Michael Van Sant

Associate Pastor

Discipleship and Families

Michael began serving at First Baptist in spring of 2011.  He grew up in Lilburn, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.  Michael attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia where he majored in Mathematics Education, and met his wife, Dana, who was also a mathematics major.  After graduating in 2004, Michael and Dana got married on Berry's campus at Frost Chapel in March of 2005.  They have two daughters, Sadie (2010) and Josie (2012).  

The Lord called Michael into full-time vocational ministry in March 2001.  He and Dana both have a heart and a passion for students and discipleship.  During a 2006 youth mission trip to Mexico, Michael and Dana both heard God's call for them to serve in student ministry.  When they returned home, Michael began his studies in the spring of 2007 at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  A month later, he was called to be the minister of Students at Calvary Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. 
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After serving four years at Calvary, the Lord called Michael and Dana to Niceville.  Michael oversees the ministries for our students from middle school through college.  He and Dana serve with a tremendous team of volunteers who are committed to investing into the lives and hearts of students.  Our church believes students are uniquely created and gifted individuals, who are loved by God.  It is our desire, and our mission,  to partner with parents and families to see young people become life-long students, who follow Christ with obedience and passion.