Noah Hicks
Senior Pastor
Background: I was born and raised in Ardmore, AL. I grew up at Community Baptist Church where I was saved by Christ Jesus at age 13. God would call me to pastoral ministry while at Community Baptist. I am happy to now serve as the Senior Pastor of The Church at River Mills in a replanting effort since 2022.
Education: I hold a B.A. in Biblical Studies and a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Expositional Preaching at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Family: I am married to my lovely, encouraging, and always supportive wife, Jesse. Jesse and I have two sons.
Favorite Bible Verse: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." Romans 8:29-30
Education: I hold a B.A. in Biblical Studies and a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Expositional Preaching at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Family: I am married to my lovely, encouraging, and always supportive wife, Jesse. Jesse and I have two sons.
Favorite Bible Verse: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." Romans 8:29-30
Doug Ezzell
Worship Leader
Background: I joined the team here at The Church at River Mills in June 2024, bringing over 25 years of music ministry experience to our community. My ministry roots started in 1999 behind the drum kit for the youth team at First Baptist Church in Athens. I stepped into leading that praise team in 2000 and served there until 2020. Throughout my time in ministry, I’ve also loved serving in contemporary praise bands, leading Sunday morning services, and helping a new congregation start when I served as the temporary worship leader for The Grove in 2003. I accepted Christ as Lord and Savior in 1987 during my time at Mississippi State University and was baptized in 1999 at First Baptist Church in Athens.
Favorite Bible Verse: My favorite verse is Romans 12:1- "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
My goal each week is to lead us into authentic worship that inspires us to offer our entire lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
Favorite Bible Verse: My favorite verse is Romans 12:1- "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
My goal each week is to lead us into authentic worship that inspires us to offer our entire lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
Susan Killen
Administrative Assistant
Background: I am honored to serve as the Administrative Assistant for The Church at River Mills. I retired from Cowart Elementary School after a 26 year career as an elementary teacher. I was raised in Athens, AL and grew up at First Baptist Church. My husband, Thomas, and I are part of the plant team for The Church at River Mills. We have one son who is a senior at Jacksonville State University. I enjoy reading, walking/jogging, gardening, and spending time with my family.
Favorite verse: Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Colossians 3:23
Favorite verse: Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. Colossians 3:23