Mark Bethea

HOMETOWN: Montgomery, Alabama
EDUCATION: Auburn University (Bachelor of Arts in Communication) // New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div.)
MINISTRY PREPARATION/EXPERIENCES: Summer Youth Intern at First Baptist (2007-2008) // Student & Media Pastor at Christ Community Church (2010-2012) // Ordained at First Baptist 2011 // Acquisitions and Digital Editor at New Hope Publishers (2012-2017) // Pastor of Argo Baptist Church (2014-2017) // Associate Pastor of Outreach & Evangelism at First Baptist (2017-2020)
FAMILY: Brittany (married in 2010), Micah, Helen Ann, and Nora Leigh
LIFE VERSE/FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 3:5-6
FUN FACT: First started dating my wife, Brittany, in the sixth grade.

Brad Brand

Hometown: West Point, MS
Education: Bachelor of Music Education from Mississippi State University // Masters of Music in Church Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary // Doctor of Educational Ministry from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Ministry Preparation: Minister of Music at Faith Baptist Church in West Point, Mississippi from 2008-2010 // Music and Worship Intern at First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas from 2011-2014 // Minister of Music at Park Place Baptist Church in Pearl, Mississippi from 2014 – 2022.
Family: Bethany (married in 2014), Avery, and Charlee Grace
Life Verse/Favorite Scripture: Psalm 115:1
Fun Fact: I love golf and anything Mississippi State!

Ed Cleveland

HOMETOWN: Homewood, Alabama
EDUCATION: Homewood High School (1980), Bachelor of Music Education at Samford University (1985), Master of Music Education at the University of Montevallo (1992)
MINISTRY PREPARATION/EXPERIENCES: Minister of Music at South Avondale Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama // Minister of Music at Meadow Brook Baptist Church in Shelby County, Alabama // Minister of Music at First Baptist Montgomery // Retired public school music educator for 26 years
FAMILY: Sharon Cleveland, wife // Children: Lindsay Lyon (Nathan) and Patrick Cleveland (Claire) // Grandchildren: John Mark Lyon, Ella Glenn Lyon, Wesley Cleveland, and Annie Cleveland
LIFE VERSE/FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: Psalm 100
FUN FACT: I enjoy our grandchildren, fishing, woodworking, playing/watching basketball

Brian Gay

HOMETOWN: Various (grew up as an MK in Central and South America)
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree from Samford University // Master of Arts in Missiology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
MINISTRY PREPARATION/EXPERIENCES: Growing up as a missionary kid allowed me to have multiple opportunities for both intellectual and spiritual growth. I became truly bilingual in Spanish and English at a very young age. I was also exposed to multiple cultures and experiences during my time in Mexico and Ecuador. My spiritual growth during this time was also considerable. As a teenager I had the opportunity to be mentored by my father in disciple making and missions. I participated and at times was even able to assist in disciple making programs on the field. Since 2007 I have now served as the minister of missions at FBC Montgomery. During this time God has continued to grow me through experience of leading the church to be on mission from Montgomery to the Nations.
FAMILY: Kristi (married in 2003) // Children: Andrew, Eden, Matthew
LIFE VERSE/FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:18-20
FUN FACT: Having grown up in Mexico, I love tacos and churros 🙂

Ryan Gray

Kenny Hoomes

HOMETOWN: Brewton, Alabama
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s University of Mobile; Master’s New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; Doctor of Ministry South University College of Theology
MINISTRY PREPARATION/EXPERIENCES: I was called into the ministry as a senior in high school and have had the privilege of serving on staff at six different churches.  I have also been blessed to play an active role in the local association and the state convention and written for LifeWay Christian Resources since 1986.
FAMILY: My wife, Donna and I have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren. I’ll be glad to show you pictures of the grands!
LIFE VERSE/FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
FUN FACT: I enjoy working on and collecting antique clocks.

Justin Law

HOMETOWN: Titus, Alabama
EDUCATION: M.Div from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
MINISTRY PREPARATION/EXPERIENCES: College Minister
FAMILY: Anslee, wife // Children: Brantley, Mary Blake, and Warren
LIFE VERSE/FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:52 — And Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man.
FUN FACT: Taco Bell is my favorite fast food!

Carol Roberts

HOMETOWN: Tuscaloosa
EDUCATION: The University of Alabama
MINISTRY PREPARATION/EXPERIENCES:  Sunday School Teacher for over 25 years; Elementary School Teacher over 30 years
FAMILY: Married to Steve Roberts; Two children: Anna and Reid
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:31 – “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
FUN FACT: I was the drum major for my high school band.

Russell McCrory

Judy Bryant

Patti Shoemaker

HOMETOWN: Steele, Alabama
EDUCATION: University of Montevallo
MINISTRY PREPARATION/EXPERIENCES: AL Baptist State Board of Missions Campus Minister Intern // Served at North Brewton Baptist Church and Dalraida Baptist Church (both as Student and Education Minister)
FAMILY: Cary, husband // Tyler and Payton, sons // R.J., Belle, and Dottie, the dogs
LIFE VERSE/FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 1:7
FUN FACT: Love following collegiate softball // enjoy baking and sharing those baked goods with others // but mostly love to spend time with my three boys

Amanda Smith