Pastor Blankenship became pastor of Laurel Baptist Church on July 1, 2008. Growing up in a Pastor's home he has developed a heart for ministry and a passion for the expositional preaching of God's Word. Upon graduating from college he married Kathleen Tippett from Raleigh, North Carolina. Kathleen was raised at Beacon Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC and graduated from Crown College in 2004. Pastor Blankenship has ministered as a College Administrator, Bible Professor, and Evangelist. It is his desire to see believers develop a daily walk with God through the relevant preaching of God’s Word. Pastor Blankenship holds a B.A. degree in Bible & Pastoral Theology and is currently pursuing a M.A. degree in Bible from West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, CA.

Jared Blankenship, Pastor Blankenship’s younger brother, began serving as Youth & Music Director on June 1, 2009. Jared graduated with a B.A. degree in Youth & Music from Southeastern Bible College in May, and shortly thereafter married Julie Williamson from Raleigh, North Carolina. Julie was raised at the Beacon Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC and also graduated from Southeastern Bible College with a degree in Education. Both Jared and Julie have a heart for young people and a gift for music. It is their desire to see many young people trust Christ and devote their lives to Him and to lead our church in inspirational worship to God.