S p r e a d i n g    G o d ' s    W o r d

SINCE 1836

Vienna First Baptist Church has been spreading the Gospel since 1836. 

We are a small town community with a big heart for loving and serving others. 

Our Leadership Team

The staff and leadership here at First Baptist Church is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. If you have any questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them.  You may contact the church office at viennafbc@gmail.com or call (229) 268-4386.

  • Brian Leverett

    Lead Pastor

         Brian was raised in Milledgeville, Georgia, and graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2003. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he also met and married his wife, Amy. 

         Brian has also served at Malta Baptist Church in Malta, Texas, Balerma Baptist Church in Sparta, Georgia and was an Academic Counselor/Teacher at John Hancock Academy in Sparta, Georgia. 

         Together, he and Amy have three children: Isabella, Sophia, and Malachi. Brian is also a guitarist in our Praise & Worship Band Made New.

  • CALEB M. GOLDEN

    youth PASTOR


  • Heather Grinolds

    Children's director  &  WORSHIP LEADER

         Heather is a dedicated servant of the Lord with a profound love for children and music. Her unwavering passion for ministry, particularly through the realms of children's education and musical engagement, drives her commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of young minds in their relationship with Jesus Christ. With a heart for service and a keen desire to see children thrive, Heather finds joy in creating environments where they can learn, explore, and deepen their faith.

         Born and raised in Eastman, Georgia, Heather's journey in music began early on, leading her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Georgia Southwestern University. This strong academic foundation not only honed her musical talents but also equipped her with the skills necessary to lead and inspire others through worship.

    Before her move to Vienna, Heather served as the Minister of Music at Bethel Baptist Church for approximately six years. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in enriching the church community through various musical programs and initiatives, fostering a love for worship among both children and adults. Her leadership and dedication to ministry made a lasting impact, as she guided congregants in their spiritual journeys and helped develop a vibrant music program.

         Currently, Heather applies her passion for education as a 4th and 5th grade English and Language Arts teacher at Fullington Academy. Her role allows her to combine her love for teaching with her dedication to ministry, as she influences the next generation not only academically but also spiritually. Heather embraces the opportunity to cultivate a supportive and engaging learning environment where her students can thrive in their studies while also growing in their faith.

         In her personal life, Heather is happily married to her husband, Matt, with whom she has shared the journey of life since their marriage in 2011. Together, they reside in Vienna, Georgia, where they are proud parents to three daughters: Jessa, Annalise, and Ruby Mae. As a family, they are actively involved in their local community and church, sharing their love for music and faith with others.

         In summary, Heather's life is a testament to her commitment to service, education, and the transformative power of music and faith. She continues to inspire those around her with her enthusiasm for ministry and her dedication to helping children grow in both knowledge and spirituality. Her multifaceted role as a teacher, minister, and mother exemplifies her belief in the importance of nurturing young hearts and minds.

  • Larista Thompson

    Administrative Assistant & 

    Financial Secretary

           Larista Thompson re-joined the staff of Vienna First Baptist Church (VFBC) in February 2020, marking a return to her roots as one of the former church secretaries from the 1990s. Her connection to VFBC runs deep; she grew up in Vienna, where she not only attended the church but was also baptized at the age of ten. During her teenage years, Larista was an integral part of the church's youth group, "The Young Disciples," creating cherished memories that continue to influence her life today. She expresses her gratitude by stating, "It's a blessing to be able to serve the church where I grew up," reflecting her profound attachment to the community that shaped her early years.

         Larista is a proud graduate of Fullington Academy and furthered her education by studying business and accounting at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) and Georgia Southwestern State University. In 1979, she married Clint B. Thompson, Jr., a native of Byromville. Together, they have one son, Cole Thompson, who is married to Allison Watson from Cordele. Family is a central pillar in Larista's life, and she treasures the time spent with her loved ones.

           Beyond her professional responsibilities at VFBC, Larista is actively involved in her community and church. She is a dedicated member of Pinehurst Baptist Church, where she fulfills several important roles, including serving as the Ladies Sunday School teacher, Church Clerk, and participating in the Ladies Wednesday Night Prayer & Bible Study Group. Her commitment to service extends to the broader community as well; she has been appointed to the Board of Directors for Daybreak Pregnancy Care Center in Vienna, Georgia. Additionally, Larista has recently been elected to serve as Secretary for the Kiwanis Club of Dooly County, Georgia, reflecting her dedication to local service and leadership.

          Larista also holds the position of Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Heart of Georgia Walk to Emmaus, where she contributes to promoting spiritual growth and community fellowship. Her passion for reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends adds balance to her life, enriching her experiences and further enhancing her commitment to service.

          With a strong foundation in faith, community service, and family values, Larista Thompson exemplifies the spirit of dedication and leadership, making her an invaluable member of the Vienna First Baptist Church and her local community.