Elder Betty Shird Baten was born in Whiteville, North Carolina on September 1, 1940, the fifth child of eleven children of the late Bennie and Cohilda Shird. It was in North Carolina where she obtained her elementary and secondary education. Upon graduation from high school, she began working in the private sector. In 1965 Elder Baten began a tour of duty with the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, retiring in 1994. Elder Baten was called to the gospel ministry in June 1985.  It was a historical event when she was licensed by Dr. Carey E. Pointer, Jr. to preach the gospel on June 13, 1993.  She was set aside for Ordination on February 19, 2000  Elder Baten is a charter member and a corporate officer.  As a faithful and committed member of Greater Fellowship, Elder Baten shares the responsiblity of teaching Christian Bible Training (CBT) and Evangelism.