Pastor: Dr. Billy J. Owensby

Pastor Billy OwensbyDr. Owensby is a native of Commerce, Georgia. He is married to Deborah (Poole) Owensby. They have two grown children, Jeremy and Ryan who are both married. Dr. Owensby and his wife Deborah have five grand-children. Dr. Owensby  has pastored other churches in Louisiana and Northeast Georgia. He is the founder and president of North Georgia Baptist Theological Seminary and S.T.E.P. Ministries (Spiritually Training & Equipping People). Dr. Owensby holds an ADiv Degree and a BGS Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary where he earned a Master Degree and he is also a graduate of Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary from which he earned a Doctor of Ministry. Dr. Owensby is the author of Revelation The Time is Near. Revelation: The Time Is Near is written for the purpose of giving the pastor/teacher and Bible student a clearer understanding of the book of Revelation. Other works by the Dr. Owensby are: 1) The Expositor's Notes: Selected Sermons 2) The Expositor's Notes: I Timothy 3) The Expositor's Notes: 1-2-3 John.

Associate Pastor: Ben Smith
Minister to Children and Youth

Associate Pastor Ben SmithA native of Madison County and a current resident of Ila, Georgia. I am the proud husband of Joni Westbrook Smith. Joni and I have two children Titus Benjamin and Sadie Westbrook Smith. We love Christ and enjoy serving Him together here at Union Baptist Church. Likewise, we also live daily to point others to the love of Jesus Christ, as well. My responsibilities at Union Baptist Church include ministering to students (1st-12th grades), as well as associate pastoral duties. I especially love spending time with my family, and I also enjoy running, watching and playing sports (GO DAWGS), golf, ATVs, and anything outdoors.

Associate Pastor: Huey Bratton
Minister of Music and Education

Associate Pastor Huey Bratton Born in Savannah, Ga. and raised west of Atlanta in Mableton, Ga. Huey is married to the former Cindy Hoffman and has a 19 year old son, Luke, who is a freshman in college. Huey surrendered to the fulltime Gospel Ministry in 1989. Huey moved to Atlanta to attend the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminar's North Georgia Campus, and began serving at a local Southern Baptist Church in 1991. Huey has served as Associate Pastor with churches in both Georgia and Florida for over 11 years. After 9/11, Huey went back into the military for 3 years as an Army Chaplain. He served as a Battalion Chaplain during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 with the 3d Infantry division from Fort Stewart, Ga. Huey was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his actions. He holds a B.S. Degree from the University of the State of New York and a Masters in Divinity from the Conservative Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida. Huey was a certified addiction counselor for 5 years, and is certified as a Multi-Systemic Therapy Family Therapist. He enjoys fishing, boating, and of course the BULLDOGS!!!