Kat grew up the second of three children in North Carolina where she learned to love the mountains, county fairs, and a regional specialty called livermush (and no, you don’t want to know what’s in it)!

After graduating from Divinity School at Duke University, she began her career in full-time ministry in South Africa as Associate Minister of Berea Baptist Mission Church, where she previously volunteered with the Door of Hope. She then returned home to North Carolina and into chaplaincy work (hospitals and Hospice).

Kat served as Co-Pastor of University Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She and her husband, Tom, a musician and songwriter, have a very unruly dog and cat.

Before earning her master’s at Duke, Kat earned a BA in Religion at Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she played soccer for the Avenging Angels. Later she earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University with a concentration in Church Leadership and Community Witness.

Kat enjoys coffee and meals around tables with friends and family, books, relaxing at home, watching movies, and being outdoors.

“Building trusting relationships is at the heart of how I understand healthy ministry for pastors and church communities. It creates energy, makes space to try new things, and lays the foundation for offering care in difficult times. The more a church creates trust within and without its walls, the more potential it has to see God’s kingdom realized on earth.”

Holly grew up at First Baptist Church, the daughter of Rev. Ray and Trudy Hatton. She married James Aycock at FBC in 2002, and her children Dylan (13) and Janie (11) were both dedicated here as well. A proud Memphian, Holly finished her BA at The University of Memphis. She has taught preschool for ten years in Memphis and in Atlanta. Holly has enjoyed two terms as Missions Committee Chair at FBC, was ordained a Deacon in 2014, taught Children’s Missions for several years, and served on the Caritas Community Missions Board.

Holly was ordained into the gospel ministry by First Baptist on May 23, 2021. She has known and taught most of the young people in our congregation since they were born, and is thrilled to serve the people she loves.

Holly enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, reading, and rocking out with her karaoke microphone. Holly is fueled by coffee and Chex Mix.