Zion hill baptist church: staff
Rev. Danny Jones
Interim Pastor
jones1956dan@gmail.com, (770)945-5865
Pastor Danny Jones retired in August 2022 after faithfully serving 30 years in pastoral ministry. For the last 15 of those years, he shepherded Northlake Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA, where his leadership and devotion left a lasting impact on the congregation.
A graduate of North Gwinnett High School and North Georgia College, Danny went on to serve his country as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer.
Following several years in the business world, he answered the Lord’s call to ministry at the age of 33. He later earned his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, equipping him for a lifetime of service.
Over the next three decades, Pastor Danny faithfully led three Southern Baptist churches across Georgia. Today, he continues to serve the Lord as a transitional interim pastor at Zion Hill, guiding the church through a season of growth and renewal.
Since retiring, Danny has cherished the opportunity to spend more time with his family—his two sons, their wives, and his five beloved grandchildren—who bring him great joy.
Ms. Patsy Gaffney
Pianist & Interim Choir Director
Patsy was born and raised in Bessemer, Alabama—Roll Tide! Her love for music began early. At just five years old, she crafted her first “piano” out of a cardboard box, carefully drawing the keys herself. By the age of nine, she received her first real piano, and her passion truly blossomed. Mostly self-taught, she played by ear for several years before beginning formal lessons. At twelve, she was already serving the Lord by playing piano at Crossroad Baptist Church.
Throughout the seasons of life—marriage, raising three children, welcoming nine grandchildren, building a career, relocating to the Atlanta area, and navigating both joys and challenges—one constant has remained: Patsy’s devotion to serving the Lord through music ministry. Wherever life has taken her, God has faithfully opened doors for her to use her gifts in service.
Patsy continues to delight in playing by ear and improvising, writing hymns, composing music, directing choirs, teaching piano, and creating skits and plays for all ages. Her creativity and dedication shine through every note and every ministry opportunity.
She accepted Christ as her Savior at the age of seven, and her favorite verse, Zephaniah 3:17—“He will rejoice over you with singing”—beautifully reflects her heart for worship. Patsy is deeply thankful and blessed to be part of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where it brings her great joy to continue serving in the music ministry.
Mr. Tim Dahl
Worship and Media Lead
Tim Dahl was born on July 10, 1970, and raised in Schaumburg, Illinois. His early spiritual journey began with baptism at St. Marcelene's Catholic Church and deepened when, as a young child in 1974, he experienced a profound moment of faith through answered prayer. This connection to Jesus was further strengthened in 1980 through vivid, recurring dreams that shaped his understanding of salvation. By 1982, Tim was confirmed as a Roman Catholic, and in 1985, he credits Jesus with saving his life in a moment he describes as being “one box away from death,” solidifying his lifelong commitment to Christian faith.
Tim graduated Cum Laude from Bradley University in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. That same year, he began his professional career at Motorola as an Embedded Software Engineer, where he developed foundational engineering skills. In 1995, Tim married Victoria Dahl, and despite acknowledging the typical “man” mistakes along the way, their marriage has remained strong. After relocating to Georgia in 1997, Tim embraced southern life and has spent more than half his years in the South—though Victoria still lovingly reminds him of his northern roots. His spiritual journey continued at Zion Hill Baptist Church (ZHBC), where he became a full member in 2010 after being baptized by Pastor Danny Newbern.
Tim’s ministry at ZHBC has been both dynamic and deeply fulfilling. He joined the youth worship team in 2011 and helped form the Christian rock band “Faith Catalyst” in 2012, which performed regularly for youth events and church services. After the band’s partial disbandment in 2016, Tim continued his worship ministry through choir specials and took on technical roles such as media presentation and sound engineering. In 2019, he stepped up as Interim Worship Leader, a role he still holds today. Tim also led the church’s transition to Facebook live-streaming during the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded major tech upgrades in 2025, including ProPresenter and a new website launch. His time at ZHBC has profoundly enriched his relationship with Jesus Christ, and he remains deeply grateful for every opportunity to serve.
Ms. Harley Wicks
Secretary & Treasurer
harley@zionhillbuford.org, (770)945-5865
Harley has been a cherished member of our church family for more than 20 years. In the summer of 2019, she stepped into the role of church secretary, and in January 2025, she faithfully began serving as our treasurer. Her life reflects a deep love for Jesus, her family and friends, and the simple joys of iced coffee and crocheting. A proud cat mom, Harley brings warmth and creativity into everything she does.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a Master’s degree in Social Work, equipping her with both compassion and dedication in serving others.
Harley’s favorite verse, Romans 8:18 — “The pain that you have been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming” — is a beautiful reminder of her faith and hope in Christ.
Mrs. Kathy Taylor
Children's Leader
Teaching kids about Jesus is the Best Job Ever!
Mr. Juan Gordillo
Audio & Video Team
Juan is a proud graduate of Chestatee High School, where he earned a dual scholarship in 2009. He went on to complete his diploma in Auto Body Collision and Repair at Lanier Technical College in 2012, equipping him with valuable skills that have served him well in his career. For the past seven years, Juan has worked as a dedicated service technician in the garage door industry, bringing both expertise and integrity to his work.
Beyond his professional life, Juan treasures his family. He and his wife have been joyfully married for 11 years, and together they are raising a beautiful family that includes one daughter, one stepdaughter, and a new baby on the way.
At the heart of Juan’s life is his love for Jesus and his devotion to his family. His faith guides his steps, and his commitment to those he loves is evident in everything he does.
Mr. Ian Cheng
Audio & Video Team
Ian was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and immigrated to the United States during high school, settling in Eugene, Oregon. After college, he moved to California before relocating to Buford, Georgia during the COVID pandemic—a place he now proudly calls home.
At church, Ian faithfully serves behind the scenes, helping Sundays run seamlessly and creating an atmosphere where worship feels effortless.
During the week, he leads a startup software company, often burning the midnight oil as a self-proclaimed night owl who finds inspiration long after sunset.
Weekends bring a welcome change of pace: time spent with his wife and embracing life’s simpler joys.