Meet Our Leadership
Lead Pastor
Ryan Ralston
My name is Ryan Ralston and I serve as the Lead Pastor. I grew up in Dalton, GA, where I met my wife on the first day of 6th grade! In 2007, I announced my call into ministry and began serving in ministry. My wife, Shasta, and I married in 2011. Shortly after we married we moved to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA, where I completed a M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry in 2015, and a ThM in Christian Leadership through NOBTS in 2021. I'm excited to take my passion for preaching and developing leaders to pastoring at Fort Baptist! We love serving and investing in our community. We have two children, our precious little girl is Elowen Kate Ralston, and our little joyful boy is Woodson Bray Ralston. My hobbies include mentoring, reading, hiking, golf, snowboarding, hunting, and fishing. I love watching what God is doing through our church, my squad, and our community! I hope to worship with you at Fort Baptist one day soon!
Student Pastor
Donny Lewis
My name is Donny Lewis, and I serve as the Student Pastor. I was born and raised in Roanoke, VA. I came to North Georgia when I began attending Covenant College, where I graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. While at Covenant, I also played baseball. I am incredibly passionate about our Youth Ministry being discipleship and relationally centered. My wife, Cassie and I have been married since December 2021, and have found a home here in Fort Oglethorpe. In July of 2023, we were incredibly blessed to welcome our son Wesley into the world! I believe I am called to any opportunity to bring students of all backgrounds into our church community and show them the gospel. When I am not at church you can find me on a golf course or at a baseball game! I am excited about the ways God is moving in our church and I am praying to see you and your family in worship with us this Sunday!
Worship Pastor
Adam Bolin
My name is Adam Bolin, and I serve as the Worship Pastor. I grew up in Chattanooga TN. My wife and I live in the East Brainerd area with our 3-year-old daughter. I have a BFA in graphic design from The University Of Tennessee at Chattanooga and I work as the creative director for a local company during the week. My hobbies include playing and learning new music, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, traveling every chance I get, and adoring the two ladies in my life Amanda and River. I have been working in ministry in some form or another since I was in middle school. I grew up in a family that, going back generations, was passionate about the Lord and about music. I am excited to continue this legacy in my leadership at Fort Baptist.
Discipleship Pastor
Tim Vela
My name is Timothy Vela, and it is my joy to serve the Lord in many capacities here at the Fort. I work as a tax preparer for individuals and businesses, and for the rest of the year, I return to the IT field. For the past 15 years, the Lord has graciously given me the privilege of serving in ministry. I first began serving God at Clearview Baptist Church, and since its merger with the Fort, I have continued to serve faithfully here. Over the years, I have taught Sunday School for both children and adults, preached alongside ministers from various churches, and participated in outreach and evangelistic ministries throughout Northwest Georgia. My deepest desire is to help others grow in a strong relationship with Christ, rooted in His Word, while sharing the good news of the gospel with others. It is my prayer that God’s will be done here at the Fort until the day we see Him again in glory!
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Fort Classics Director
Mandy Holder
I'm Mandy Holder, my family has been a part of Fort Baptist since it began.I have a heart for serving senior citizens, I have been a director for a local senior center for almost 15 years. I felt led to serve this wonderful group at church. This means caring for their hearts, faith, and well-being in a way that honors their wisdom and life experiences. Many of them have been the backbone of the church for years, and now it’s our turn to give back with love and respect.
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Fort Littles Director
Shasta Ralston
My name is Shasta Ralston. I serve as the Fort Nursery (0-2yrs) and Fort Littles (3-4yrs) ministry director. I am the wife to Ryan, dibs on the pastor. I am so blessed to be called mama by our 2 precious children, Elowen and Woodson. I am from the south end of Dalton, and the oldest of 5 girls. I have my BA in ASL Interpreting: K-12 Education. I work as an interpreter in our schools and community. I have served in ministry, staff and volunteer, for 18 years. Living in New Orleans while my husband attended seminary, I had the opportunity to take courses for Pastor Wives and graduate courses in Women’s Ministry. I love interpreting theater/broadway and concerts. I love the lake, outdoors, reading, hunting, and spending time with my family. I am learning to keep plants alive and playing the piano. My heart is to teach kids at a young age about Christ and His love for us. It is important to me that the church provides opportunities for parents to join their local church in worship and discipleship by providing classes and services for our Babies and Littles. It is a joy to hear our Littles talk about what they learned in class, sing songs during the week they have learned, and ask to go back to church. I am blessed to lead an amazing team that loves and invests in our Littles and Babies at The Fort.
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Young Adults Ministry Leader
Trevor Grapenthin
My name is Trevor Grapenthin, and I serve as the Young Adult Ministry Leader. I was born and raised in Alpharetta, GA. I came to North Georgia when I began attending Covenant College, where I graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor's Degree and played baseball. I am incredibly passionate about our Young Adult Ministry and building a strong foundation for your walk with Christ. My wife, Taylor and I have been married since January 2025, and live in Lafayette, GA. When I am not at church you can find me on a golf course or at a baseball game! I am beyond excited to see what God has in store for us at The Fort and the Young Adults ministry!
First Impressions Minister
Taylor Grapenthin
My name is Taylor Grapenthin, and I oversee Fort Baptist’s First Impressions Ministry. I was born and raised in Mayo, Florida, and moved to Lafayette, Georgia at 19 in pursuit of a career in criminal justice. At 20, I met my sweet husband, Trevor, and we were married in January 2025. My love language is acts of service, and I truly love loving my community. The people at Fort Baptist make serving such a joy, and I am so grateful to be part of a church that values connection and hospitality so deeply. Since we began attending Fort Baptist, I have had the opportunity to serve in various ministries and currently serve alongside my husband in the Young Adults Ministry. I’ve also found a special passion for planning events and celebrating meaningful moments. From Vacation Bible School and Christmas decor to bridal showers, and (my personal favorite) baby showers, I believe every moment is worth celebrating. I am incredibly thankful for the Fort Baptist family and feel honored to serve a church that allows me to love others so intentionally and joyfully. So come and let us welcome and celebrate you at Fort Baptist!
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