Pastoral Staff

Chris Cherry began working at First Baptist in the summer of 2018. Chris graduated from Georgetown College with a BA in Religion and received a Master of Divinity in Christian Education from McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. Chris builds relationships with Middle and High School students and creates programs that help to teach and equip them to cultivate a faith of their own. Chris and his wife Tory have one daughter, Margaux and when not at work you can find him spending time with family. His favorite thing about First Baptist is the youth. He loves their energy, their boldness and their honesty. Chris is a sports fan, an avid Harry Potter fan and loves to drink Dr. Pepper or Cheerwine at meals.

Chris@fbcgso.org  |  ext. 109

​Buck Cochran joined the staff of First Baptist Greensboro in January 2022 as the Associate Pastor for Missions and Community Ministry.  Prior to First Baptist Greensboro Buck served as the CEO of Peacehaven Community Farm, an affordable housing and learning community for adults with disabilities set on a community supported farm. Buck is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and served as a pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro after graduating from The Divinity School at Duke University. Before entering the ministry Buck served in the United States Navy. Buck earned a BS in Chemistry from Wake Forest University. 

Buck is married to Cathy Cochran and they have two adult children, Cameron and Trey. Cathy is the Chief Nursing Informatics Officer at Cone Health. Cameron lives in Wilson, NC and is the Associate Director of the nonprofit Wilson Forward. Trey lives in Millers Creek, NC and works at Tumbling Shoals Farm. Cathy and Buck love to travel and particularly enjoy active vacations of cycling and hiking. A lifelong photographer, Buck still enjoys shooting black and white film and processing it in his darkroom. 

buck@fbcgso.org  |  ext. 128

Bio coming soon.

seth@fbcgso.org  |  ext. 116

Alan has been our Senior Pastor since September 2013. Before coming to First Baptist Greensboro, he served as Pastor of Metro Baptist Church in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan — his first pastorate, where many of his convictions about church, community ministry, social justice and advocacy were formed. Alan is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University (BA in Religion, 2002), Wake Forest University Divinity School (MDiv) and Vanderbilt University (MA). He is married to Jenny Sherouse, and they are the parents of Jack, Della, Warner and Bea.

Asked what he loves about First Baptist Greensboro, Alan says, “During our baby dedications, as the child and I walk amidst the congregation, often one of our older saints reaches into the aisle to lay a hand on the baby in prayer. That moment might be the single thing I love most about our church — the hope and the heritage of this community that always meet, and the grace of God that finds us all in between.”

Alan is passionate about First Baptist Greensboro’s place as a leader in the wider community, and devotes time to community and denominational leadership, serving on the boards of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Wake Forest University Divinity School and the Greensboro Faith Leaders Council. In December 2022, he began serving on the Guilford County Board of Education.

When not at church, Alan enjoys time with his family and friends, spending time outdoors (especially in the High Country of NC), or enjoying all the good gifts of Greensboro, which he now considers “home.” He’d love to meet you at your favorite local spot any time!

pastor@fbcgso.org  |  ext. 101

Amy joined the staff of First Baptist Greensboro in July 2022 as the Associate Pastor of Children and Families. Before coming to First Baptist Greensboro, she served as the Associate Minister of First Baptist Church of Henderson, NC. Amy earned her BA in Religious Studies from Gardner-Webb University (’06) and her MDIV from Wake Forest University School of Divinity (’13). She is married to Brandon, a Therapist. They are the parents to the William and Elizabeth, who keep them on their toes at all times.

Amy was first drawn to First Baptist Greensboro because of how we love all of our FBC Kids, accepting them just as they are – squirms, giggles, and unending joy. She is passionate about helping parents through the sacred journey of raising kids in our beautiful and complex world. She also wants to help children develop a life-long relationship with God and with the church. Amy is always looking for a chance to cultivate delight for all ages as a way of connecting to God.

When not at church Amy enjoys time with her family, cooking, and pretending she has a green thumb. She is always looking forward to her next cup of coffee and time with friends. 

amy@fbcgso.org  |  ext. 110

Courtney actually began working with First Baptist long before she was called to serve on staff part-time in March of 2018. She is a graduate of Elon University and later Princeton Theological Seminary. In her role she is primarily responsible for adult education opportunities at the Midweek gathering on Wednesday nights. She is also always on the lookout for creative opportunities to engage the church at large in spiritual growth throughout the church year. She and her husband Stephen were married in 2004 and they have one son, Berkley. As a family, they enjoy traveling and experiencing other cultures. They love the outdoors and finding adventure together. When not at the church, Courtney can be found reading, dancing, hiking, paddle boarding, or traveling and squeezes every ounce out of vacation. She loves that First Baptist is a church that is both steeped in tradition, but also willing to stretch, grow and try new things. She knows it is a rare combination and believes it is what keeps the church healthy and vibrant. Courtney is intentional, compassionate and thoughtful. She believes in holding the tension of holy tears with laughter and welcomes it with a gracious spirit.

courtneywillis@fbcgso.org  |  ext. 113