Pastor Jerry Drace has served as a full time evangelist since 1975 preaching in over 1,000 churches in the United States and internationally. Jerry's father, the late Rev. J.T. Drace, was pastor of Friendship Baptist Church from 1951-1956. It was here Jerry made his profession of faith and was baptized at the age of five. Dr. Drace holds B.S. from Union University, M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and D.Min. from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. His wife, Becky, is a graduate of Union University with B.S.W. and a M.S.W. They have two children, Drew and Becca. They also have five grandchildren. Jerry and Becky continue to conduct Hope for the Home Conferences, while ministering to the members at Friendship Baptist. Dr. Drace is the author of 44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage and From the Heart of a Father. Becky is the author of Becoming a Woman of Worth.

Shaun Powers is the Youth Minister. Shaun ministers to our youth through retreats, local ministries, mission projects, the Living Nativity and weekly Bible studies. He and the church has a heart for young people. Shaun is also the Asst. Director of Regional Inter-Faith Association(RIFA). Shaun and his wife, Beth, have three children, Lucy. Ruby, and Lily. He holds an A.S. from Jackson State College and a B.A. from Union University.