PASTOR: Dr. Doug Allen As I look back at the path along which God has led us,my thoughts go to the words of 1 Corinthians 2:9: But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (NKJV) I've learned that following Jesus brings the greatest adventure of life and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now God has brought us to this wonderful church family at First Baptist Church of Blanchard. We bring with us the experiences and blessings we've received while serving in other churches as we join with the staff and members of this church in ministry and service.

As the shepherd of this body of believers I look forward to what God has planned for our church. I am thankful for, and humbled by, the blessings of serving Him. It truly is the greatest adventure!

ASSOC. PASTOR/MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Dale Sauls As a poor country boy growing up in rural Mississippi, I never dreamed that God would one day allow me to be a minister. I accepted Jesus at the age of 10 and actively served in my church as a young adult—even to the point of being ordained as a deacon at the age of 19. However, it was not until I was 24 years of age that I sensed God calling me to resign a full-time job as an accounting supervisor, to go on to college and seminary and to eventually become a Minister of Education. Since then I've had the privilege of serving two wonderful churches, including FBC, Blanchard for the past 19 years.

A part of my ministry is to encourage people to grow in their faith through involvement in Sunday School and discipleship groups and to use their gifts and talents in service to our Lord. Come join with us in the exciting journey that lies before us, and let me know if I can help you find your place of ministry and service or help you get connected with a small group.

MINISTER OF STUDENTS: Lonnie Hill
I am blessed to be able to serve in the church that I grew up in. As a teenager, the Student Ministry at FBC Blanchard had a huge impact on my life and now I get to lead an incredible group of adults that are investing in the lives of today's teenagers and college students. I've also been blessed to be part of several mission trips to Brownsville, TX and Romania and have seen God at work in those places.


Our Student Ministry exists to connect students to God, to others, to spiritual habits and to missions. Our desire is that students become life long followers of Jesus, not just fans.

MINISTER OF CHILDREN: Leanne Shephard

Serving in childrens ministry has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. At age 18, God led me to help in Sunday school and the church nursery. As my faith in Him and dependence on Him grew, so did my call to minister to His children. He has allowed me to work in several ministries of our church and taught me that it is only in Him that I am anything. I am blessed to be a part of this wonderful church family and God led staff here at First Baptist-Blanchard.

The mission of our Kids for Christ childrens ministry is to help children to learn about Jesus and His saving grace, grow in their relationship with Him, and serve Him in both what they say and do. In Mark 10:14, Jesus said Let the little children come to Me. We would love to share this same Jesus with you and your family.

MINISTER OF WORSHIP: Keith Sherrell
From family singings at the piano to singing as part of two Southern Gospel trios, music has been a part of life since childhood. I began serving as a part-time music minister in 1996 after agreeing to "fill-in" at a church that had lost it's music minister. That "fill-in" position lasted eight years. Two years later, after my family and I moved our membership to another church, I was asked to quit my full-time, secular job and begin serving as a full-time minister of worship. That church was First Baptist, Blanchard and I have never regretted that decision.

I am truly blessed to be a part of this incredibly talented and spirit-filled music ministry. There are opportunities for every age and talent. If you've been given the gift of singing or playing an instrument we'd love to have you join us each week as we worship the One who, alone, is worthy of our praise.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER DIRECTOR: Marsha Richie

OFFICE STAFF:

     Pastor's Secretary/Office Manager: Donna Oswalt

     Outreach Secretary/Music Assistant: Cynthia Terral

     Financial Secretary: Renee Hall