Our Staff

Church secretary

Jodi Anderson

Jodi grew up in Tilton, IL. and is a Danville High School graduate. She moved to Coles County in 2012, after meeting her husband, Jason. They have been married since May 2013. They have 3 wonderful children, Jaden, Lexi and JW. They currently reside in rural Charleston.

Prior to moving to Coles County, Jodi was a 911 Dispatcher and Paramedic for 18 years. Jodi has always had a heart for helping others. She has a passion for cooking and feeding friends & family.

Favorite quote/verse

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillippians 4:13

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Titus 1:8

Our Pastor

JAMES SUMMERLIN

James has been a part of a ministry family for all of his life, growing up in a pastor’s home and living in Alabama and Kentucky before he received the call to ministry when he was 16.

He met his wife, Rachel, while attending Union University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in journalism. After James and Rachel married, they started life together in New Orleans, where James earned his Master's of Divinity degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While in New Orleans, James spent two and a half years working for the New Orleans Times-Picayune. He then became the sports editor at the Hammond (La.) Daily Star. While working for the newspaper, he served as the student pastor for First Baptist Church of Hammond.

Beginning in the summer of 2018, James worked as the Pastor of Students at First Baptist Church, Dade City, Florida. In 2023, he and his family accepted the call to serve Charleston Baptist Church as pastor.

James enjoys cheering on his favorite teams: the Alabama Crimson Tide, the New Orleans Saints and the Nashville Predators. 

He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Applied Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He and Rachel have two children, Roman and Hadley.

   Pastor James' Favorite Quotes 

• "But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your         ministry." - 2 Timothy 4:5 

• "God will either give us what we ask for in prayer or give us what we would have asked for if we knew                    everything He knows." - Tim Keller