FBCE Staff & Leadership
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Dr. Ryan Johnson
Pastor
Dr. Ryan Johnson is originally from Quitman, AR. He graduated with a marketing degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 2014, a Master of Divinity in Christian ministry in 2017 and a Doctorate of Philosophy in New Testament in 2021 from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. His research specialized in the Gospel of Matthew. Ryan is an avid Arkansas Razorback fan, and loves to read and golf.
Josh Keck
Associate Pastor
Josh Keck is originally from St. Louis, MO. He received a classical education through high in a private school. At the age of 24 he followed the LORD into vocational pastoral ministry. After several detours, in 2007, Josh graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange University with a degree in Psychology. He has served on staff at three other churches along with leading successful collegiate ministries, Sunday School classes, and small groups at a few others before coming to Elkins. He passionately loves his wife, Sara (married 24 years this Dec.) and singing with her and walking together in faith with her. Josh is a proud father to three children; Allison, Jackson, and Nathan, all who are Followers of Jesus, properly baptized, discipled, and pursuing the Lord in their lives.
Debbie Bowman
Nursery Staff
Bobbye Sexson
Adult Bible Studies
Bobbye Sexson is the leader for Women in Christ and has been married to Jim Sexson for 58 years.
Women in Christ is a diverse group of ladies, bound in our love of God and longing for a deeper knowledge into the character of God and how he works in and through our lives. They are studying in the book of Isaiah. The class welcomes all ages and loves sharing with each other different experiences and how God can be seen in their lives today. These ladies laugh and we pray together as they worship God.
Wonderful words from Bobbye “I am a 70+ year Christian, forgiven and freed to live a life without limits. God has protected and guided me in good times and bad. But I think the most wondrous gift God has given me apart from salvation is a deep and abiding joy. In Him I can let go and have the joy of knowing He will see me into tomorrow”.
Bobbye is a true gem to our Church and thankful she leads this class.
Sheril Boaz
Children's Ministries
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19.14
We offer a nursery for infants and toddlers with loving volunteers and staff. Our classes for preschool and elementary students are designed to lay the foundation for kids to have conversations about God and teach them to truly experience God in their lives. Our teachers strive to create an atmosphere that is fun and exciting so kids look forward to coming and experiencing God, not only on Sunday mornings, but also at AWANA on Wednesday nights.
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Sheril Boaz & Lori Welch, Children’s Ministry Co-Directors: Sheril & Lori are all about KIDS! For nearly 20 years they have worked side-by-side in initiating & running the AWANA program at FBCE, maintaining vibrant weekly Bible studies for children in pre-school through the 6th grade & putting on an exciting Vacation Bible School each summer. They also organize FBCE’s involvement in children’s summer camp at Camp Siloam. Sheril & Lori are always thinking up new ways to get kids enthused about God!
Keith & Amy Cazer
Children's Ministries: 1st-4th Grade
Keith and Amy Cazer have been married for 26 years. They have 5 children, Brianna, Garrett, Joey, Andy, and Lucas, ranging in age from 24 to 11 years of age. They came to know Jesus as adults and have been members of FBCE since 2004. Keith and Amy have always been committed to displaying their unwavering, love and grace to all the children and youth that they teach and minister to. They are currently teaching Sunday School for grades 1st through 4th and have been involved in AWANA, VBS, Church Camps, and various committees and events and ministries during their time at FBCE. They are excited about what the future holds for First Baptist Church of Elkins and their continued involvement there.
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Mark 10:14
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Deacons:
Travis Grogan: travis.grogan@yahoo.com
Jeff Grube: jeffrgube77@icloud.com
Ben Neal: thatcarguyben@gmail.com
Ernie Heymsfield: ernie@uark.edu
Harris Lloyd: h2lloyd@sbcglobal.net
Bryan Taylor: btaylor4jesus@yahoo.com
Bill Parsons whparsons42@gmail.com
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