Jesse Lott
Interim Senior Pastor
Pastor Jesse believes strongly in the inerrancy, authority and sufficiency of Scripture
found in God’s Word, the Bible. He believes that, as 2nd Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God,” and that it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The Bible is the sole source of authority for his
life and ministry. He therefore seeks to live his life and carry out his ministry in accordance
with Scripture. He fully endorses and subscribes to the doctrines outlined in the Baptist Faith
and Message 2000.
Brother Jesse has the heart of a pastor and has a deep love for Christ’s church. His
greatest joy is serving as a pastor. He has devoted his entire ministry to serving as a local
church pastor. For the forty-four years of his ministry, the Lord has afforded him the
privilege of pastoring churches in Louisiana and North Carolina. Pastor Jesse served as the
pastor of Catawba Valley Baptist from 1992 through 2001, and now, God has brought him
back to serve as pastor for this season in the life of Catawba Valley. He is thrilled to be back
and to shepherd this special flock! He has a deep love for God’s people called Catawba
Valley Baptist Church. He longs to see God glorified by the church growing and thriving, and
shining brightly as The Light in the Valley.
His pastor’s heart desires to see believers going deeper and growing stronger in their
walk with Christ. He also desires to see Christians going out and making Jesus known
wherever they go each day. This is only possible when they are deeply rooted in God’s
Word. This is why Pastor Jesse is committed to expositional, verse-by-verse, text-driven
preaching and teaching. He is best known for his uncompromising commitment to preaching
the Word of God and his expositional style characterized by a clear explanation of Scripture
with a down-to-earth delivery.
He has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana
University in Hammond, Louisiana and a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist
Theological Seminary. He is a life-long student.
Pastor Jesse is a native of Bogalusa, Louisiana. He is married to his high school
sweetheart. He and Cyndi have been married forty-five years. They have two daughters and
three grandchildren. In his spare time, Brother Jesse enjoys spending time with Madi Beth,
Micah and Axton. He also enjoys reading. Most of all, he just enjoys spending time with his
wife - doing whatever. This year, he has especially enjoyed watching the New England
Patriots lose in football.
found in God’s Word, the Bible. He believes that, as 2nd Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God,” and that it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The Bible is the sole source of authority for his
life and ministry. He therefore seeks to live his life and carry out his ministry in accordance
with Scripture. He fully endorses and subscribes to the doctrines outlined in the Baptist Faith
and Message 2000.
Brother Jesse has the heart of a pastor and has a deep love for Christ’s church. His
greatest joy is serving as a pastor. He has devoted his entire ministry to serving as a local
church pastor. For the forty-four years of his ministry, the Lord has afforded him the
privilege of pastoring churches in Louisiana and North Carolina. Pastor Jesse served as the
pastor of Catawba Valley Baptist from 1992 through 2001, and now, God has brought him
back to serve as pastor for this season in the life of Catawba Valley. He is thrilled to be back
and to shepherd this special flock! He has a deep love for God’s people called Catawba
Valley Baptist Church. He longs to see God glorified by the church growing and thriving, and
shining brightly as The Light in the Valley.
His pastor’s heart desires to see believers going deeper and growing stronger in their
walk with Christ. He also desires to see Christians going out and making Jesus known
wherever they go each day. This is only possible when they are deeply rooted in God’s
Word. This is why Pastor Jesse is committed to expositional, verse-by-verse, text-driven
preaching and teaching. He is best known for his uncompromising commitment to preaching
the Word of God and his expositional style characterized by a clear explanation of Scripture
with a down-to-earth delivery.
He has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana
University in Hammond, Louisiana and a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist
Theological Seminary. He is a life-long student.
Pastor Jesse is a native of Bogalusa, Louisiana. He is married to his high school
sweetheart. He and Cyndi have been married forty-five years. They have two daughters and
three grandchildren. In his spare time, Brother Jesse enjoys spending time with Madi Beth,
Micah and Axton. He also enjoys reading. Most of all, he just enjoys spending time with his
wife - doing whatever. This year, he has especially enjoyed watching the New England
Patriots lose in football.
