Byron Jones, Pastor
I surrendered to the Gospel Ministry in 1979 at Eastside Baptist Church in Rusk, Texas. God opened the door to serve on staff there for three years before leading me to serve as Youth Minister at First Baptist Church, Gresham. Then in 1985, God called me to First Baptist Church Gun Barrel City to serve as Pastor. My wife, Rhonda, and two sons, Eric and Zach, came with me to Gun Barrel City, and for all these years this wonderful church has been our family. Rhonda and I are blessed to have two daughter-in-laws, Amber and Hae Kyung, and five granddaughters and one grandson. I pray that God will continue to guide my steps as I lead His Church. May He receive all the glory, praise, and honor as we continue to see souls won to His Kingdom.
Contact the Pastor at 903-887-6887 ext. 8 or contact here.
Teddy King, Music Minister
The Lord has given my wife Cynthia and me a thriving ministry here at First Baptist Church since 2003. God placed us here from Gladewater, TX, where I was serving as bi-vocational Minister of Music. The Music Ministry has grown to two adult choirs, two children’s choirs, a praise band, and many awesome musicians. God has blessed Cynthia and me with four beautiful children and six wonderful grandchildren. What more could a man ask for? I give all the glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Contact the Music Minister at 903-887-6887 ext. 7 or contact here.
Tony Martin, Student Minister
God is awesome! I serve a truly wonderful Lord and Savior. Not only did Jesus save me from an eternity without Him, He blessed me with my wonderful wife Rhonda and two boys, Blake and Cody. If that was not enough, He blessed me with this church, which I have been a member since 2004. I have been the Student Minister since 2014 when I answered God's call on my life. I love to be around and minister to young people. Every member of the body of Christ is different and has a different part to play in God's grand plan. I am thankful that God saw fit to let me help equip young people for their roles.
Contact the Student Minister at 903-887-6887 ext. 5 or contact here.
Bill Price, Minister of Outreach/Senior Adult Minister
Bill and his wife, Brenda, joined First Baptist Church in September 2007. He became the teacher of the "Seekers" Sunday school class. In August 2010, Bill joined the staff as the Minister of Outreach/Senior Adult Minister. He additionally serves as the Chaplain to the Young-at-Heart group. Bill previously served for fifteen years as the bi-vocational Pastor of Disciple Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City. He is retired from the Dallas Police Department, where he served for thirty years. Bill spent ten years in the U.S. Navy, and is a Vietnam Veteran. He earned his associates degree from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, and his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. He also attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Bill was ordained to the Office of Deacon in 1973; he was licensed to the Gospel Ministry in 1973 and was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1974. Bill has been married to his wife Brenda for fifty-five years, and has six children, twenty-five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Leisure activities include camping, fishing, and hunting.
Contact the Outreach Minister at 903-887-6887 or contact here.
Rhonda Jones, Administrative Assistant
I learned to love God at a very early age. Mama saw to that. But it wasn't until October 25, 1984, that I received His gift of salvation through faith in Christ as my Savior. I had served alongside my husband in ministry for several years ... praise God for His extraordinary patience! (2 Peter 3:9) Soon after that, God called us here to First Baptist Church. This family of faith has embraced us and served alongside us in the work of God's kingdom for over 33 years. I am thankful to be a part of this great church. His grace has brought us safe this far (2 Corinthians 9:8 - to the praise and glory of Christ!) and His grace will lead us home.
Contact the Administrative Assistant at 903-887-6887 ext. 3 or contact here.
Jane Ragan, Financial Director
My husband Steve and I cherish our church family here at First Baptist of GBC, and we are especially blessed that our only child Keli and her husband Thomas have chosen FBCGBC as the place to raise our four precious granddaughters. I love working as a staff member here. The work is very rewarding. My favorite passage in God's Word is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
Contact the Student Minister at 903-887-6887 ext. 4 or contact here.
The above listed are our full-time staff. Our church could not function if it were not for the several other paid professionals that assist in regular church matters such as custodial, maintenance, yard work, music, and nursery; as well as the many volunteers that serve tirelessly and faithfully in the various ministries of First Baptist Church.