Church Staff
Chris Aiken
Senior Pastor
Pastor Chris has served in full-time ministry since 2002 and began serving as our Senior Pastor in May of 2026. He is also an Army veteran and a former Deputy Sheriff. Chris has served in numerous local and state leadership assignments in Baptist life, and has taught at the Baptist University of Florida and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Pastor Chris has been married to Jodi for 38 years, and they have two adult sons, two daughters-in-love, and five grandchildren. Jodi is a speaker and podcaster and is the author of Trust Issues: Building A Foundation of Trust in God For A Lifetime of Peace, Joy, and Freedom. You can learn more about Jodi’s ministry at jodiaiken.com.
Chris and Jodi lead a dynamic marriage enrichment ministry, leading seminars and retreats nationally and internationally for 20 years.
Chris has contributed to several published books and writes regularly on leadership, culture, and spirituality. You can learn more about his ministry at www.chrisaikenonline.com.
For fun, Chris enjoys the outdoors and considers himself an “amateur road-cycling enthusiast.”
Education:
B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) in Christian Studies, North Greenville University, Tigerville, SC
M.Div. (Master of Divinity), Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Arlington, TN
Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) in Leadership, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY
Missions Work:
New York, Louisiana, Maryland, Egypt, South Africa, and India.
Paul Metts
Associate Pastor of Children and Families
Pastor Paul was called to Saluda Baptist Church in June 2025. Prior to that, he served with the Aiken County Sheriffs office.
Paul and his wife Ashton are the proud parents of a sweet baby girl Annalee.
Brandon Corbin
Youth Pastor
Pastor Brandon was called to Saluda Baptist Church in July 2020. Prior to that, he served at Ebenezer Welcome and Hilltop Avenue Baptist Churches. He also has served in the Army as active duty and reserve as a Chaplains Assistant.
Pastor Brandon has a BA in Youth Ministry from North Greenville University and a Masters of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
“It is amazing to see how and where God has led me so far in pursuing his call on my life. I am truly excited about what God is going to do through SBC in this community for His glory.”
Brandon and his wife Micah, have three wonderful children: Ender, Noah, and Elliot.
Bill Burris
Choir Director
Mr. Bill began serving as our Interim Choir Director during 2020. After a few years, Mr. Bill was no longer our interim, but our active Choir Director.
Bill is an active member of Saluda Baptist Church, and does an amazing job leading our Choir, and leading our congregation in worship.
Brandi Hartley
Secretary
Brandi Hartley has served as the secretary at Saluda Baptist Church since March 2024. A dedicated member of the church since 2021, she is passionate about serving her church family while balancing her role as a wife and mother.
Originally from Leesville, Brandi graduated from Gilbert High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from USC Aiken. She spent several years teaching before making the decision to homeschool her children.
“This opportunity came at the perfect time in my life. I felt called to return to work while still maintaining the flexibility to homeschool my children. God led me to this position, and I feel truly blessed to serve my church family at SBC while continuing to nurture my family at home.”
Sue Ross
Organist
Vivian Coleman
Pianist
Mrs. Vivian has been involved in the music program ever since SBC was formed. She has sung in the choir, played both piano and organ, and led children’s choirs.
Mrs. Vivian shares her God-given talents with us every week as she helps lead our congregation in worship.