Pastoral Staff

Dr. David Sapp, Senior Pastor

A native of Savannah, Ga., David earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. From there, he was named to the staff of a national Baptist ethics agency, a role he held 1976–1981. Over the next 18 years, he served First Baptist Chamblee (in Georgia) and Derbyshire Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., before coming to Second-Ponce de Leon in 1999. David also has been an Adjunctive Professor at several seminaries and has written widely for denominational publications. E-mail David.

David came to Second-Ponce with deep Georgia roots and a heart for the church, the city of Atlanta and its people. With a great love for people and with dreams to reach metro Atlanta for Christ, to provide moral and spiritual leadership to Atlanta and to provide help for other churches, he is leading Second-Ponce de Leon to discern God’s vision for its ministry in the new millennium.

Kara Blankenship, Minister to Families with Children and Youth

Surrendering to a call to ministry while a high school senior, Kara Blankenship holds a Master of Divinity degree from Mercer University's McAfee School of Theology. Before beginning at Second-Ponce in July 2010, Kara served the previous three years as the Associate to the Minister to Families with Children at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Ga. A 2006 graduate of Carson-Newman College, she conducted additional research at Regents Park College, Oxford University, and had her work there published in two parts by the Baptist Quarterly. She was ordained by First Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tenn., in April 2007. Kara is a huge sports fan who also loves to read, travel, and try new Atlanta restaurants. She's yet to meet anyone who likes to see fireworks more than she does. E-mail Kara.

Randall Cash, Associate Pastor for Education

A lifelong learner, Randall holds a Master of Arts in Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, his bachelor’s degree from East Texas Baptist College, and is now completing work on his Ph.D. in leadership studies from Dallas Baptist University. He joined the Second-Ponce de Leon staff in February 2009, after serving as Associate Pastor/Education and Ministry at First Baptist Church of San Antonio, Texas, for 12 years. Prior to that, his ministry included positions on the staffs of churches in Texas and Tennessee. As our Associate Pastor for Education, Randall has responsibility for leading all the education ministries at SPdL, including Sunday School. “I firmly believe that Sunday School is vital to the health and growth of every church as it seeks to reach, teach and minister,” he says. Randall and his wife Sue Ellen have two adult sons. E-mail Randall.

Dr. Eric Nelson, Minister of Music

When he’s not leading our music programs here at Second-Ponce de Leon, Eric spends his time filling the role of Director of Choral Activities at Emory University. Considered one of the leading choral conductors in the country, he conducts Emory’s University Chorus and Concert Choir, and teaches Choral Literature and graduate Choral Conducting. Eric holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Houghton College (Houghton, N.Y.), a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College (Princeton, N.J.), and a Doctor of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Indiana University. He is also a baritone soloist, an accomplished organist and a composer of both secular and sacred choral music. Additionally, Eric is the music director for the Atlanta Sacred Chorale, the only non-denominational chorus in the Southeast dedicated to sacred, primarily a cappella choral literature. He also has served as a guest conductor at Carnegie Hall.. Eric joined our staff in August 2002. You can contact Eric at 404.591.4368.

Dr. Charles Qualls, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care

Charles earned his bachelor’s degree at West Georgia College in Carrollton, his Master of Divinity degree in Family Ministry/Christian Education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Mercer. With solid experience in a number of leadership roles throughout his career, Charles most recently served as director of development for the Associated Baptist Press in Greensboro, N.C., before taking on the responsibilities of Pastoral Care here at Second-Ponce de Leon in June 2001. Additionally, he has published three books, and edited and written numerous articles. E-mail Charles.

Jonathan Barlow, Pastoral Resident

A native of Hattiesburg, Miss., Jonathan Barlow recently earned his Master of Divinity degree from the McAfee School of Theology. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mississippi College, with a degree in Kinesiology and an emphasis in Sports Management. Before Jonathan joined the staff of Second-Ponce de Leon in September 2006, he worked at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, serving on the Recreation Ministry staff. He has a wide range of experiences and a palpable enthusiasm for ministry. E-mail Jonathan.