Staff & Leadership
INTERIM PASTOR
Rev. Bill Daniels
MINISTER OF MUSIC
Suzanne Lee
APPALACHIAN IMMERSION ADMINISTRATOR
Marah L. Slusher
FACILITIES MANAGER
Bill Hunter
Bill joined the staff of First Baptist Church as Facilities Manager in 1994. Prior to that, he worked in a local automotive body shop.
Bill is a native of Middlesboro, attended Middlesboro High School, and later while working, enrolled in evening courses and earned a GED through the Middlesboro School System under the instruction of church member Freeman Thompson.
Bill’s interests include fishing for bass and catfish, playing horseshoes, and traveling.
Bill and Anita were married in 1982, and they have two grown children and four grandkids.
You can contact Bill by calling the Church Office at 606-248-2637.
MEDIA COORDINATOR
Phil Akers
Phil joined the staff of First Baptist Church in 1979 as Media Coordinator. Phil is responsible for audio and video in worship, as well as the broadcast of services over local cable and the internet.
Phil works as Construction Coordinator with Spectrum, where he has worked in various capacities for over 40 years. Prior to that, Phil worked as night manager at Clancy’s hamburger restaurant, and at the old Middlesboro Tannery.
A graduate of Bell County High School, Phil took a number of courses through Eastern Kentucky University to further his education.
Phil’s interests include photography, outdoor activities, and time spent at Norris Lake and at any seaside beach available.
Phil has two sons, Dustin and Clay.
You can contact Phil by calling the Church Office at 606-248-2637.
PIANIST
Barbara Cochran
Barbara is no stranger to music. Recently, she has graciously shared her talents with FBC via the piano. In addition, Barbara rings handbells, sings in the choir, and leads the Wednesday “Claiming Your Calm” class
ORGANIST
Janet Matthews
Janet is a graduate of Georgetown College and has helped with musical programs for Lincoln Memorial University. She taught for many years in the Middlesboro school system and, also, gave piano and organ lessons. In addition, she has worked for H and R Block for 36 years.
Janet joined the staff of First Baptist Church as organist in 1980-81. Before this time she directed the youth and adult choirs.
Janet enjoys her family, friends, and her church. She misses her husband, Herman, most of all. He was church pianist for many years and played duets with her for church services. He left to serve God in Heaven in 2008. She has 7 children, 31 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. She loves her family and her church!
PASTOR EMERITUS
John E. Pennington Jr.
CHAIRPERSON OF DEACONS
Virginia Giles
Virginia Giles lives in Harrogate, Tennessee, and grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky. She retired from Bell South after a 26-year career, beginning as a telephone operator and later serving as a line person.
She has been a member of FBC for 17 years and is actively involved in church leadership. She serves as Chair of Deacons and Facilities Chair, and also participates in several other committees within the church.
VICE CHAIRPERSON OF DEACONS
Joel Goodin
Bio coming soon.
CHURCH MODERATOR
Bill Johnson
VISITING ORGANIST
Michael Bayless
BIO COMING SOON
Current Active Deacons
Sarah Ausmus
Kevin Barnett
Robert Edinger
Trish Edinger
Virginia Giles
Joel Goodin
Gloria Jones
Ruby Kaw
Bridgette Myers
Ann Shumate
Denise Shumate
Trent Walters