Curtis Parker and his family moved from Cheraw, SC to Kannapolis in 1980 to become the new pastor of Central Baptist. During this time Central relocated and is now enjoying worshipping in this beautiful sanctuary that was erected in 1987. Central Baptist, under Pastor Parker, is a strong mission-minded church which is revealed through its consistent contributions. Pastor has said many times, “A church is so many things: people, a building, an idea, a dream, a tradition, an active, and ongoing memory; both of what has been and what can be. What a joy and glorious privilege it is to shepherd a flock that is all these and much more.”

To Pastor Parker, preaching the gospel and representing Christ before men is a serious matter. Not only is the Pastor personally accountable to the Lord for what he preaches and teaches, but he is also responsible for those who come under his influence. Pastor Parker and his lovely wife, Susie, have three married daughters, Sharon, Debbie, and Becky, they also have two granddaughters, and 4 grandsons.

In 1978, Sydney answered the call to the Ministry at his home church, Deep River Baptist, in Coleridge, NC. He entered into full-time ministry in 1980. He has served churches in Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. Sydney was ordained to the ministry in 1984 at Calvary Heights Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While there, he not only led the music but taught Bible, PE and history in Calvary Christian School. He was also athletic director and coached basketball for seven years and football for three. Sydney and his family came to Central Baptist in May of 1991. Sydney served as Minister of Music and Education until June of 1999 then felt led to answer a call to another ministry in Tennessee. In October 2001, Central extended a call for Sydney to return as Associate Pastor and Minister of Music.

Sydney and his wife Cathy are proud parents of two children: Janet, their daughter, husband, Mark Childress and grandson, Zachary. Their son David, is married to Pam Coble and they have two daughters, Heather and Hannah Runyon and a granddaughter, Stella.

Dean Hunter was born and raised in Kannapolis, N.C. and has been a member of Central Baptist Church since he accepted Christ at the age of ten in an RA's meeting. Dean answered the call to the ministry in 1993 and attended Liberty University that fall as a Biblical Studies major. After graduating from Liberty in 1997 with a B.S. in Biblical Studies, Dean entered Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary where he graduated with a Master of Arts in Religion as well as a Master of Religious Education degree. While in seminary, Dean had several opportunities to serve in the ministry as a Youth Pastor at Berean Baptist Church, High School P.E. and Bible teacher at Clearview Christian School, as well as an intern in the Education Department of Thomas Road Baptist Church.

After graduating from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000, he became the 9th and 10th grade Bible teacher at Hickory Grove Baptist Christian School in Charlotte, NC. He also coached several sports such as Varsity Golf, Middle School Basketball, Middle School Football, as well as assisting on the Varsity Basketball Team. Dean became Minister of Youth and Education at Central Baptist Church in July of 2006.

In his free time, Dean enjoys playing and watching sports, especially golf and NASCAR. He's a big Georgia Bulldog and Carolina Panthers football fan! He loves dogs and has four Pit-Bulls; Buddy, Esther, Roxy and Harley.