Pastor and Deacons

Since Forest Primitive Baptist Church was constituted in 1873, there have been faithful men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom who have served the church. These man are called “deacons.” They are appointed by the church and ordained to this office for the care and well-being of God’s kingdom here on earth. Forest PBC currently has three deacons.

Lee Speir

Brother Lee Speir was ordained to the office of deacon on November 13, 1965. He has deep roots at Forest as both his father, Elzie D. Speir, Sr. and his brother, Elzie D. Speir, Jr. pastored Forest PBC from 1955 to 2000. He has experienced many changes during his time at Forest PBC, but steadfastly maintains that God has blessed us in every age and every generation.

Joel Ragan

Brother Joel Ragan was ordained to the office of deacon on October 20, 1974. Brother Joel got out of Georgia Tech in 1962 with a degree in Civil Engineering. With his background in engineering, Brother Joel has a very practical, no-nonsense approach to serving Forest PBC. Combined with the Godly wisdom that he has learned from studying God’s word, Brother Joel is a true treasure in the kingdom of God.

Jay Taylor

Brother Jay Taylor and Brother Bill Byron were ordained to the office of deacon at the same time on April 11, 1981. Although Brother Bill departed this life May 28, 2012, both he and Brother Jay shared common traits in their service at Forest PBC. Brother Jay is a devoted husband and father that leads his family by example. His commitment to the Lord, Jesus Christ, and care for the Lord’s church is evidenced by his actions more than his words. He is truly a “doer of the word and not a hearer only.” On the 39th anniversary of his ordination to the office of deacon, Brother Jay told the church it has been a joy and pleasure to serve the Lord and His people every day and every year.

Coy Thomas

Brother Coy Thomas was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry at Bethany Primitive Baptist Church in Tucker, GA on January 10, 2009. Not long afterwards, he and his family moved their membership to Camp Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Lilburn, GA. His desire was to be a helper and yoke-fellow to Camp Creek’s pastor, Elder John Melvin. When not at Camp Creek, Brother Coy filled appointments at sister Primitive Baptist Churches in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, Indiana, Mississippi, and Florida. After filling several appointments at Forest PBC, the church called Elder Thomas to be her pastor in October 2019. He accepted the call and began serving Forest PBC at the end of December.

Brother Coy and Sister Lynne will celebrate 31years of marriage on October 20, 2021.  They have two grown daughters, Hannah and Bethany, that live in Huntsville, AL and are members of Flint River Primitive Baptist Church.