Pastor Joe and Sonya Storey

On September 7, 2025, Laurel Bluff Baptist Church joyfully welcomed Pastor Joe Storey as their new pastor. He and his wife, Sonya, are eager to begin this new season of ministry with the Laurel Bluff family on October 1, 2025. Their shared desire is to faithfully serve both the church body and the surrounding community, encouraging believers in their walk with Christ and sharing the hope of the gospel so that souls may be saved and lives may be transformed for eternity.

 

Pastor Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Theology with a minor in Christian School Administration from Crown College and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry with a focus in Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing certification in biblical counseling. Sonya earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Crown College and a Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Development from Liberty University. She is also a published author, speaker, and coach to women and young mothers, and currently serves as the Director of Disabilities and Accessibility at Roane State Community College.

 

Together, Pastor Joe and Sonya bring more than 32 years of ministry experience in both vocational and bi-vocational roles. Over the years, they have faithfully ministered to students, couples, and families, with a deep conviction that healthy families are the foundation of a healthy church. Their passion is to see marriages strengthened, young people discipled, and families equipped to live out their faith in everyday life.

 

Rooted in their belief that the church must remain committed to the truth of God’s Word, Pastor Joe and Sonya hold firmly to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 as the mission of the church. They emphasize that while methods may vary, the vision must always be grounded in Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit. Their ministry extends beyond the church walls, seeking to build relationships within the community and partnering with schools, organizations, and ministries to share the gospel of Christ. 

 

Pastor Joe and Sonya are grateful for the opportunity to serve at Laurel Bluff Baptist Church. Their prayer is that together, with their new church family, they will continue to reach the community and beyond with the gospel, so that Christ may be glorified, disciples multiplied, and lives eternally changed.