Dr. Neal Thornton

Senior Pastor

Neal Thornton has served as our Senior Pastor since May 2017. He opens and proclaims the Word of God with boldness through expository preaching and teaching that provides the church with a greater understanding of God’s Word. Neal believes the Gospel can be summed up in a simple phrase - God saves sinners. (Romans 5:8) He will quickly tell you, “CBC is in the people business.” They are in love with Jesus and His mission to transform people from the inside-out. They desire and seek authentic relationships, they love serving together, and they’re always looking to invite someone new to join them.

These qualities of Coats Baptist were attractive to Neal and his wife, Ashley, as they followed God’s call to North Carolina. Neal and Ashley have three precious children, Emma, Matthew, and John, and a golden retriever named Beau. In his spare time, you may find Neal running, enjoying a round of golf, or pulling for the Tennessee Vols.

Before Neal’s call to ministry, he received his B.A. in Geography from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and served as a US Marine in Iraq from 2006-2007. Following his call to ministry, Neal served on staff at a church in Knoxville, TN and was the Senior Pastor for a church in Kentucky. He is also a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (PhD).

1 John 4:10

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Rick Shepherd - January 11, 2026

Mourning & Merriment

From Series: "Evening Messages"

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