Pastor Brunson is 48 years old and has a wife, Debbie,  and three children. He's a graduate of Furman University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He is no stranger to the members of Jacksonville's First Baptist. He was one of the speakers at this year's Pastor's Conference. He also was called out of the audience to pray at First Baptist's services on February 7th.

This is the first time in 65-years that First Baptist has had a pastor called. Dr. Jerry Vines has been pastor of the church for 23-years. The congregation has been led by a series of co-pastors including Homer Lindsay, Homer Lindsay, Jr. and Vines.

 “These are exciting times in our church and next Sunday is going to be an historical day in the life of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville,” said Judson Whorton, chairman of the pulpit committee. “This will be the first time that our members will have the opportunity to vote on a new pastor, and this has not been done in more than 65 years. So it truly will be historical.”

If Brunson is called, his first service has not been scheduled. Minister of Music Rodney Brooks told the congregation that a series of guest speakers has been scheduled, including Paige Patterson, David Allen, Anthony George, Jimmy Scroggins and O. S. Hawkins.