Jim Smith
Worship Arts Pastor and Administrator
Jim serves in the capacity of Worship Arts Pastor and Administrator. He is gifted in the area of encouragement and administration. Jim is passionate about bringing worshipers of all ages together by engaging them to focus on the presence of our Holy God. Jim has excelled in growing and building strong ministries. He has a deep love for local and foreign missions and has a very diverse and creative background in missions logistics. Jim has served on staff for over 25 years in regional churches in the capacities of youth, music, administration, programming and worship arts. An educator by profession, he has taught music in middle and high schools as well as on the community college level. Jim has been the executive director of a fine arts municipal auditorium, through revisioning, this organization saw excelled growth and revitalization. These diversities will bring a freshness and creativity to the area of growing the church. He has an Associates of Fine Arts from Brevard College, a Bachelors of Music Education from Mars Hill University and has extended his studies throughout the years with New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and other institutions.
Jim is a native of Brevard, North Carolina. He and his wife Margaret have been married for 23 years and they are the parents of two energetic boys. In his spare time, Jim enjoys outdoors, community involvement, camping and reading.
Jim is a native of Brevard, North Carolina. He and his wife Margaret have been married for 23 years and they are the parents of two energetic boys. In his spare time, Jim enjoys outdoors, community involvement, camping and reading.
Eric Davis
Education Director
Eric is a native of the great state of West Virginia where he grew up and graduated college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. He relocated to the wonderful area of Morganton, NC in 2001 and began his education career. He currently resides and teaches in McDowell County. During this time he has also earned a Master’s degree and several other certifications. In his lifetime he has served and volunteered in many areas of the churches I attended prior to calling Catawba Valley Baptist Church home. He is excited to be the Education Director and looks forward to where we as a church are going together.
As a child he was brought up going to Sunday School & Worship Service weekly. Through the guidance of his parents, Pastor, and Sunday School teachers he learned what salvation was and how important it is to be saved. At the age of nine while completing a Boy Scout Project called “God & Family” I realized while talking with my Pastor that I wanted the guarantee of Internal Life through salvation. At that point I prayed and accepted the Lord into my heart as my savior. Later I took part in believers baptism.
As a child he was brought up going to Sunday School & Worship Service weekly. Through the guidance of his parents, Pastor, and Sunday School teachers he learned what salvation was and how important it is to be saved. At the age of nine while completing a Boy Scout Project called “God & Family” I realized while talking with my Pastor that I wanted the guarantee of Internal Life through salvation. At that point I prayed and accepted the Lord into my heart as my savior. Later I took part in believers baptism.
Vicki Shuping
Children's Director
Vicki has been serving her Lord for over 30 years, and has served in various areas
from children's ministry, youth ministry, young adult, and women’s ministry
responsibilities. She is gifted in the areas of administration, outreach, and
supporter. She is passionate in providing opportunities to sharing the gospel. She
has served in 3 local churches in which, two she followed God’s leading in
implementing and developing programs to strengthen the children’s ministry
allowing them to experience summer camp, VBS and build a new facility. She has a
love for missions which started as a GA in childhood. This led to numerous
opportunities to participate in mission trips, mission focused events in the church
and annual attendance of summer camp at South Mountain Baptist Camp for over
20 years.
As a Certified Medical Assistant by trade, she has worked in the community for 37
years as CMA(AAMA), Asst. Manager, Practice Manager and now educator at WPCC.
These opportunities have increased her compassion for people not only physically
but spiritually.
Vicki is a native of Lenoir, NC. She has an Associates in Applied Science degree
from WPCC and has extended studies throughout the years. She had the privilege
of being raised in a Godly home and came to know Christ at the age of 9 following a
summer VBS at her home church. She has been married to her husband David for
36 years. They have 2 dogs (Ruth & Boaz) and numerous nieces and nephews. In
spare time, she enjoys music, photography of the outdoors and baking.
from children's ministry, youth ministry, young adult, and women’s ministry
responsibilities. She is gifted in the areas of administration, outreach, and
supporter. She is passionate in providing opportunities to sharing the gospel. She
has served in 3 local churches in which, two she followed God’s leading in
implementing and developing programs to strengthen the children’s ministry
allowing them to experience summer camp, VBS and build a new facility. She has a
love for missions which started as a GA in childhood. This led to numerous
opportunities to participate in mission trips, mission focused events in the church
and annual attendance of summer camp at South Mountain Baptist Camp for over
20 years.
