- Rev. Martin Knox, Pastor -
Martin Knox came to First Baptist Church in October 2003. He and his wife Valorie have four children: Shelby, Jamie, Mackenzie, and Tanner.
Martin earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion from Oklahoma Baptist University and his Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is pursuing his Doctor of Ministry from George W. Truett Theological Seminary.
Over the past 17 years, Martin has served as Pastor in churches in Wisconsin and Texas. He grew up in a Christian home as a preacher’s kid. His father Rev. Marvin Knox pastors Liberty Baptist Church in Duncan, Oklahoma. His brother Marv Knox is editor of the Baptist Standard. Martin serves as a Trustee for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and on the Committee on Committees for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
- Doug Young, Minister of Education and Administration -
Doug Young began serving at First Baptist Church in February 2002. He and his wife, Terri, have four children: John, Ryan, Paul, and Kalee.
Doug majored in business receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Doug has a passion to reach people for Christ and help them become fully developing followers of Christ. His greatest joy is spending time with his family.
- Gary Anthony, Minister of Music -
Gary Anthony has served First Baptist Church since November, 2006, moving to Temple following almost 20 years of ministry in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Though a native Texan, Gary spent his formative years growing up in the suburbs of Chicago.
Gary earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education with a concentration in piano from Baylor University. He received his Master of Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Gary’s greatest joy comes from his family; wife, Jan, and twin daughters Rachel and Kylie. Joy found in relationships and laughter found in life is what keeps him going in life. When not serving in ministry, Gary finds himself most often spending time with his family, creating something in the kitchen or working in the yard.
- James Roberts, Minister of Students -
James says that his ministry objective is, "To know Jesus and make Him known, to serve students in the area of missions, Bible study, relationships and to model Christ to them while looking for teachable moments."
James and his wife Angela have two children, Ella and Macie.
Before coming to FBC Temple, James and Angela served as house parents for Texas Baptist Children's Home in Round Rock. For nine years James served as youth minister at South Oaks Baptist Church in Arlington and he also served for two summers as associate pastor at Little Cypress Baptist Church in Orange, Texas. He is currently working on his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Leadership Studies at B.H. Carroll Theological Institute in Arlington.
- Jonathan Brown, Minister of Children -
Jonathan Brown arrived at First Baptist in November 2007. He and his wife Lydia have two children: Tabitha and Danielle.
Jonathan received his Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University in Wildlife Science. He also has received a Master of Divinity Degree and Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jonathan has been serving in the ministry since 1988. He has been a bi-vocational Pastor in Colorado and a full time Pastor in Missouri until the Lord called him into Children's Ministry. He has served as an Interim Minister to Children at First Baptist Arlington Texas and full time Minister to Children at Kingwood First Baptist Church in Kingwood Texas for five years before arriving in Temple.
Jonathan believes the Bible has the answers for the difficult issues families face in our world today. It is his joy to see kids come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour. He believes the churches role is to lay the foundation for that faith through Bible study and loving relationships with the children and their families.
- Kay Bacon, Missions Associate -
Kay Bacon has served at First Baptist Church as a part-time staff member since January, 2002, and as a lay leader since 1976. Before coming on staff, Kay was the Women's Athletic Coordinator, a Coach, teacher, and friend in the Temple ISD. Kay earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and History from Sam Houston State University. Kay has also completed World View Mission Perspectives training.
Kay has two adult children. Daughter, Kaylynn and husband Jon Jordan, and son, Stephen Bacon and wife Marta. One of her favorite ways to spend a day is to have special dates with her grandsons, Joshua, Jacob, and Aidan.
Kay's passion in ministry is coaching and taking people fishing for men; helping friends and families share mission experiences, mission trips, and mentoring women to grow, share and care across all generations.
When not at the church, you might find Kay with family and friends having a pot of tea or coffee and sharing and laughing! Kay also enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and going to the movies.
Carolyn Gunter, Director, Child Development Center
David Bandy, Director of Operations
Support Staff
Gail Koontz, Pastor's Secretary
Sandy Knight, Administrative Assistant
Vickie Saffle, Youth and Children's Ministries Secretary
Carla Davis, Music and Missions Secretary
Marianne Barrett, Financial Secretary
Marci Gaglione, Publications and Media Specialist