Worship & Care Pastor
Executive Team
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. Gary earned his Bachelor of Music Education with a concentration in piano from Baylor University. He received his Master of Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Discipleship & Family Pastor
Executive Team
David joined the staff of First Temple in October of 2018. He has served churches as a Student Minister for 18 years and as an Education & Outreach Pastor for the past 17 years in East Texas. His bachelor’s degree is from Howard Payne University and his master’s degree is from Southwestern Seminary. He and his wife Carla have two grown children, Austin & Alexis, and a sweet Schnauzer, Gracie.
Connections and Administrative Pastor
Executive Team
Cheryl Jones has served First Baptist Church in numerous volunteer positions since 1993. She now serves as the Connections and Administrative Pastor. She received her undergraduate degree at Angelo State University. She has taught middle school Science, held leadership positions with many non-profits and most recently was the Head of School for St. Francis Preschool here in Temple. She and her husband Russell have a son Rory who is married to Elise and a daughter Abby.
Lead Pastor
Executive Team
Joe began local church ministry in 1984 and came to First Temple in June of 2017. He has degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), and Howard Payne University (Bachelor of Arts in the Honors Academy). Joe and his wife, Valerie, have three adult children: Briana, Worth, and Glenna.
Teaching & Young Adult Pastor
Executive Team
Ryan joined the staff at First Temple in 2023 after serving churches in Waco and Morgantown, West Virginia. A native of Abilene, TX, he is a graduate of Baylor University (BA), Truett Seminary (MDiv), and Northern Seminary (DMin). Ryan is married to Raechel, who serves as a Lecturer at Baylor University. In his free time, Ryan enjoys disc golf, genetic genealogy, and rooting on the Baylor Bears.
Children's Minister
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 from Utah State University in Wildlife Science. and a Master of Divinity Degree and Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Modern Worship Minister
Adam grew up in Amarillo, TX and graduated from Truett Theological Seminary. Adam joined the staff at First Temple in 2023 after serving churches in the Belton/Temple area since 2018. Adam brings an understanding of theology and worship practices to his role as Modern Worship Minister that seeks to create an atmosphere that points people to deepen their relationship with God. He is married to Lindsay, a dyslexia specialist for BISD and they have three children; Lincoln, Hayes, and Carter. In his free time, Adam loves listening to music, reading fiction, and coaching his boys' soccer teams.
Student Minister
Mission's Minister
Abby grew up in Fort Worth, TX and graduated from Dallas Baptist University and Truett Seminary. She joined the staff at First Temple June of 2024. Abby has served in Hispanic churches in Texas with her family, has worked on high school and college campuses, and served as a chaplain for immigrants. During her college years she served as a missionary in Northeastern states and down at the US and Mexico border. Abby enjoys going on walks with her black lab, listening to a good podcast, and going to the movies!
Preschool Minister
Jenni and her husband Dany have been married for 15 years and have four boys, Roman, Stefan, James and Cruz. They enjoy having family and friends over and grilling outside! They are a soccer family and love the sport! She and her family have been members for 10 years, and love serving the Lord and seeing the wonderful things He is doing within our church!
College Minister
We are so excited to welcome our new College Minister, David Martinez. David Graduated from UMHB in the Spring 2023 and plans on attending Truett Seminary in August. He served in the US Military as a Medic for 6 years, loves all things soccer, and has been our Youth Ministry intern for the summer of 2024.
Preaching Resident
Madison Patton is a graduate student at George W. Truett Theological Seminary, where she is pursuing a Master of Divinity with a focus on African American Theology and Old Testament Studies. A native of Lexington, KY, Madison was a member of Consolidated Baptist Church. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Georgetown College in Kentucky, where she was recognized as a Bishop College Scholar. Madison is passionate about serving young people and women within God’s kingdom. She is guided by the scripture Colossians 3:3: "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Her goal is to spread the gospel and share biblically sound knowledge, helping others come into a relationship with Jesus.