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 over twenty-five years this wonderful church has been our family. Rhonda and I are blessed to have two daughter-in-laws, Amber and Hae Kyung, and three granddaughters, Jalei, Ambry, and Abrielle. 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 byron@fbcgbc.org.
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 three adult choirs, two children’s choirs, a praise band, and many awesome musicians. God has blessed Cynthia and me with four beautiful children and five wonderful grandchildren. What more could a man ask for? I give all the glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Contact Teddy at 903-887-6887 ext. 7 or teddy@fbcgbc.org.
Dan Hawkins, Children's Minister
Dan and his wife Betty have been married for forty-one years. They have two children and three grandchildren. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in May 1988 with a Bachelor of Career Arts majoring in Pastoral Ministries. Dan and Betty came to First Baptist Church in April of 1995. Betty enjoys teaching her ladies Bible study class on Sundays and helping with the children in the Awana program. Dan enjoys golfing, fishing, and hunting in his spare time. They both enjoy camping and playing with their grandchildren.
Contact Dan at 903-887-6887 ext. 6 or dan@fbcgbc.org.
Richard Hawthorne, Student Minister
Richard and his wife Dottie began serving on the staff of First Baptist Church in August of 2010. Richard graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communications from Cameron University, Lawton, OK in 2002. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from Criswell College, Dallas, TX. Before taking on the role of Student Minister, Richard taught the College and Career class here at First Baptist Church. When Richard is not hard at work or in class, he enjoys spending time with his family, napping, or reading a good book. Richard and Dottie have three beautiful girls, Hallie, Maecie, and Ryllie. Richard has the desire to see the students of this area make Jesus Christ the Lord of their life and learn to disciple other students toward that decision.
Contact Richard at 903-887-6887 ext. 5 or richard@fbcgbc.org.
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 over forty-eight years, and has six children and twenty grandchildren. Leisure activities include camping, fishing, and hunting.
Contact Bill at 903-887-6887 or bill@fbcgbc.org.
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 25 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 Rhonda at 903-887-6887 ext. 3 or rhonda@fbcgbc.org.
Dub Williams, Financial Director
Vicki and I have been married for over forty-five years. We have three children and five grandchildren. I graduated from SEMO University in December, 1965 with a B.S. Degree in Accounting/Economics. Vicki and I came to First Baptist Church in October of 2006, and I became Financial Director in January of 2008. God has blessed us with finding this great church and the uplifting fellowship of its members.
Contact Dub at 903-887-6887 ext. 4 or dub@fbcgbc.org.
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.
