Staff

PASTOR
Rev. Frank Thomas
frankthomas @harrisbaptist.org

My name is Frank Thomas, but most people just call me Preacher Frank. I began my ministry at Harris Baptist on September 1, 1979, so I have been here for a while, yet it has been and still is a most enjoyable ministry.

Before coming to HBC, I grew up in Spartanburg SC. I pastored Pleasant Grove Baptists in Clayton AL and Pleasant Ridge Baptist in Walhalla SC. I received my education at Spartanburg High school, University of South Carolina as well as Florida Baptist Theological College.

My wife Debbie and I have two daughters, Julie Steinberg and Amy Lyles, and one son Tim. I have a total of seven grandchildren and love being called Pa Pa.

My life verse is Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Rev. David Clegg
david @harrisbaptist.org

My name is David Clegg and I came to HBC in 1996.

When I was considering coming to HBC, I was impressed that Frank Thomas who had been pastor at Harris for 17 years.  I also was drawn to the fact that HBC was willing to try new things to reach people for Christ.

I grew up in Ponchatoula, LA and received my Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology form Southeastern Louisiana University 1985. I later received my Master of Religious Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary 1987.

Before coming to Harris, I served as Minister of Youth & Education at Sherwood Forest Baptist Church in Rome, GA for 8 years. 

I enjoy helping people grow as a disciple and find their place in serving God.

I have been married to Missy for 32 years. We have three children: Chris, who is married to Katarina and just had our first Grandchild, Hayden, and our two daughters Grace and Lily.

Life Verse

Job 1:21 – “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”  — I have learned that even when circumstances are not what I would choose, God is still good and worthy of our praise.

Student Minister
​Jake Jenkins

My name is Jake Jenkins, I came to Harris Baptist Church in 2019 and 
serve as the Student Pastor. I graduated from North Greenville 
University with a B.A. in Youth Ministry and I am currently working on 
a Masters of Divinity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

I  have a passion for seeing students know Jesus, grow in their walk with 
Jesus, and spread the name of Jesus.

I am married to my beautiful wife, Heather. We have two dogs named Graham and Silas that we love 
like they are our kids!

 I live to carry out the Great Commission in 
Matthew 28:19-20.

Children’s Ministry Director
Missy Clegg
missyclegg68 @gmail.com

Missy serves as our part-time Children’s Minister. She has been a member of HBC since 1996, and has been very involved in the children’s ministry before joining the staff in 2017.  In addition to her duties here, Missy teaches school at Cambridge Academy.

Minister of Music
Aaron Acord
facord @gmail.com

Aaron graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelor of Music Education in 2011, having previously studied Music Education at West Virginia University. He also holds a Master of Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.

Aaron has taught middle and high school band for nearly ten years, and consistently improved upon programs by recruiting, creating a positive learning environment, and increasing students’ musical achievement. Aaron and his family moved to Greenwood in 2020 when he accepted the band director job at Emerald High School, and are very happy to call it their home. Now, Aaron is completing his first year as Assistant Principal at Greenwood High School.

In addition to his duties at school, Aaron is an active performer. He takes part in the Anderson Symphony Orchestra and is frequently asked to play trumpet at various churches throughout the Lakelands and Upstate. In his free time, Aaron enjoys playing golf, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Aaron is married to Andi, who is a music teacher in Greenwood 50. They have one daughter, Reagan, who is four years old. Aaron joined our staff in 2023.