New associate pastor settles in at CBC

There’s a new face in the town of Culpeper and a new name added to the roll at Culpeper Baptist Church.

Gerry Hutchinson has been adjusting to his new position as associate pastor at Culpeper Baptist Church for the past four weeks. He comes to Culpeper after more than two years in Atlanta, where he was the Minister of Outreach and Administration at Druid Hills Baptist Church.

After responding to an ad about the Culpeper position in the Religious Herald, a Georgia publication, Hutchinson received a call from Culpeper Baptist in March. As associate pastor, Hutchinson will help Senior Pastor Ted Fuson with pastoral duties, assist with administrative duties and work closely with many committees to lighten Fuson’s load.

With 20 years of experience in ministry, Hutchinson is no stranger to missions. He worked for the North American Missions Board, with headquarters in Atlanta, for 14½ years. Prior to that, he and his wife served the same board as missionaries.

Hutchinson notes that his experience of living in a large city, while serving in a church located in a diverse community in Atlanta, will be advantageous at CBC. Referring to his urban experience in this new position he explains, “it can be helpful to assist Culpeper Baptist in growth and confront change.”

Hutchinson’s wife remains in Atlanta until they can sell their house. She is a preschool teacher and a nanny. They have three grown children; one lives in Ohio and the other two in Georgia. Hutchinson is currently renting an apartment in Culpeper while looking for a house.

He has a 20-year history in the Navy and currently serves as a chaplain in the Navy reserves. Baseball is his favorite sport and the Braves his favorite team. Hutchinson also has a musical talent — he plays the banjo.

Hutchinson says he plans to help the church coordinate internal work and community work, communicate with others in ways most beneficial to missions and cooperate with individuals and teams inside the church as well as outside in the community. He said he will focus on these three things, amongst his numerous other duties as associate pastor.

Hutchinson points out that, “not only is an inward focus important, but also an outward focus, in keeping with the mission of the church: worship, growth and service.”

Amy Wagner covers church news for the Star Exponent. Have a story idea? E-mail her at