Senior Pastor

Rev. Blair M. Smith

Blair is from Dillon, SC and as senior pastor his primary responsibilities include preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and leadership. Raised at First Baptist Church Dillon, he was saved and baptized when he was 8, and at the age of 15 he knew the Lord was calling him to ministry. Blair earned his BA of Philosophy at the University of South Carolina in 2011 and his M. Div. from Erskine Seminary in 2015. He came on staff part-time in 2013 as the Youth Ministry Intern, and installed full-time as our Associate Pastor in 2015. With a passion for the Word of God Blair’s desire is to preach, teach, serve, and disciple in the name of Jesus Christ.  Blair’s wife Lindsey is a Physical Therapist with a servant’s heart. They have a daughter, Bailee and son, Grady Blair.

And He (Jesus) is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. - Colossians 1:17

Associate Pastor

Rev. Caleb Bartlett

Caleb is from Owensboro, Kentucky where he was saved and baptized at 16. He went on to earn his BA in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky in 2013. In 2018 he was called into ministry and he completed his MDiv. in Great Commission Studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2024. He has been involved in different ministries throughout the church including youth, children's, VBS, preaching, and teaching all ages. He has been given the opportunity to serve the Lord through various international mission trips where his passion for God and people has grown. His wife Mary-Kaitlyn is a Dental Assistant and they have 3 cats and 1 dogs.

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10

Worship Pastor

Rev. Jared Knight

Jared is from Hilliard, FL where he was saved and baptized at age 13. He began using his gifts in music shortly after he was saved by playing saxophone in the church worship services and leading worship with guitar in the youth group. Jared began sensing a call to ministry during high school and followed that call to the Baptist College of Florida where he earned a B.A. in Church Music in 2007. While serving as an interim music minister in Union, SC, he met and married the love of his life, his beautiful bride, Christie, in 2008. He later completed an M.A. in Christian Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2012. He has served as a worship pastor in SC, TN, NC, and FL. Jared’s desire is to model and lead the church to worship God genuinely and biblically (John 4:23-24), through music (Ephesians 5:19), to the best of our ability (Psalm 33:3). Jared and Christie have three children: Anna Grace, Brayden, and Jeremiah. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” -2 Corinthians 5:17

Pastor of Care & Counseling

Rev. Andy Stokes

Andy was born and raised in Columbia, SC.  He graduated from Eau Claire High School and went on to attend Charleston Southern University (Baptist College), majoring in church music and USC Beaufort, majoring in Psychology. Andy is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and has several certifications. He is currently receiving certification in Church-Based Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Andy retired as a police sergeant after 25 years of service with the Beaufort and Columbia Police Departments. He then served 11 years as Minister of Music and Administration at Park Street Baptist Church in Columbia.  He has been married to Valda for over 40 years and they enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

Youth Leader

Dylan Jacobs

My name is Dylan Jacobs, and I’m from Great Falls, South Carolina. I earned my undergraduate degree in Bible from Columbia International University in 2022, where I also competed as a collegiate golfer. For several years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering in various church settings, gaining experience through serving in children’s ministry, Vacation Bible School, and other church programs. I am currently pursuing graduate studies to continue growing in my knowledge and preparation for ministry.
I have a deep love for building relationships and teaching the Bible in a way that is clear, engaging, and rooted in truth. My passion is to help students grow in their faith, understand God’s Word, and apply it to their everyday lives. I’m excited to invest in the next generation and to be part of what God is doing in and through His church.

Children's Director

Paige Youmans

I am Paige Youmans, Tim’s wife of 30 years and homeschooling mom to Emy, Clay and Cameron. I received my BA in International Studies from the University of South Carolina and completed a Masters in Classical Arts with an emphasis in English from Southeastern University. I worked for over a decade as a tutor and director for our homeschooling program, Classical Conversations. During my two decades of membership at FBI, I have served on various committees and as a Sunday school teacher, VBS Director, Church Secretary, Good News Club volunteer, and Children’s Director. Outside of church and work, I enjoy traveling with my family, volunteering, and indulging in chocolate and Diet Dr. Pepper.

Ministry Assistant/Financial Secretary

Patty Hampton

Patty is a South Carolina native who has been working in churches for over 15 years. After coming to faith at 14 she was baptized at Lydia Baptist Church in Summerville.  She is a graduate of Converse College and has a Masters in International Business from Mercer University. Joining us in during the Summer of 2020 Patty brings excitement everyday and is a natural people-person with a big heart! Her husband Tim is a Biology Professor, and both are members of our church. They have two twin-children, Miles and Francis who are currently in Graduate School.

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13