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Dr. William C. MIller - Pastor

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Since 1986, Dr. William Miller has been pastor of First Baptist Church of Farmington. Previously he served as pastor of Temple Baptist in Sullivan, MO and Concordia Baptist Church in Concordia, MO. As a student at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, he served part-time roles at the First Baptist Churches of West Plains and Holden, MO.

Bill graduated from Southwest Baptist College (now University) in Bolivar. He earned the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City and completed the basic extended unit of clinical pastoral education at the VA Hospital in Kansas City.

Bill’s wife, Mary Beth, teaches third grade at Jefferson Elementary in Farmington. His son, Andy, daughter-in-law, Alison, and granddaughter Campbell, live in Fayetteville, AR where Andy is a nurse and is working toward a nurse practitioner degree at the University of Arkansas. Alison is an occupational therapist. Bill’s younger son, Nathaniel, is in the construction business in St. Louis.

Bill is a member of the board of directors for the Baptist General Convention of Missouri and is a trustee for Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis. As important as these ministries are, however, his heart is with the local church and his greatest desire is to lead FBC to fulfill God’s purpose for our church.

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Rev. Chuck Henson - Minister of Education

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Chuck became the minister of education at First Baptist in November 2003.  He and his family have been church members since 1976.  During that time he has held various positions of leadership.  His longest responsibility was as Sunday School Director for 17 years.

He is a retired public high school administrator having served in the Farmington Schools for 27 years.  While at Farmington High School he was a teacher/coach and in later years assistant principal and athletic director.  He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a master's degree from Webster University, and a specialist's degree in Secondary Administration from Southeast Missouri State University.  Chuck was ordained into the gospel ministry in July 2005.

Having a background in education, living in the community, and serving at First Baptist for so many years, Chuck and his wife, Ardie, have used these experiences to enhance their ministry opportunities.  They are both involved in a wide variety of community ministries and activities.

Chuck and Ardie have three children; Shawnna and husband John Robinson, Shannon and wife Rebecca, and Keenan.  They also have five grandchildren; John Charles, Chloe, Evan, Owen and Ian.  Chuck’s favorite things to do are coach his grandchildren in sports, fish when he has time, and work in his flower garden.

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Karen Moore - Pastor's Secretary

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Mrs. Karen Moore is the pastor’s secretary at First Baptist Church. Karen began as the church secretary/church clerk in April 1994 and promoted to pastor’s secretary in 1999. In 2009 she celebrated her fifteenth year on the church staff.

Karen married her husband, David, in 1984, and they have three children: Anna-Katherine, a senior at Mineral Area College Radiolgoy Department; Shalimar serving in the NAVY; and Victoria a seventh grader at Farmington Middle School. Their grandson, Malachi, joined the family in 2008.

Karen began her walk with Christ in 1976 and continues that ministry through her work in the church and in the community. For fifteen years she has been the GA director, working with first through sixth grade girls, teaching, learning and doing missions. For the last eight years she has worked on the state mission task force for a girls’ retreat. Karen teaches a ladies Sunday school class, and two quarters a year she teaches children’s church on Sunday mornings.

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Jessie Stephens - Church Secretary

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In January 2004 Jessie began serving as church clerk and secretary to three associate pastors: John W. Jackson, Russell Walje and Chuck Henson. Prior to working at the church, Jessie was a secretary for Dr. Dennis Robinson for 16 years.

Jessie married her husband, Don, in 1970 and they have one son, Scott. Scott and his wife, Tori, reside in Bonne Terre , MO. Jessie also has three grandsons, Alex, James, Alan.

Jessie began her Christian walk on March 9, 1959. Jessie loves being able to sing praises to the Lord whether it is in the adult choir, with ensembles or as a soloist. Jessie worked with children’s choirs for several years and currently teaches an adult Sunday school class.

Her hobbies are music, stitching, making floral arrangements, gardening and traveling.