Pastoral Staff

Dr. David Sapp, Senior Pastor

A native of Savannah, Ga., David earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. From there, he was named to the staff of a national Baptist ethics agency, a role he held 1976–1981. Over the next 18 years, he served First Baptist Chamblee (in Georgia) and Derbyshire Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., before coming to Second-Ponce de Leon in 1999. David also has been an Adjunctive Professor at several seminaries and has written widely for denominational publications. You can e-mail David at dsapp@spdl.org.

David came to Second-Ponce with deep Georgia roots and a heart for the church, the city of Atlanta and its people. With a great love for people and with dreams to reach metro Atlanta for Christ, to provide moral and spiritual leadership to Atlanta and to provide help for other churches, he is leading Second-Ponce de Leon to discern God’s vision for its ministry in the new millennium.

Bonnie Hicks, Minister to Children

Throughout her career, Bonnie has served as Children's or Preschool Minister at churches across the states of Georgia and Alabama. She received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Auburn University and also earned a Master of Arts in Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Before joining our staff in October 2008, Bonnie served as Minister to Preschool at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta for 10 years. Currently, she also serves as a pastoral resident at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. You can email Bonnie at bhicks@spdl.org.

Dr. Eric Nelson, Minister of Music

When he’s not leading our music programs here at Second-Ponce de Leon, Eric spends his time filling the role of Director of Choral Activities at Emory University. Considered one of the leading choral conductors in the country, he conducts Emory’s University Chorus and Concert Choir, and teaches Choral Literature and graduate Choral Conducting. Eric holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Houghton College (Houghton, N.Y.), a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College (Princeton, N.J.), and a Doctor of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Indiana University. He is also a baritone soloist, an accomplished organist and a composer of both secular and sacred choral music. Additionally, Eric is the music director for the Atlanta Sacred Chorale, the only non-denominational chorus in the Southeast dedicated to sacred, primarily a cappella choral literature. He also has served as a guest conductor at Carnegie Hall.. Eric joined our staff in August 2002. You can contact Eric at 404.591.4368.

Charles Qualls, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care

Charles earned his bachelor’s degree at West Georgia College in Carrollton, his Master of Divinity degree in Family Ministry/Christian Education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Mercer. With solid experience in a number of leadership roles throughout his career, Charles most recently served as director of development for the Associated Baptist Press in Greensboro, N.C., before taking on the responsibilities of Pastoral Care here at Second-Ponce de Leon in June 2001. Additionally, he has published three books, and edited and written numerous articles. You can e-mail Charles at cqualls@spdl.org.

Jonathan Barlow, Minister to Youth & Minister to Senior Adults

A native of Hattiesburg, Miss., Jonathan Barlow recently earned his Master of Divinity degree from the McAfee School of Theology. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mississippi College, with a degree in Kinesiology and an emphasis in Sports Management. Before Jonathan joined the staff of Second-Ponce de Leon in September 2006, he worked at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, serving on the Recreation Ministry staff. He has a wide range of experiences and a palpable enthusiasm for ministry. You can e-mail Jonathan at jbarlow@spdl.org.