The staff and leadership at Burnt Hickory Church of Christ is comprised of men and
women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church.
Burnt Hickory leadership
Burnt Hickory leadership
The staff and leadership at Burnt Hickory Church of Christ is comprised of men and
women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church.
our Shepherds
Ken Braziel
Since December 2017
Ken and Carol Ann married in 1987 and have two married children. They moved to the Atlanta area from Texas. Ken enjoys golf, travel, NASCAR and spending time with family. Carol Ann and Ken have a passion for mentoring young families and are excited to help with the new church plant in Bartow county.
Jim Hawes
Since December 2017
Jim and Pat were married in 1963. They have been members of the church since 1968. They have two sons and five grandchildren. Most recently Jim has served as Deacon in the Benevolence Ministry. Jim served in the US Air Force and the Georgia Air National Guard. Jim worked for Eastern and Northwest Airlines and Omni Air International as a mechanic and Aircraft Maintenance Inspector. Jim was recognized by the FAA with the Charles Taylor Award for 50 years in Aircraft Maintenance.
Carlos Phillips
Since December 2017
Carlos and Denise were married in 1995. Carlos grew up in College Park, GA and Denise is originally from Nashville, TN. They have a daughter and son, both members of Burnt Hickory. Carlos works in Information Technology for AT&T in Atlanta. Denise works as a Physical Therapist for the Wellstar Health System. Carlos is an adult Bible study teacher and Denise works with the Greeting Ministry and the Women's Ministry Encouragement Team.
Ron Wiley
Since January 2002
Ron and Janice married in 1973. They began worship with this congregation in 1975. They have two children and four grandchildren. Ron has served as a Deacon, the Church Treasurer, teacher, LIFE Group leader, and has participated in multiple short-term mission trips. Ron retired from the General Electric Company in 2009.
James Wilson
Since December 2017
James and Sandy Wilson are from Alabama. They married in 1980. They have three boys (Terry, Cameron, Tyler). James spent 23 years in the US Air Force. Sandy is an elementary school counselor and licensed therapist. James is currently the Sr. Aerospace Science Instructor at Marietta High School. He also served as Deacon of Inner-City Ministry, Benevolence and Church Greeting. James' joy in life is serving others and bringing a smile to those he comes in contact with daily.
our staff
Matt Carver, Senior Minister
Since August 2020
Matt Carver is the senior minister for the Burnt Hickory Church of Christ in Marietta, Georgia. He is married to DeAnna, and together they have a daughter, Adelynn Blair, and a son, Silas Grant. Matt received his Bachelors degree in Business Management from Western Kentucky University in 2007, after which he began a career in manufacturing. In the winter of 2011, after years of nudges and pushes from God, he left manufacturing for full-time ministry. He went on to complete a Master of Apologetics degree at Luther-Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity at Mid-Western Baptist Theological Seminary. Matt’s heart is to see lives and communities changed by the gospel, and this is the central focus of his ministry. He also loves books, writing, coffee, music, nature, wrestling with his kids, and hanging out with his wife.
Geoff Giesemann, Discipleship Minister
Since February 2016
Geoff Giesemann joined Burnt Hickory as our Discipleship Minister in February 2016. Geoff works to foster our spiritual development and also focuses on outreach and teaching people who are searching for Christ. Geoff brings 38 years of experience in ministry including 8 years as a missionary in Venezuela. Geoff is President of the Board for Right Steps, Inc., an orphanage and school in Nigeria. Geoff and Patti are the parents of two daughters, Stephanie and Jennifer, and have two grandchildren.
Dr. Jordan Tatum, Branch Minister
Since August 2020
Jordan Tatum joined Burnt Hickory as our Bartow Branch Minister in August 2020. Jordan is working to strengthen and grow our church plant in Bartow County. His ministry passion is seeing people take meaningful steps in following Jesus. Jordan worked as a minister in Texas and Minnesota before coming to Georgia. Jordan also has a B.A. in Ministry from LCU, an M.Div. from ACU, and a D.Min. from Bethel Seminary. Jordan has been married to Lindsey since 2007, and they have one son, Micah.
Beth Tidwell, Children's Minister & head of Bright Beginnings preschool
Since August 2016
Beth has a degree in Early Childhood Education and 5 years’ experience as a 2nd grade teacher in Cobb County schools. She has taught Sunday School for various grades for 12 years and chaperoned and led mission trips to Cozumel, Mexico. As our Children's Minister, she oversees our children ages birth to 5th grade, which includes preschool Sunday classes, children’s church and the nursery. She joined our staff in August 2016.
Lauren Barber, Bright Beginnings Director & Children's Assistant Minister
Since August 2016
Lauren joined our staff in August 2016. She has taught in our Children's Ministry program and Bright Beginnings for several years. She oversees our preschool program and works tirelessly with all the events of the Children's Ministry.
jon Robinson, Primary Worship Leader
SINCE january 2023
Jon and his family joined Burnt Hickory in 2021. He is married to Monica, and together they have three beautiful children, Avery, Ava, and Amaya. In 2023 Jon was selected as Burnt Hickory's primary worship leader and is responsible for the entire worship team. He is the liaison between the worship team, the church, and our leadership. Jon says, "Our worship to God is a vital tool; it changes us by refocusing our affection and realigning our souls. Each week my prayer is that our collective worship reflects all the Honor and Glory due to God."
Randy Stroud, Facilities Manager
Since April 2003
Randy clearly demonstrates his love for what he does at Burnt Hickory in tending to our 40,000 square foot building and 20 acre grounds. No matter what he does, he does his best. Whether it's related to family, work, or running, he always gives his all. Randy has been on staff since April 2003, overseeing the facility, grounds, and transportation. He keeps things in excellent working order and looking great.
Candy Bracewell, Financial Manager
Since november 2017
Candy comes to us with a MBA and years of experience in the banking sector. She works part time in the church office and is a consultant for some small credit unions. Candy has been a member of Burnt Hickory since 2000 and has served on the Finance Team, in Children's Ministry, and participated in several Honduras mission trips.
Sharon Rottier, Administrative Assistant
Since April 2004
Sharon provides office support and is responsible for communications to the church through the Order of Worship, our website, Facebook page, announcement slides and Caremails. She also maintains the church management database system, schedules use of the building and church calendar, among other duties. She feels her job is part of her ministry to the Church and to God.
Jennifer bethel, administrative assistant
Since October 2018
Jennifer works part-time helping to provide office support. Her responsibilities include coordinating the volunteers that serve during Sunday Worship, processing background checks and child protection training for those volunteering in our children and youth ministries, and preparing the Order of Worship each week. Jennifer has been a member since 2001.