Quinn HooksQUINN HOOKS, pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church, Effingham, recently earned two post-graduate degrees. In May, he received a master’s degree in human services with a focus in executive leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. Hooks also has been accepted into the Ph.D. program for licensed counseling at Liberty. Also, on July 31, he graduated summa cum laude from Covington Theological Seminary in Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga., with a doctor of ministry degree in Bible. On Aug. 9, his church honored him with a reception following the evening worship service.
Bill WestaferBILL WESTAFER is the new senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Cowpens. He come to Cowpens from Marion, Ind., where he worked in the public sector while completing his doctorate in education at Ball State University. Westafer has served as a senior pastor both in California and Indiana. He and his wife Lyn, a singer and speaker for national women’s events and church concerts, have two children: Sara, 23, and Aaron, 19.
MILES BRIDGES has been called as part-time youth minister by Lake Cooley Baptist Church, Wellford. He and his wife Christy have two daughters, Maddie and Sophie.
WILLIAM HOWARD has been called as pastor of seniors by Clifton Second Baptist Church, Spartanburg. He previously served at New Faith Baptist Church, Campobello.
Steven RuffSTEVEN RUFF was installed as full-time pastor of Port Royal Baptist Church, Savannah River Baptist Association, on Aug. 2. He previously served as senior pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church, Perry, Fla., for the past four years. Prior to that, he served as youth pastor and associate pastor of churches in the Gainesville, Fla. area. Ruff earned his bachelor and master of theology degrees from Andersonville Theological Seminary. He and his wife Terri have one son.
Gary HannaGARY HANNA graduated summa cum laude from Covington Theological Seminary with a doctor of ministry degree on July 31. He is pastor of Redds Branch Baptist Church, Aiken, and is also a teaching professor at the Aiken extension of Covington Seminary. He and his wife Debra have two children, Josh and Adrienne.