ALPHARETTA, Ga. — After nearly four decades of faithful pastoral ministry, Will Langford is stepping into a new role aimed at supporting fellow pastors across Georgia. He has joined the Georgia Baptist Mission Board’s Pastor Wellness team as catalyst for the West Central region.
“I am thrilled to welcome Will to our GBMB Pastor Wellness team,” said Chris Reynolds, lead strategist for Pastor Wellness. “His heart for pastors and ministry leaders, along with his deep experience in the local church, make him a perfect fit to serve leaders in the West Central region of Georgia.”
Langford said, "I have immense respect for pastors and the weight they carry. They are heroes in my eyes—serving faithfully, boldly, and sacrificially on the very tip of the spear. My heart’s desire is to support and encourage them on their ministry journey, as they selflessly serve for the sake of the gospel."
Langford, who will officially start in his new role on Aug. 1, brings with him a legacy of local church leadership that spans 39 years. He has served as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Cleves, Ohio; Lakota Hills Baptist Church in West Chester, Ohio; Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Independence, Kentucky; and, most recently, Great Bridge Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. In each of these churches, he led through seasons of transition and revitalization, helping congregations rediscover health, unity, and mission focus.
“Will brings a strong pastoral voice and compassionate presence to our team,” Reynolds added. “His passion for shepherding shepherds will be a great blessing to pastors and churches across West Central Georgia.”
In addition to his local church service, Langford has played an active role in denominational leadership at every level. He has served as a trustee for Lifeway Christian Resources, president of the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, chairman of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Committee on Order of Business, and a committed partner in local associations across multiple states. His investment in the broader work of Southern Baptists reflects a heart not only for the local church but for the cooperative mission of the convention.
Langford holds a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from the University of the Cumberlands, where he also studied vocal performance. He went on to earn both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 40 years. They met as students at the University of the Cumberlands, where they sang together in the school’s choirs. Melissa, who holds a degree in Church Music, has faithfully served alongside her husband in every chapter of ministry.
The Langfords have two daughters, Brittany Walker (married to Matt) and Bethany Carkhuff (married to Chuck), and three granddaughters.
“With a lifetime of faithful ministry and a genuine love for pastors, Will is uniquely equipped to serve as catalyst for West Central Georgia,” Reynolds said. “I am excited to watch God use him to encourage and strengthen church leaders in this vital region.”
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