Leadership

Rev. Ronnie Hobgood and his wife, Mitzi, returned to La Grange First Free Will Baptist to pastor in June of 2007.  Ronnie also served as pastor of the church  from 1982 -1988 and is now enjoying performing 2nd generation weddings and baby dedications!  Ronnie, a native of Farmville, NC, graduated from Mount Olive College (now the University of Mount Olive), NC Wesleyan College and obtained his Master of Arts Christian Education at Campbell University Divinity School . He has served the Original Free Will Baptist denomination in several capacities over the years and was served at President of the OFWB Convention from 2016- 2021..  He is currently a board member for the University of Mount Olive.  Mitzi is also very active in the ministries of the church, primarily the music ministry, where she serves as pianist and sings in the choir.  Ronnie and Mitzi have two grown children.  Jessica Moss, and her husband Alan, and Josh Hobgood and his wife, Sara.  They have one granddaughter and two grandsons: Emma Moss, William Moss and Fitz Hobgood.

Rev. Josh Hobgood serves as Youth Pastor for the La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church and works with his Dad, Rev. Ronnie Hobgood, Pastor.   Josh grew up in Pitt County and is a graduate of DH Conley High School, near Greenville, NC.  He graduated from Mount Olive College (now the University of Mount Olive)  and graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Campbell University Divinity School in May, 2016.   In his role as Youth Pastor, Josh leads La Grange Students and works with the youth leaders of all youth groups.  He also plans activities for the students and kids to help enrich their spiritual walk in the faith, including small group Bible studies, attending conferences (i.e. Big Stuf, Passion, & Cragmont), Vacation Bible School, etc.  He  and Sara serve as directors of the  General Youth II week at Cragmont Assembly with Andrew and Kat Alphin.   Josh also uses his gift of music with the church praise band. He and his wife, Sara, were married October 17, 2015 at Cragmont Assembly and  have one child, Fitz.  Sara assists Josh with the student ministry and AV ministry.  Josh has served on the NC Foundation for Christian Ministries Board since 2016 and was elected to the Youth Transition Task Force  for the denomination in 2024.  

Marian Kennedy is the Music and Drama Director for La Grange First Free Will Baptist Church. Marian, a La Grange native, grew up in the church and after completion of her college education, returned to serve the Lord and her church with her gifts.  Marian graduated from Mount Olive College (now the University of Mount Olive) and Campbell University and then obtained her Masters in Music from East Carolina University.  She has taught music and drama at North Lenoir High School for many years and  retired in 2019.   She directs the choir and several dramas throughout the year for both adults and youth.