Randy Sutherland

On October 20, 1997 I was gloriously saved in my living room on the love seat (I’m glad Jesus make’s house calls!). At the time, I never imagined that almost 23 years later I’d be called as pastor of the great Concord Baptist Church where Brother Sammy Allen served for nearly 6 decades but, after being honored to serve as assistant and associate pastor for approximately 5 years, I humbly accepted the pastorate on August 16, 2020.

Bro. Allen’s faithfulness, fervency, and “following of the old paths” is forever engraved into all of our hearts. As I child I remember attending Concord with my grandmother. She would often testify of her Saviour and Bro. Allen would “thunder the Scriptures! In fact, after my conversion, it was these recollections from my childhood that led me back to Concord. My precious grandmother passed away in 1990 but she undoubtedly “prayed me in! I’m so grateful for the memories of her faithfulness, God’s presence, and God’s preacher that brought me back to Concord Baptist Church. I joined their assembly the very Sunday after I was saved on October 26, 1997 and announced my call to preach in December of the same year.

Also around that time, the Lord began to draw my attention to a pretty auburn haired young lady who had grown up at Concord named Amy West. I have always said I got “the best of the West.” Amy and I were married on April 3, 1999. Since then, the Lord has blessed us with four children, Luke, Katie, Hannah and John.

My family and I count it a privilege to be part of the Concord Baptist Church and the precious people that mean so much to us.

Sammy Allen

Robert V. (Sammy) Allen was born in Resaca, Georgia on October 4, 1937 to Vince Winfield and Myrtle Timms Allen. He was the youngest of three children and grew up on their family farm plowing fields and picking cotton.

As a young lad, Sammy Allen was greatly influenced by “the course of this world” and lived a very sinful life into his teen years. This sinful lifestyle continued until late 1954 when he began to experience a strong uneasiness in his heart because of his sinful condition. After several months of deep, Holy Ghost conviction, he was saved by the grace of God in the summer of 1955. Immediately after his conversion he began to tell others of their need for salvation. His burden and zeal were so evident that he was soon invited to speak as a lay preacher in Sunday School classes, cottage prayer meetings, and church services across the region.

Bro. Allen announced his calling to preach in 1961 and was called to be the pastor of both Maple Grove Baptist Church and New Prospect Baptist Church shortly thereafter. He pastored both both churches simultaneously for several months until God used him to help organize the Concord Baptist Mission in Fairmount, Georgia into Concord Baptist Church in October of 1961. God also began to open evangelistic doors during this time. So much so that by 1964 Bro. Allen had to leave his job in the carpet mill to pastor and travel in full-time evangelism. He continued to preach meetings week after week across the country and pastor Concord Baptist Church until his passing on August 2, 2020.

Bro. Allen was married on December 28, 1962, to Jimmie Lou Wilson. “Miss Jimmy” (as she is lovingly known) stood by his side as a faithful, loving, God-fearing wife in every way. God blessed their home with two sons and a daughter.

In the late 1960’s, God began to burden Bro. Allen’s heart for a Camp Meeting in the area he lived. After much prayer, Faith Baptist Camp was born, and the first meeting held under a large tent on the camp grounds in June of 1970. Faith Baptist Camp has been used of God ever since to bless many people and churches across America.

Pastor Allen was one of the most respected and Godly men of his generation. He was known as an evangelist, revivalist, camp meeting preacher, pastor, prayer warrior, and friend by all who knew him. He went home to glory on August 2, 2020.

Joe Geer

Bro. Joe has been the music director at Concord Baptist Church for over 40 years. He and his precious wife, sister Pat, have 3 sons who also love the Lord. A gifted soloist and member of the longtime “Concord Trio.” Bro. Joe’s voice is unmistakable. We are so honored to have this family at CBC.