Meet Our Family
"The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
Pastor Earl McDonald
Senior Pastor
​
Pastor Earl is continuing his Biblical studies at Liberty University and always has a fresh word from the Lord.​
The pastor is married to Sarah and is the father of Kaylee, Ryleigh, Kassidy, and Everly.​ Pastor is originally from eastern NC and moved to Polk County in 2020. He was formerly in horticulture sales and has covered areas from New York to Florida, but is glad to have settled in the small town of Columbus.
Sarah is an Office Administrator with Red Bell Run and is a volunteer animal cruelty investigator. She assists with graphics and social media at Columbus Baptist and also teaches children.​
Pastor Earl's favorite scripture is John 16:33. "These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
Tel:828 894-8588
Tina Melton
Office Administrator
Tina lives in Columbus with her husband, Tommy, and sweet doggie, Cooper. Tommy is a Polk County native, and Tina was born in Asheville, NC. They previously lived in Asheville, Ft. Myers, FL, and Winston-Salem, NC. They moved back to Polk County in 1998, and Tina is convinced it is the best place on earth. And CBC is the best church on earth! She is so excited to see what God is doing here. His blessings are beyond measure.
Psalm 91 is a favorite scripture:
​
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say[a] to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
​
Tel: 828 894-8588
Dean Graves
Deacon — Chairman
​
At Columbus Baptist, Dean may be better known as Melanie's husband. He and Mel are the proud parents of daughter, Giorgie, who lives in Boone, NC, and son, Tyler, who lives in Denver, CO.
Dean grew up in Tidioute, PA, on the western edge of the Allegheny National Forest in northwest PA. He moved to Tampa, FL, for work. It was there at the DMV that Dean met his wife, Melanie. After 27 years in Tampa, he and Mel moved to a small farm in Campobello, SC, in 2015, where they raised Scottish Highlands. Dean is retired from AdventHealth Polk (formerly St. Luke's Hospital).
His life verse is Galatians 2:20:
​
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
C 813 784-6319
Gary Bay
Deacon
Gary was led to the Lord by Campus Crusade for Christ while at UNC-A in 1973. He has been blessed to have retired from 2 careers. First from the U.S. Air Force in 1995 and then from Internal Auditing and Information Technology careers while with Buncombe County Government in 2014.
He and Becky have 2 adult children. A daughter in Forest City and a son in Raleigh. They moved to Polk County in July of 2020. Gary is a member of the Praise & Worship Team along with his wife, Becky.
He is currently employed by Henderson County Public Schools as a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, where he states, “This is my retired fun job!”
His favorite Bible passage is Psalm 139:
​
"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."
Tel: 828 894-8588
Ronnie Loflin
Deacon
​
Ronnie grew up in Spartanburg, SC, and is married to Nela. They have two grown children. Amanda lives in Pacolet, SC, and Christopher lives in Charlotte, NC.
They are blessed with three wonderful grandchildren.
Ronnie and Nela moved to Tryon in 1999. He is retired from the Norfolk Southern Railroad, where he worked for 32 years.
Ronnie's favorite verse is Isaiah 43:2.
​
"When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
Tel: 828 894-8588
