At FBC Monroe, North Carolina, the heart of our church beats with a resolute commitment to serve. With a passionate ministry team by our side, we stand unwaveringly devoted to our members' spiritual growth and well-being. Guided by our faith in God's will, our dedicated staff pours their energy into crafting transformative experiences that uplift and inspire. From dynamic sermons that resonate, to nurturing small groups that foster genuine connections, every aspect of our ministry is an embodiment of service. FBC Monroe stands as a testament to the boundless power of a community united by love, faith, and the unwavering pursuit of God's purpose.
Chris Dawson is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Monroe. A graduate of East Carolina University, Chris was working in the private sector when he felt a call into ministry when Dr. Greg Rogers, pastor at Oakmont Baptist Church, preached a message that we are all called into ministry wherever we are, but some are called into full time vocational ministry. Following that message, Chris pursued a theological education and shifted his focus to become a preacher/pastoral caregiver within the church. He has now been in ministry since 2003, and in that time span has received his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from Campbell University Divinity School while serving as Minister to Youth and Children at Swift Creek Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC and as pastor at Westfield Baptist Church in Dunn, NC and First Baptist Church of Monroe since August 2012. He is married to Michelle and they have three children: Sydney, Bayley, and Trevor. Chris feels God’s leading in every facet of his life and knows he is living out the purpose God has for him; teaching everyone to love God and love neighbor.
Dr.Melanie Williams
Melanie Williams serves part-time at FBC Monroe as Minister of Worship Arts. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance, Melanie has been involved in leadership in music ministry in the local church since her middle school days in her home state of Georgia. She has served in two full-time positions since 1991—Fort Mitchell Baptist Church in Fort Mitchell KY and The Baptist Church of Beaufort in Beaufort SC. Melanie was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 2003 at The Baptist Church of Beaufort and retired from full-time ministry there in 2017. Since her retirement, she has continued to serve in leadership roles in various denominations and is delighted to land at FMBC Monroe NC with her husband, Alan, who serves as a Disaster Response Coordinator with CBF.
Elaine Potter
Elaine is the accompanist at FBC Monroe. She has been a professional musician since graduating from Wingate College with a BS in Music Business in 1984, and has enjoyed teaching piano lessons, directing and accompanying church choirs and playing for several funeral homes for nearly four decades. Elaine is married to Gary and they have three children and seven grandchildren.
Marsha Sexton
Kathy Cole
Alyssa Metze
