UPSON COUNTY, GA – Originally founded in 1823, Antioch Baptist Church at 2269 Barnesville-Yatesville Rd. has been a radiant lamp post in our community for the past 200 years. This year, the congregation celebrates a new chapter in its long, faithful history. A new senior pastor has been called to feed the flock. His name is Eric Kincaid.
Twelve years of working as an electrician might seem a world away from pastoral ministry, but for Pastor Kincaid, it was the beginning of his journey into vocational ministry which began in 2001. “This is a calling that I never ran from nor doubted.” His academic pursuit in ministry took him through the halls of Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute, Clear Creek Baptist Bible College, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity.
Pastor Kincaid is a family man at heart. He and his wife, Nicole, have two daughters—Catherine and Caroline. Together they have lived in multiple states (Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia), exercising faith and obedience along the way. “My parents along with my wife’s parents have been very supportive of me following God’s will for my life,” he notes, emphasizing the strong family support that has bolstered their adventure.
Kincaid’s interests extend beyond his pastoral duties at Antioch. A lover of classic cars and history, particularly the Civil War and World War II, he brings a rich tapestry of interests to the church community. He is also an avid amateur radio enthusiast, a hobby he has cherished for over 27 years.
Though he enjoys shooting the breeze with other ham radio users, preaching is his primary passion. Kincaid has a profound commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. “Mankind’s ultimate problem is a spiritual problem. We have all disobeyed our Creator… Yet Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection have satisfied God’s righteous judgment against our sin,” he explains. Kincaid is eager to keep the church connected to the community’s spiritual needs. He is particularly excited about Antioch’s upcoming events, including a Vacation Bible School, mission trips for youth, and monthly men’s breakfasts, which are part of a broader vision to foster spiritual growth and community engagement.
Having only been at Antioch for eight weeks, Pastor Kincaid already highlights the warmth of the relationships forming between himself, the church staff, and the congregation. These relationships, he says, make the transition into a new town much smoother and more rewarding.
Historic Antioch stands on the cusp of a new chapter with Pastor Eric Kincaid at the helm, promising a future of service to the community and spiritual growth. To those exploring faith or seeking a church home, Kincaid extends a warm invitation: “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know or by the mistakes you have made in the past. Jesus forgives all sins. Come and be our honored guest at Antioch Baptist Church.”
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
