachel and her husband, Gene, have a daughter, Laynie, and a dog, ZuZu.  She loves college football, Mexican food, watching marvel movies and game night with friends. Rachel enjoys hanging out with students; but, her favorite time is seeing students worship, serve and grow.

Maxine Smith

Interim Director of Children's Ministry

Maxine joined our staff in September 2023 as our Interim Director of Children's Ministry. She is originally from Texas. Maxine has over a decade of experience working in children's ministry, vacation Bible school, children’s Sunday school, children’s church, and short-term children's mission outreach events. Maxine and her husband, Chris, have 3 children, CJ, Bella & Max. Chris is an active duty Marine who has taken their family to other countries and several states throughout the US. Maxine loves working with volunteers and seeing them grow in their faith as well.

Brian Walker

Interim Director of Worship Music

 Brian joined our staff December 2023 and has been a musician and vocalist with our Praise Team for the past 14 years and involved in music in some capacity for practically his whole life. He is married to Theresa and has two daughters, Megan and Mya, and two granddaughters, Skylar and Paisley. Brian says, "Music is a universal language and a way of uniting us for the glorification of the one true God. I look forward to this new role and appreciate your support.

Janet Payne

Office Administrator

Janet is a “born and bred” Virginian.   She attended the Methodist Church during her formative and young adult years and was active in the choir, youth group, and as a Sunday School teacher.  After moving to North Carolina in 1997, she again became active in her church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and co-director, Alpha leader and director, Church Treasurer, Bible Study leader, choir member, and Altar Guild volunteer and co-director.  She also is a member of the Daughters of the King prayer order.  In 2012, Janet joined our staff, bringing with her a lifetime love of the Lord and the desire to serve Him through her work with our family of faith.  She loves to relax at the beach, read, quilt and spend time with her husband, six children, eight grandchildren and especially her dog, Cooper.

Anna Hanna

Receptionist

Anna became a part of our staff in May 2023.  She and her husband, Jack, moved to NC from Upstate New York in December 2022 to be near family and have time with grandchildren. Anna retired after 21 years as an elementary school principal’s secretary.  They are members of FBC and are involved in our church through security and host teams. Anna is also involved in our Awana program, hospitality team, and helping out with youth dinners or wherever needed.  She was a long-standing member of the Wilson FBC in NY, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and VBS classes, and served as the church clerk for over 15 years.  I am looking forward to serving the Lord here at FBC Swansboro.  

Leigh Ann Haigh

Nursery Coordinator

Leigh Ann has been serving in our nursery since 2015. She was not born in Swansboro but grew up here in "The Friendly City by the Sea." She has been with First Baptist since she was in second grade. She spent many years volunteering at vacation bible school and in the nursery. Leigh Ann is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She enjoys playing softball, traveling, walking, and being outside whenever possible. Outside of church, Leigh Ann is a middle school teacher. Her love for children grows every day.