Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Dr. Chris Griggs

Lead Pastor

Dr. Chris Griggs serves First Baptist Welcome as the Lead Pastor. Chris' objective is to fulfill his calling of leading the church by using his gifts to make disciples and advance the gospel.

Native Town: Winston-Salem, NC
Year Service Began: 2023
Education: 
D.Min, Expository Preaching, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  
MDiv. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
B.A., Psychology. Wake Forest University.
Wife: Tiffany
Children: Mary Elizabeth (married to Christopher), Jenna Catherine, and Elijah.
Grandchild:  Mia
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Corey Hyers

Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Administration

Corey serves First Baptist Welcome as the Associate Pastor of Administration and Discipleship. He desires for the whole church to be equipped for the work of ministry, make disciples, and advance the gospel.

Native Town: Brandon, FL
Year Service Began: 2024
Education: 
MDiv. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
B.S., Religion, Liberty University
Wife: Beth
Children: Adina, Gideon, Mical, and Charles Haddon
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Kevin Vodochodsky

Assistant Pastor of Families and Youth

Kevin serves First Baptist Welcome as the Assistant Pastor of Families and Youth. He desires for the next generation of students and their families, equipping them to be disciple-making disciples, to advance the gospel to those around them.

Native Town: Salisbury, NC
Year Service Began: 2025
Education: 
B.A., Biblical Counseling, Spurgeon College
Wife: Ashley
Children: Oliver
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The Staff Team

Dan Nicholson

Interim Worship
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Samantha Warth

Elementary Director
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Beverly Tetter

Preschool Director
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Emily Figler

Communications Coordinator
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LINDA NIFONG

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY

Linda enjoys reading, flower arranging, and photography – making pictures of nature scenes and her family – just ask any of the family who see Linda with her camera! She considers it a privilege to serve the Lord through the ministry of First Baptist.

Native Town: Welcome, NC
Year Service Began: 1982
Education: Winston-Salem Business
Husband: Charlie Nifong
Children: Jana Eanes
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Lee Christensen

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Lee has been bookkeeping for churches for over 20 years.  Her heart is happiest when she's serving the Lord, especially with her church, Two Cities. She is passionate about inner city ministry, helping organize community events for special needs adults, and is a supporter of families involved in foster care & adoption.

Lee and her husband, Rod, live in Clemmons, NC. They have two children, Ben and Chloe, and a sweet labradoodle, Buster.
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