FCCNAC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- Interim Youth Director
Early in life, I believed the gospel message and trusted that Jesus had died for me, but for all the teaching I received, I didn't really grow in my relationship with Him. Through my teen years, I struggled with selfishness and sin, not understanding the freedom and power I had been given in Christ.
Soon after high school, I married my sweetheart, John, and we began a family. He was called into full-time ministry, and we began serving the Lord together. Finally, when I was about 30 yrs. old and a mother of five, the Lord broke through my constant efforts and failings with the truth of His Word that I was not only forgiven, but also freed from sin. Since that time, my focus has shifted from my own efforts to His accomplished work! It was freedom to live for Him!
Job Titles:
- Pastor
- Senior Pastor
- Senior Pastor Mark Bridges / Associate Pastor Tara Roberts
My life was forever changed by Jesus when I trusted Him at 8. The life change I have experienced can only be explained by Jesus, and I want everyone to experience Him. Now I really desire to glorify the Lord by making disciples.
My life can only be explain with this phrase, "But God." I had plans to be a CPA, but God called me into ministry the last semester at Lamar University. Even though I received degrees in accounting and finance, I didn't use them. God even laughed at my love for numbers and dislike for reading and English by providing a way for me to go to seminary. I was able to graduate with a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and had the privilege to go back to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for a Doctor of Ministry in expository preaching. Seminary has really helped in ministry but pales in comparison to the time serving along the saints in the churches I have been able to serve in. I have had opportunities to serve with music and youth and have pastored since 2011.
Job Titles:
- Associate Pastor
- Senior Pastor Mark Bridges / Associate Pastor Tara Roberts
I was raised by honest morally good parents, however, in high school, I chose a different path, one of partying, drugs, and alcohol. By God's miraculous direction, someone invited me to youth group at First Baptist Church, Portland, Texas. And on a dare, I attended and heard the Gospel for the first time. My life was shattered, and I was changed. I accepted Christ as my Savior.
I entered ministry later than most, at age 32, but God's timing is perfect. My first ministry position was as a volunteer youth leader which quickly transitioned into full-time. In 2003, I accepted the call to serve as the youth minister here at FCC and served in that role until 2014. Since 2014, I have served as the Associate Pastor.
In my spare time, I enjoy getting my hands dirty in my workshop. I am a certified "coffee snob" so much so that I roast my own green coffee beans with a homemade roaster.
"At our church, I see the Lord's work in action."
Job Titles:
- Senior Pastor Mark Bridges / Associate Pastor Tara Roberts