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Zion Hill Baptist Church Staff Biographies
Pastor: Dr. Danny Newbern
Student Minister:
Dee-jay Faircloth
Pastor Emeritus: Dr. Paul Wade * Administrative Assistant: Peggy Cooper
Preschool Director: Shauna Hennum
WebMaster: Brenda Whiting
Dr. Danny Newbern has been the pastor at Zion Hill since July, 2004. Danny came to Zion Hill from the Lanier Hills Church in Gainesville, Georgia, where he served for ten years as the Associate Pastor. Danny was born and raised in Cobb County, where he graduated from McEachern High School. He attended Toccoa Falls College where he met his wife Caroline. Caroline teaches special education in Hall County, and works in the children’s ministry at Zion Hill, as well as sings in the choir. He and Caroline have four daughters of whom they are very proud. Danny is a graduate of Toccoa Falls College with an Associate of Arts in General Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Christian Education. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army Military Police, having served at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia and in Giessen, West Germany. Danny also served for seven and a half years at the Hall County Sheriff's Office as a sergeant in the patrol division. Danny serves once a month as a volunteer chaplain at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. He enjoys jogging and studying U.S. history.
Peggy Cooper has been the administrative assistant at Zion Hill for 6 years. Peggy was born and raised in
Dr. Paul Wade is the Pastor Emeritus at Zion Hill. Paul was elected pastor emeritus to honor him for his 53 years in the pastoral ministry, serving over two years at Zion Hill. Though this is an honorary position, Paul is an asset to the pastor and staff, as well as to the whole church family, helping with pastoral care and filling the pulpit when needed, and giving wise counsel. Paul is a graduate of Norman College, Mercer University, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Liz, who is a retired school teacher. She has been a tremendous help to Paul in the ministry. They have 2 adult daughters, Paula and Mary, and two grandsons. Paul is an avid fisherman.
Brenda Whiting is the webmaster for Zion Hill's website. Brenda has been a member of Zion Hill for 53 years. Brenda is a graduate of Gainesville Junior College, Brenau University, Georgia State University and Piedmont College. Brenda has a specialist degree in education and is a retired educator from the Gwinnett County Public School system. Brenda is married to Mickey Whiting, a member of Zion Hill for 41 years. Mickey and Brenda have three sons and one grandson. She loves to read mysteries, enjoys music and is an avid fan of football and baseball.
Shauna Hennum is the Pre-School Director for Heavenly Treasures Christian Pre-Schoo l. Shauna and the Pre-School partnered with Zion Hill Baptist Church in June of 2005. She was born in Seoul, Korea and raised in New Jersey. Shauna has been married over 17 years to her High School Sweetheart Rich, a Communications Engineer. Shauna and Rich have two Daughters, Taylor and Nicole. Shauna is a graduate of Brookdale Community College. Since moving to Georgia in 2000, she has spent 4 years actively involved in the Christian organization, MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) and was a Girl Scout Troop Leader for 3 years. In her spare time Shauna enjoys cooking, reading and collecting "I Love Lucy" memorabilia.
Dee-Jay Faircloth is the Youth Minister at Zion Hill Church. Dee-Jay is from from Manchester, GA where he graduated from Harris County High School in 2005. He has an Associate degree in Christian Studies. He is currently in pursuit of his Bachelor’s in Christian Studies. He has served as the Youth Pastor of Christ the King Church in Hiawassee, GA for two of the three years he attended Truett-McConnell Baptist College. He recently married his beautiful and God fearing wife Meghan. He is excited about joining the team at Zion Hill where he hopes to see the Lord move. Nothing is more exciting than watching youth come into a direct encounter with Christ. He enjoys waking up every morning knowing that God is in control, but as for hobbies, he loves to surf the information high way and uncover the Truth in partnership with the Holy Spirit through God’s Word.
Michael Whiting is Chairman of Deacons. Michael gave his life to Christ at the age of 11 during a revival at Suwanee First Baptist Church in Suwanee, Georgia. He has been serving Zion Hill Baptist Church for 41 years as Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Director, Deacon, and Dean of Grace Bible Institute. A retired educator from the Gwinnett County Public Schools System. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree from Truett McConnell Baptist College, Bachelor of Science from Union University, a Baptist school in Jackson, Tennessee, Masters of Education and Educational Specialist degrees from Georgia State University. He and wife Brenda have 3 sons Jamie, Schon, Toby, and one grandson, Chopper.