Meet our Staff

Rev. Jim Cohn
​Pastor

James A. Cohn has been the pastor at First Baptist Church since April 2011.  He completed his seminary education at the Houston Graduate School of Theology and his bachelor's degree at High Point University, retiring from active military service prior to his return here with over 27 years of service.  Jim is married to Debbie and they have 3 children with 4 really "grand" grandchildren.  He enthusiastically and strongly believes in the teaching and preaching ministry of the church and actively participates in our community as an outreach for the fellowship.

Contact Jim at PastorJim@FBCWalnutCove.com

Rev. A.J. Reynolds
Associate Pastor

A native of Guilford County, Andrew J. Reynolds was raised in Sharpe Road Baptist Church, where he accepted Jesus as his Savior, was part of the youth group, served as an usher, and sang in the choir until graduating from Southeast Guilford High School as its salutatorian in 2005.  Enrolling at the University of North Carolina, he was active in two organizations: the band and the Baptist Student Union.  As a Marching Tar Heel, A.J. further honed his musical skills and developed leadership strengths.  Through the B.S.U., he assisted with leading prayer groups and Bible studies.  During summers, he went home and volunteered to lead his former youth group.  As a sophomore, he began to be convinced of a call from God to Christian ministry.  As a junior, it became clearer to A.J. that this call was one to life of vocational ministry.  During this growth, A.J. received opportunities to teach and lead in B.S.U., and by The Summit Church.
     After graduating from Carolina in 2009, we hired him as the interim Youth Director.  As he enrolled at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary that fall, we called him to serve permanently, in a part-time capacity as the Minister of Youth and Children.  In March 2012, he was ordained as a pastor.  In the spring of 2013, he received his master’s degree in divinity, and we called him to be our Associate Pastor.  He transitioned to a new full-time role within our church, serving as the Minister of Education and Family Ministries.  In October, 2015, he gave up his position working with youth, children, and families to take on a different job: Minister of Music.  For the past two years, A.J. has led as one of our pastors, overseeing administration, visitation, and corporate worship.

​Contact A.J. at pastorajreynolds@gmail.com

Rev. Luke Long
Youth and Children's Pastor

           Luke Long grew up in the central Virginia area of Charlottesville and joined First Baptist Church of Walnut Cove at start of 2019.  Luke graduated high school in 2012 and felt God calling him into the ministry which God refined in college through his studies, work, and clubs.  Luke graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and his first opportunities to serve were at Calvary Baptist Church as their summer Student Ministries Intern.  In college he was involved in the Christian campus ministry called "InterVarsity" where he found rich community to be a part of and serve.
​            After graduating college in 2015, and finishing his internship at Calvary in the summer of 2017, Luke started to pursue a Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling.  He met his wife Ashley after graduation and before leaving Calvary at the summer camp, Laurel Ridge, where they would get married in October of 2017.  In the fall of 2017, Luke started serving at Lea Bethel Baptist Church as their part-time Youth and Children's Minister.  Luke felt God leading them back to the Winston Salem area and accepted a call to First Baptist Church in January of 2019 as the full time Youth and Children's Minister.  In this position Luke oversees IMPACT Student Ministry and Sonquest Children's Ministry, and seeks to be a resource for families in creating a culture of discipleship in the home.  
            Luke and Ashley are passionate about discipleship and pouring into Students and Children.  They love the outdoors and find as many opportunities as possible to hike, swim, kayak, and currently are attempting fly fishing.  One of their favorite spots is Disney World. It was one of their first significant trips, as well as where Luke proposed, and their honeymoon destination.  Luke loves to read, play spike ball, and is slowly developing his golf game, although his favorite sport will always be soccer.  Ask him about his love for chickens, what he is currently reading, or what it means to have "Discipleship at Home!"
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Contact Luke at: Luke@fbcwalnutcove.com

Leigh Taylor
Pianist

Leigh Taylor is an integral part of the music ministries of First Baptist Church.  Her talents are enjoyed by all each Sunday as she plays such beautiful selections.  Leigh is also very dedicated to her service with the children's choir and other church choirs.  Leigh also accompanies the New Life Center Children as they have Chapel Time on Tuesday mornings and sing children's bible songs.  Leigh has served our church as pianist for many years. ​

Lisa Ore
Finance Secretary

lisarore@gmail.com