Staff

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Danny & Janice Parker have enjoyed 39 years of marriage. What a journey the Lord has given them! Participating in almost every type of church ministry with almost every age of person, the Lord has shaped and molded them through the years. Together they have served him and ministered to people.  

They have served in large children's ministries, started a single adult ministry, were appointed as missionaries to Russia, and ultimately, in the last 20 years Danny has served as a senior pastor. He has degrees from Tennessee Temple University (BA), Dallas Theological Seminary(ThM), and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (DMin). 

Danny trusted Christ late one evening in Boston in 1971 and his life was forever radically changed. Janice trusted Christ as a 'good Christian' who also needed to find a Savior. They have a passion for God, a heart for people, and a desire to share the hope found in Christ.

Dennis and Sam Wagner have been married for just over three years and welcomed their first child in March 2023.

Dennis is a proud Virginian from Chesapeake. He attended Boston Baptist College, where he met Sam. He is currently pursuing a Master’s of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dennis is passionate about youth ministry, working to help teens encounter Jesus through the teaching of God’s Word. He has been involved in youth ministry in multiple ways, including through multiple years of camp ministry at Camp Grace in Fairmont, NC. Dennis and Sam look forward to serving the teens and church in the coming years. Overall, Dennis is called to preach God’s Word, and looks for any opportunity to do so.

In his free time, Dennis is an avid sports fan, especially for his beloved Washington Commanders (so he’s used to disappointment). He also enjoys playing video games, hiking, and disc golf. 

  Steve and Pat Couch married in May 1990 while they were both working E-Systems in Greenville, Texas.

Neither were attending church at the time. The Lord convicted Steve at Pat’s stepfather’s funeral and he gave his heart to the Lord in February 1993. They attended Woosley Baptist Church in Point, Texas where Steve regained his love for music. He and Pat began traveling to church singings, conducting concerts and leading music for revivals. 

In December 1998, Steve left his job at E-Systems and surrendered to full time ministry. Steve and Pat enjoyed traveling extensively leading revival music and concerts. One of their most memorable and exciting events was attending the Billy Graham Evangelism 2000 Conference in Amsterdam where they met and worshipped with over 10,000 evangelists from around the world.

Steve and Pat retired as Interim Pastor of Pilgrims Rest Baptist church in Emory, Texas in May of 2021 and joined First Baptist Church Yantis, Texas. He accepted the position as Interim Music Minister in October 2022 after the Lord lead the current music minister to another church.

Elizabeth Smith joined the staff in August 2020 and was trained by the previous secretary. 

Elizabeth is originally from Cincinnati, OH. She attended college at Union University in Jackson, TN where she met her husband. After graduation, they moved to Louisville, KY for her husband to pursue his Masters of Divinity at Southern Seminary. In October 2019 they moved to Sulphur Springs as her husband accepted the call to pastor a small church just outside of town.