REV. BRENDA THOMPSON
ASSOCIATE MINISTER TO STUDENTS 

Email: bthompsonok@hotmail.com
Brenda is a native Indiana Hoosier, and has lived  all over from Texas to the Bahamas serving in ministry. Brenda has a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. Her undergraduate degree from Indiana University is in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Development. Brenda started her career as a Camp Director for YMCA residential camps,  which is where she first felt a calling to serve youth and young adults. She has now served in youth ministry for over 12 years.  When Brenda is not hanging out at church with the most amazing youth, you can find her going to the movies with her daughter Caitlin, working in her garden, or walking her pups Amelia & Jackson. 

Phil Dennis
Youth Assistant

Phil has been married for 30 years this June, is the father of 3, and has lived in Gainesville since 2006. For most of his life, Phil has been in some form of youth ministry.  He worked at a Christian college, taught at a Christian school, worked at INK for four years, and has been involved in Boy Scouts for over 18 years.  Phil is thrilled to be part of this community at First Baptist Church where we embrace the Grace that God bestows so freely.  

Elizabeth Swett
​Youth Assistant

Elizabeth Swett is from Gainesville, Georgia where she attended First Baptist Church of Gainesville. She currently attends the University of Georgia for Public Relations with minors in Communication Studies and Religion. Elizabeth worked as the Communications Intern at First Baptist, and she is excited to be back working with the youth and continuing to build relationships while discerning her call to ministry.