Meet Our Staff
SENIOR PASTOR
Jonathan Barlow
A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Jonathan is a graduate of Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. In 2007, he graduated from McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia with a Master of Divinity. In 2019, he earned his Doctorate in Ministry from Duke University.
His experience includes servings as Youth Ministry and a Pastoral Residency at Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia and Pastor of Royston Baptist Church in Royston, Georgia before he joined First Baptist Dalton in 2017. Jonathan’s wife, Susan, teaches 2nd grade at Brookwood Elementary School in Dalton, GA. They have three sons Peyton, Nolan, and Boston.
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
JUSTIN SAFLEY
Justin is a native of Texas and grew up in Mississippi. He is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelors Degree in History and McAfee School of Theology, where he earned a Masters of Divinity. Justin has served churches in Flowery Branch and Jefferson, Georgia. He joined First Baptist of Dalton in October, 2018.
Justin's wife, Mallory, works at Dalton State College in the Career Services Department. They have two young daughters, Hannah and Brooklyn.
MINISTER OF MISSIONS & SPIRITUAL FORMATION
SUZANNE HOOIE
A native of Ashland, AL, Suzanne is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Her professional background includes thirteen years of experience in Information Systems. She worked for multiple Fortune 500 companies where she specialized in project management. She has been a member of FBC Dalton for 21 years before joining the ministerial staff.
Suzanne’s husband, Sherrel, is employed with Shaw Industries. They have two grown children, Lauren and John.
MINISTER OF MUSIC & WORSHIP
Mitch huskison
A native of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Mitch attended Mississippi College and earned a degree in Church Music. Following college, he enrolled at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his Master of Divinity in Church Music. Mitch has served in several churches in both music and youth ministry for over 25 years.
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Mitch is the father of twin sons. Kennan is currently in the School of Architecture at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte and Carter is currently a computer science major at North Carolina State University.
MINISTER TO YOUTH & THEIR FAMILIES
Rachel Copeland
A native of Perry, Georgia, Rachel attended Mercer University and McAfee School of Theology. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies and Religion in 2019 and a Master of Divinity in 2022. While studying for her masters, Rachel interned at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Decatur and came to First Baptist during her final year. Rachel joined First Baptist Dalton in February 2022.
MINISTER OF SENIOR ADULTS & PIANIST
JONATHAN PINTO
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Jonathan attended Baylor University and Truett Seminary and received a Bachelor of Music in Applied Piano Performance and a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Spiritual Formation, respectively. He has accompanied several choirs and soloists, and has served as a pianist and pastoral associate at churches in the Waco area. Jonathan joined First Baptist Dalton in August 2021.​
