Pastoral Staff
Garrett Grubbs - Senior Pastor
Pastor Garrett was born in Albany, Georgia and came to faith in Christ as a 14-year-old at a summer youth camp. The Lord confirmed his call to ministry as a young college student in 1999. Garrett was licensed to ministry in 2001, and ordained in 2003. Prior to moving to Valdosta, Garrett served as part of the pastoral staff at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. Garrett was named the Senior Pastor of Crossroads in July 2021. Garrett attended Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds his Master of Divinity in Preaching and Pastoral Ministry.
Mark Avery - Executive Pastor
Pastor Mark assists Pastor Garrett, our senior pastor, with leadership responsibilities and oversees Crossroads’ ministries, support activities, and strategic processes. He’s a “church nerd” who loves to serve people through effective processes, systems, and great teams—which are all super important at a church with a membership of 1,400 and a school with 210 students. One of his sources of joy is providing opportunities and encouragement for every Christian to find a place to worship, serve, fellowship, and give.
Matt Gay - Next-Gen Pastor
A native of Wrens, GA, Matt moved to Valdosta in 2004 and graduated in 2009 from Valdosta State University with a Bachelors of Science in Health and Physical Education. Matt also had the privilege of working with our neighboring ministry, The Mailbox Club.
Jeff Ford - Adult Discipleship & Member Care Pastor
Jeff helps guests and members of Crossroads Baptist Church feel welcome, wanted, and connected. He has been a member of Crossroads Baptist Church since 2007. For most of that time, he and his wife Beth have led a Nearly/Newly Wed class. Jeff is a certified Facilitator and Facilitator Trainer with Prepare-Enrich and has done pre-marital counseling since 1992.
Blake Allen - Student Pastor
Blake serves as our Student Pastor. He has a heart for students, and loves to invest in their lives spiritually and emotionally. Blake has been on staff since May of 2022, but has been helping with our student ministry since 2017.
Timothy Stroud - Worship Pastor
Timothy grew up in Athens, AL which is where he first came to know the Lord. Over the course of his childhood, he grew to love singing, and as he got older, this developed into a passion for leading worship. As a son of a worship pastor of over twenty years, Timothy has been surrounded by music and the church throughout his life. He graduated from the University of Mobile in Mobile, AL in May of 2021 with a degree in Worship Leadership.
Shane Padgett - Associate Worship Pastor
Pastor Shane has been attending Crossroads for almost 20 years and has been on staff since 2015. Shane helps manage all aspects of the music/worship ministry. This includes the choir, orchestra, rhythm band, praise team, tech team, and special musical/technical events. Shane’s favorite part of his job is working with the amazing people who serve in the worship ministry and helping provide an environment of authentic worship in The Lord’s house.
Directors
Diana Waldrep
Crossroads Baptist School Principal
Communications Director
Facilities Director
Support Staff
Leah Harrison
Office Coordinator
Member Care Coordinator
Next-Gen Ministry Assistant