Our Leadership Team
The staff and leadership at Poplar Grove is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. If you have questions for any of our staff or leaders, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them.
Bobby Joe Eaton
CO-PASTOR
Having a rich childhood growing up in Corbin, Kentucky, and after enjoying a wide variety of jobs and interests, Bobby Joe began his pastoral ministry in 1989 at Frankfort Baptist Church where he served for six years. He joined the staff at Central Baptist in 1992 as the Associate Pastor and Minister of Outreach and Evangelism. In 2003, Bobby Joe became a Chaplain at Baptist Health Corbin, where he remained for many years. He was called to Poplar Grove Baptist Church to serve as our Pastor in 1999.
Bobby Joe and his wife, Brenda, both have a passion for reaching people with the gospel message and especially love their Poplar Grove family. They have two children, Tina (Toby Trosper) and Rob (Suzanne), four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren who bring them great joy. Bobby Joe loves to read his Bible, shepherd his flock, share his wit and wisdom, and follow UK sports.
Victor Bramlett
CO-PASTOR
Victor grew up in Corbin, Kentucky where he was active at Central Baptist Church. He received his undergrad degree in Political Science from the University of Louisville. He then attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity. He served as a Senior Pastor in Bardstown, Kentucky, before returning to Poplar Grove to become the Co-Pastor in early 2024. Victor believes that as rich as Poplar Grove's history is since it opened its doors in 1909, he is excited for the future with the Gospel being shared and lives being challenged as we together continue to do God's will.
Victor and his wife, Katrina, can be seen serving the flock at Poplar Grove in many capacities. He has two adult stepdaughters, Callie and Joci. Outside of ministry and family, Victor’s passions include UK athletics, walking his dog, and traveling. He’s currently on a quest to visit all 50 states.
Chad Wetherill
WORSHIP LEADER
Originally from Forest, Ohio, Chad has been involved in church and music ministry for most of his life. He developed a love for worship through singing and playing piano in a small non-denominational church. In 1991, Chad moved to Kentucky to attend Cumberland College (now the University of the Cumberlands), where he joined and later led a traveling singing group while continuing to serve in church music ministry.
Chad and his wife, April, joined Poplar Grove Baptist Church in December 2001, and Chad has served as Worship Leader since that time. He worked for 14 years at the University of the Cumberlands and currently teaches with Whitley County Schools. Married since 1998, Chad and April have two children, Abby and Caleb, who have been actively involved in the ministries of Poplar Grove. Chad is grateful to serve with a gifted worship team and desires to be fully led by God in worship and ministry.
Toby & Tina Trosper
AMPLIFY YOUTH LEADERS
Tina and Toby Trosper have called Poplar Grove Baptist Church home for a very long time and are the longtime youth leaders having a passion for teaching students about Jesus. Over the years, they have had the privilege of serving alongside our youth at home and on several mission trips, where they've seen God work powerfully in the lives of our youth and in their own. They are grateful for every opportunity to serve the Lord and are thrilled to continue investing in the next generation as they grow in their faith and walk with Christ.
Tina and Toby are blessed with one son, Cameron, and his wife Kasey and two grandchildren, Connor and Isaac. They love our church and church family and feel so blessed to be a part of what God is doing here.
Josh & Shawnda Williams
AMPLIFY MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERS
Josh & Shawnda have been faithful members of Poplar Grove for many years. Josh has been active in church since the age of seven and settled at Poplar Grove 14 years ago. Shawnda has been a member of Poplar Grove since 1999 and has served as a Sunday School teacher for fourteen of those years.
They are the proud parents of three children: Caleb, Jordyn, and Lilyanne. In their free time, they enjoy caring for their many animals, including their two dogs, two lizards, and lots of chickens. Josh enjoys playing video games and deepening his knowledge of the Bible, especially as he prepares to challenge and encourage the youth. Shawnda enjoys reading, crafting, and spending quality time with her family.
Together, Josh and Shawnda are quick to share how blessed they are and to give thanks for all the Lord has done in their lives.
Abby Wetherill
Guardians of the Gospel Director
Abby grew up in Corbin, Kentucky, where her faith and church life have been an important part of her life from an early age. She currently serves as the Director of Guardians of the Gospel, a ministry that is very close to her heart. Her passion is helping children grow in their faith, learn God’s Word, and understand how deeply they are loved by Him in a fun, engaging, and meaningful way.
In addition to her role at church, Abby serves as an Academic Interventionist teacher for the Whitley County Schools, where she works closely with students to support their learning and help them build confidence and strong foundations for success. Abby is grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside children and families as we grow together in faith and for the many ways the Lord continues to guide and bless her life through service to Him and our church family.
Brenda Norvell
Church Treasurer
Having spent her entire life in Gray and Corbin, KY, Brenda has always been active in church and music. She spent her career of 32 years at a local bank and retired when the Lord blessed her with a grandchild. She and her husband Mark joined Poplar Grove Baptist Church in October of 1997. Brenda has served as Treasurer for 14 years and is also a member of the church choir.
Brenda and her husband Mark love to travel the United States exploring National Parks and the beautiful countryside. They have one daughter, Angela (Russell Murphy), and a beautiful and kind granddaughter, Cadee LeAnn Murphy. Brenda loves reading, studying her bible, spending time with her family and church friends and growing things in her greenhouse. Brenda will be quick to tell you how much she loves the Lord and how her life has been richly blessed.
Kim Norvell, Anita Schoolcraft, Rhonda Tye
INSTRUMENTALISTS
The pianists and organists play an indispensable role in church worship, enriching the congregational singing experience. They are the steady guides that keep everyone on track, the support that lifts voices higher, and the emotional conduit that brings the music to life for the congregation.
Kim, Anita and Rhonda share their musical gifts every week to enhance our worship service, and by doing so bring us closer to God. They're not just playing an instrument; they're creating an atmosphere of worship every time their fingers touch those keys.
Our Deacons
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28
Henry Gaddis, Head Deacon
Bobby Bowman
Curt Duggar
Max Gomez
Kerry Greer
Jimmy Gross
Dale Johnson
Mark Norvell
John Oberholtzer
Bruce Rose
Richard Sawyers
Mike Scott
Stan Wood
Our Affiliations
Poplar Grove is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, The Kentucky Baptist Convention and the Knox Association of Baptists.
