Leadership

Alan Branch

Lead Pastor
J. Alan Branch is the Lead Pastor of FBCATV. He is a graduate of Kennesaw State College (BBA), and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv, PhD). Dr. Branch served at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO as Professor of Christian Ethics from 2001 - 2024 and continues to serve there in a part-time capacity. Pastor Alan was born in Dallas, GA and trusted Christ as his savior in 1978 at Vacation Bible School. Pastor Alan served as a chaplain in the United States Army Reserves and was deployed to the Middle East in 2011-2012 with the 821st TC BN. He and his wife, Lisa have been married for 37 years and they have two daughters and two wonderful sons-in-law.

Charles Foster 

Worship Pastor
Charles Foster is the Worship Pastor at First Baptist Church At The Villages. He came to know Jesus as His Savior on April 15th, 1973. Charles has been in the ministry basically all his life, starting as church pianist from age 11-18, moving to bi-vocational music director in 1979, and transitioning to full-time ministry in 1999. He and His wife Denise have been married 38 years. They have 2 children and 10 grandchildren. Charles is a graduate of The University of Alabama, where he received 2 undergraduate degrees and his masters. Charles and Denise moved from Alabama to First Baptist At The Villages in 2013. Through an amazing GOD story (in which he will gladly share), Charles claims Romans 8:28 as his life verse: ALL things work together for the good to those who love Him (Jesus) and are called according to His purpose. He also stresses that WORSHIP is not just a Sunday morning music time, but a “24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week lifestyle”. Each week he leads our congregation into the presence of God utilizing an amazing choir and praise band.

Hugh Wicks

Pastor of  Engagement
Hugh Wicks has served at First Baptist Church At The Villages since 2021. He has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Church Music degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Originally from Pennsylvania, Hugh met his wife Connie in Kentucky, where they married, raised their 2 sons and served in ministry for over 30 years before moving to The Villages in 2012.

Bob Perry

Pastor Emeritus
After over 18 years of faithfully leading this congregation, Pastor Bob retired on March 30, 2025 and was given the title of Pastor Emeritus.  Through Bob's leadership, FBC grew to be a leading congregation in The Villages and Southern Marion County. In 2024, Pastor Bob challenged the congregation to make every effort to retire the existing debt (2.2 million). On December 15, 2024 the congregation celebrated the retirement of the debt with a "note burning" at the end of the Worship Service. Many thanks to Pastor Bob and Karen for the 18+ years of leadership, love, care, and ministry.

Pastor Bob was called home to be with Jesus after a long battle with cancer. It was his sincerest wish that the church would go on spreading the good news of the hope that Jesus brings to people and families. 

Lisa Branch

Director Of Women's Ministry
Lisa has been involved in Women's Ministry for over 35 years. She brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding about issues facing today's women and combines it with a passion for helping them understand how God's Word applies to each area of their lives. Lisa has led many Women's Bible Study courses, Women's Retreats and Conferences. She has also partnered with her husband to develop a marriage retreat called Marriage Forward. Outside of the church, Lisa is a Registered Nurse, and she holds a master's degree in organizational leadership. Lisa is married to our Lead Pastor, Dr. Alan Branch and they have 2 married daughters, 2 wonderful sons-in-law and 2 grand dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, long walks (with her fur friend, Truman) and planning vacations.  

Zack Ryer

Director Of Media and Production 

Gina Martine