As a Certified Medical Assistant by trade, she has worked in the community for 37
years as CMA(AAMA), Asst. Manager, Practice Manager and now educator at WPCC.
These opportunities have increased her compassion for people not only physically
but spiritually.
Vicki is a native of Lenoir, NC. She has an Associates in Applied Science degree
from WPCC and has extended studies throughout the years. She had the privilege
of being raised in a Godly home and came to know Christ at the age of 9 following a
summer VBS at her home church. She has been married to her husband David for
36 years. They have 2 dogs (Ruth & Boaz) and numerous nieces and nephews. In
spare time, she enjoys music, photography of the outdoors and baking.
Tracy Hamby
Youth Director
Catawba Valley Baptist Church is Tracy’s home church. Tracy was brought to this church as a child by his parents. He has many fond memories of the RA groups and feeling loved by the members of the church. He gave his life to Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized in the new sanctuary (at that time) at Catawba Valley Baptist Church.
Tracy visited many churches in several different states growing up due to his father being a drummer in a gospel band. He has many memories of helping hall equipment in and out of churches and trying to sleep in the bus so he would be able to stay awake in school on Monday.
Tracy is a native of Morganton and resides in the Salem community with his wife Jennifer of 17 years. Tracy has six (6) children and five (5) grandchildren and believes that these are the greatest blessing God has given him. In his spare time, he enjoys going to high school football games, camping, fishing, and having dinner with friends.
Tracy is employed at TGS Engineers as a Lead Senior Engineering Inspector with the Railroad Division. He is a graduate of WPCC in Water Biology and NC State extended studies in Water Hydro and Engineering. He has eared several certifications for his field of work and studies.
He has served and volunteered in many areas of churches in the community. Children’s Ministry, Awannas, Bible Schools, Youth Camp, Youth Missions, Coaching Youth Team Sports, Men’s Ministry Leader and working on the Security Team. He also loves to cook and will help in the church kitchen when they will let him.
Tracy sees the youth of America as a huge mission field and is passionate to present Jesus to our young people through activities, missions, and studies. He will strive to work with our youth and help them with issues of the world like anxiety, fears, and self-esteem problems through the word of God.
Tracy visited many churches in several different states growing up due to his father being a drummer in a gospel band. He has many memories of helping hall equipment in and out of churches and trying to sleep in the bus so he would be able to stay awake in school on Monday.
Tracy is a native of Morganton and resides in the Salem community with his wife Jennifer of 17 years. Tracy has six (6) children and five (5) grandchildren and believes that these are the greatest blessing God has given him. In his spare time, he enjoys going to high school football games, camping, fishing, and having dinner with friends.
Tracy is employed at TGS Engineers as a Lead Senior Engineering Inspector with the Railroad Division. He is a graduate of WPCC in Water Biology and NC State extended studies in Water Hydro and Engineering. He has eared several certifications for his field of work and studies.
He has served and volunteered in many areas of churches in the community. Children’s Ministry, Awannas, Bible Schools, Youth Camp, Youth Missions, Coaching Youth Team Sports, Men’s Ministry Leader and working on the Security Team. He also loves to cook and will help in the church kitchen when they will let him.
Tracy sees the youth of America as a huge mission field and is passionate to present Jesus to our young people through activities, missions, and studies. He will strive to work with our youth and help them with issues of the world like anxiety, fears, and self-esteem problems through the word of God.
Sarah Harrison
Administrative Assistant
Sarah has served as church secretary for over 3 years, and grew up in Catawba Valley. She has two daughters, and helps assist with ministries at her church along, Amherst Baptist, along with her husband Ben.
Cathy Knight
Custodian
Cathy and her family have helped take care of CVBC for many years. They are a true blessing to the family of our church.