First Baptist Church Jackson

~ Our Pastor ~

      A native of Austell, Georgia, Dr. Joe Bufford is a visionary pastor who furthers the kingdom of God through preaching and prayer while calling on the Holy Spirit's power. Bro. Joe accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 11. He is the devoted husband of Nicole Curtis Bufford and father of three active and outgoing children, Ryan, Jess, and Gracey. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children and when time allows, hunting and golf.

      Bro. Joe has an extensive educational background, having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Preaching from Atlanta Christian College, a Master of Divinity Degree with Languages from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Evangelistic Church Growth from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was licensed in 1991 and ordained in 1996. After serving as Minister of Youth in several churches in both Georgia and North Carolina, Bro. Joe pastored his first church in Eastman, Georgia, beginning in 1996, and then moved to Sargent Baptist Church in Newnan, Georgia in 2000. The church family of First Baptist Church of Jackson welcomed him as he accepted the call to lead the congregation in 2007. Bro. Joe is also a Pro staff member of X-treme Christian Outdoors, a televised Christian ministry.

      As a pastor, his desire is to lead the church in fulfilling its purpose. He believes, "The purpose of the church is fulfilled through evangelism, worship, fellowship, and discipleship. When a church is active in these four areas, the church will develop a world view for missions." His international mission service includes evangelism and stewardship in San Salvador, El Salvador, Los Animas, Honduras, and Ojojona, Honduras. His extensive stateside mission service has literally taken him from the eastern to the western United States and from Alaska to Tennessee.

      His service and dedication are not just limited to his church and family. He has been quite active is serving in local, regional, and state convention positions ranging from service on various committees to Director of Evangelism. Bro. Joe has also served on several committees within the Georgia Baptist Convention. His community involvement includes acting as Chaplain for the Butts County Sheriff's Department, Georgia Department of Resources Region IV, and the Georgia division of Homeland Security.

      Bro. Joe and the congregation of First Baptist Church welcome anyone seeking to hear the full gospel and searching for a church home.