CHAD ELLIS | PASTOR
Chad Ellis serves as the senior pastor of Gillionville Baptist Church. Before joining our team in 2015 he served churches in Alabama, Texas, and Georgia. He holds degrees from Auburn University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Our pastor is passionate about expository preaching (teaching the Bible as it was written, sentence-by-sentence), discipleship (seeing people’s lives transformed by following Jesus) and connecting with the next generation (he spent 6 years as a collegiate minister with Baptist Collegiate Ministries). He and his wife Sheri have two children: Maddie & Timothy. In his free time Pastor Chad enjoys distance running, hiking and spending time with his family.
DANNY JAMES | WORSHIP
Danny James has served as the worship pastor at Gillionville since 2012. Before Danny joined our team he served as a worship pastor, college minister, band teacher and music therapist.
His passion is using music to draw people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Danny studied and practiced as a music therapist before being called into full-time ministry in 2005. He holds degrees from Darton College, Georgia College & State University, and has done graduate studies at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
He is married to Rebecca and they have three children: Sammy, Cora, and Ella. Danny is a big Chicago Cubs and Florida State fan. He loves Albany and can be found volunteering with various community groups in our city. You can spot Danny playing cello at weddings and civic events around town!
BRYAN HAYNES | YOUTH
Bryan Haynes is our pastor of students. A former graphic/web designer, Bryan was called to the ministry full-time in 2010. He holds a BFA from the University of Georgia and has done graduate studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Bryan’s heart is shepherding this rising generation of gospel leaders. He believes that young people are valuable and uniquely empowered to affect their culture. Bryan is parent-friendly and enjoys working alongside dads and moms in the discipling of their children. He enjoys serving local agencies such as The Salvation Army as well as organizations abroad like Jeremiah 29:11 Mission in Santa Elena, Honduras.
Bryan is married to his best friend, Amy and they have two children: Sadie and Caleb. Bryan enjoys spending time with his family, especially when they get to travel to the beach or mountains. He has a diversity of interests including running, and all things related to design and aviation.
ROY COOK | SENIOR ADULTS
Roy Cook is our pastor of senior adults and pastoral care. He holds degrees from Ouachita Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. A native of Louisiana, Roy has over 40 years of ministry experience, having served in churches in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Georgia. He has been serving at Gillionville since 2003.
Roy describes teaching the Word of God as “my joy and passion.”
He and his wife Karen have been married over 40 years (and counting!), and they have two children (a daughter and a son), three granddaughters, and a great-grandson. Roy enjoys cooking, reading, wood working and raising chickens. He can often be found quail hunting with his English Pointer and English Cocker Spaniel.
ROBERT WALKER | FAMILIES & CHILDREN
Robert Walker is our pastor for families and children’s ministry. Robert joined our team in 2025, having previously served as a pastor for children’s ministry for eight years in Ohio. He holds degrees from Union University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Robert is passionate about equipping families to make disciples of their children. He believes the way to reach the next generation is through equipping their parents. Robert also desires to see children and their parents have “deep roots” when it comes to theology. He enjoys time spent teaching families to think rightly and deeply about God’s Word.
Robert was born in the Atlanta, GA area, but grew up overseas as a child of IMB missionaries. He and his wife Abigail have two children, Esther and Edmund. Robert enjoys time with family, reading, fountain pens, and video games.
